Leaving an Abusive Christian Marriage: Legal & Faith-Based Support with Leesha C. Newkirk, JD

Host: Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP

Founder of Through the Valley Therapy + Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching Creator of The Holistic Counselor Podcast

Guest: Leesha C. Newkirk, JD

Christian Family Law Attorney | Certified Mediator | Mom of 6 | Advocate for Survivors

What We Talk About:

• What spiritual abuse really looks like in a marriage

• How the Church often misuses "biblical submission"

• Why divorce isn't failure—it's discernment

• Leesha's powerful testimony and how she found healing

• How to protect your kids, assets, and peace during high-conflict separation

• Why consulting with a trauma-informed attorney changes everything

Real Quotes, Real Talk

Diana:

"You are not weak because you cry. You are not broken because you feel. Emotions are a signal, not a sin."

Leesha:

"You can go through a divorce without losing everything. You don't have to ruin your children or burn the house down. There is a better way."

"God is not mad at you for protecting yourself. He is not disappointed that you chose safety."

Resources We Mentioned

• Bruce Law Firm, P.A. (Where Leesha practices) https://brucepa.com Palm Beach County, FL | Legal services for Florida residents

• Tia Levings' Memoir: A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy Amazon | Macmillan

• Call to Peace Ministries https://www.calltopeace.org

• Stay Married Florida – Legal + spiritual education hub https://staymarriedflorida.com

• Other Podcast Episodes to Listen To: Ep. 58 – Untwisting Scripture with Rebecca Davis Ep. 10 – Religious Trauma & Domestic Abuse in the Church with Dr. Kate Johnson

• Duluth Model: Christian Power & Control Wheel PDF — A faith-adapted guide to understanding spiritual abuse and coercive control in Christian relationships.

Connect with Diana S. Rice

• Website:

  • Through the Valley Therapy

  • Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching

• Instagram:

  • @throughthevalleytherapy

  • @transformedmindcc

  • @theholisticcounselorpodcast

Connect with Leesha C. Newkirk, JD

• Website: https://brucepa.com (Use contact form or phone listed on site to request consult)