In this insightful interview, we delve into the experiences and transformative journey of Debra Wunderly. From her missionary work in South America to co-creating recovery programs and contributing to Twelve-Step literature, Debra shares how her spiritual exploration has shaped her approach to coaching and personal development. Join Mystic Mag as we explore her diverse roles as a parent educator, trauma recovery coach, and recovery program collaborator, discovering the wisdom she imparts and the deep connections she forges on the path to healing.
How did your missionary work in South America shape your approach to coaching and personal development?
During my teenage years, friends often sought my guidance on spiritual and philosophical matters, fostering a love for meaningful conversations. This inclination led me to embark on missionary work in my early twenties, allowing me to share my spiritual beliefs and experiences. Immersed in a different culture, I learned to be accepting, open-hearted, and connect with people on a deep level. These transformative experiences became the foundation for developing a heightened capacity for emotional intimacy over time.
Today, as an intimacy-focused trauma recovery coach, I draw upon the skills acquired during my missionary days. Meeting people “where they’re at” and fostering self-awareness, I help clients build the foundation for stronger emotional connections. When faced with challenges, I rely on my “Spiritual GPS” for guidance, connecting with my sources of spiritual strength.
Can you explain how your parent education programs benefit families in personal growth and connections?
As a young mother, I attended a free community parenting course, eventually co-facilitating it and developing a children’s version. The course, emphasizing empathetic responses over automatic reactions, has shaped my interactions with people of all ages.
Transparency about my parenting journey, including victories and challenges, has taught me humility and the importance of building trusting relationships. As I transition into parenting adult children, I focus on accepting current truths and collaboratively addressing challenges.
Tell us about your experience with Twelve-Step recovery groups and the documents you’ve authored for them.
Embarking on my healing journey in 2011, I found solace in Twelve-Step fellowships. Applying spiritual principles like honesty and accountability aided my recovery from fears and compulsive behaviors. Guiding others in recovery, I’ve learned to communicate effectively across diverse beliefs. Contributing to fellowship literature anonymously allows me to share experiences and insights globally, fostering connections.
What’s the key focus of the program you co-created for recovery from aspects of sex addiction, and how does it assist individuals in their journey to recovery?
Collaborating with fellow recovery enthusiasts, we devised a program addressing sexual anorexia and intimacy avoidance. This program, rooted in spiritual principles, helps individuals connect with their thoughts, feelings, and intuitive guidance.
By understanding fears and motivations, clients strengthen relationships, including with their Higher Power. I incorporate program questions and exercises to guide my clients toward self-awareness and growth.
As a certified Trauma Recovery Coach, how do you guide individuals in healing from trauma?
Differing from therapists, I don’t diagnose or delve into past memories. Instead, I support individuals in recognizing and coping with the aftermath of overwhelming experiences. Using tools like Internal Family Systems and Nonviolent Communication, I help clients access their inner wisdom and promote healing.
Witnessing and dialoguing with emotional parts aids in reconnecting the thinking brain. Teaching Nonviolent Communication enhances safe and deep connections with oneself and others.
What do you love most about your profession?
In supporting individuals recovering from sex addiction, intimate partner betrayal trauma, sexual anorexia, and childhood sexual trauma, I consider it a gift to assist in healing deep emotional wounds. These experiences also contribute to my personal healing journey from childhood wounds.
Moments of uncertainty in my work propel me toward spiritual guidance, fostering a deeper connection with my sources of higher power. Grateful for the evolving capacity for emotional intimacy, I continue to find satisfaction in this transformative journey.
