We believe compulsive performing is driven by fear, and is rooted in experiences with our attachment figures in childhood and what we have been taught about God.

In Year One, we discover who God really is. We study theology, philosophy, Church history, and the tradition of the Church. Our professors make space for questions like, “What is God like?”, “How does God feel about me?”, and “What does God require of me?”

As we explore these questions together, we deconstruct narcissistic theology, and (re)form a loving God-Image. We learn God does not drive us with fear and narcissistic demands. We come to understand that his love is a Gift to be received, and that we belong just as we are.

We believe that compulsive performing is an instinctive, codependent survival strategy of our performer self to manage fear, shame, and a felt sense of disconnection from God, self, and others.

In Year Two, we invite our wounded child to come out of hiding from behind our performer persona to be reparented by God. We study psychology, neuroscience, and 12-Step spirituality. We receive God’s love through passive and somatic spiritual practices, contemplative writing therapy, and by implementing a rule of life.

As we hold the stories of our wounded child in the Light of God’s unconditional love, we regulate our nervous system, reestablish connection with our authentic self, and (re)form secure attachment with God.

We believe compulsive performing robs us of our conscious choice to serve God and to be in authentic relationship with others.

In Year Three, we equip and coach our performer self to lead and be in relationship with others while rooted in God’s love and in alignment with his or her values. We study Ignatian Spirituality, the life of Christ and the Saints, and leadership. We embody the love of Christ as we use 12-Step tools, Ignatian Rules of Discernment, somatic spiritual practices, and modalities of psychotherapy.

As we learn how to respond versus react to our triggers to compulsively perform for God and others, we give our performer self freedom to choose how he or she wants to serve and interact in relationships.