To make it through the trauma, you need a strong shoulder.
Lean on The Shepherd’s Shoulder. Our steady, compassionate team has the skill and experience to help you move through what you’ve been through—whether it unfolded over time or happened in an instant. We’re here to support your healing, protect your well-being, and help you feel grounded again. We offer:
- One-on-one and small-group counseling
- Educational programs and workshops to foster secondary trauma resiliency
- Consulting services for hospital/school/community staff support and enrichment programs
- Speaking engagements
We are here for you, however you need us.
One-On-One and Small-Group Spiritual Counseling
We are available for one-on-one trauma counseling and group support for those interested in a deep level of healing.
Our approach is a trauma-focused experiential model designed to help clients build a sense of safety, trust, and resilience using proven clinical therapies. Each individual’s unique needs and goals drive the counseling – yet always with a focus on body, mind, heart, and spirit for authentic, holistic healing.
We will accommodate your schedule either in-person or virtually.
Working with Deb has been one of the most meaningful and healing experiences of my life. Together, we gently dove into deep trauma work – talking through my past, the fears that rose up, the emotions and memories I’ve pushed down, and the behavior patterns I didn’t always understand at the time. Throughout it all, she showed up for me not just as a guide in recovery, but as a true companion — steady, nurturing, and protective in the ways I needed most.
Deb’s presence grounded me during some of the hardest moments of my life. The work we did together changed me, and helped me grow. Because of her impact on my life, I feel called to support other women on their own healing journeys.
Educational Programs to Foster Secondary Trauma Resiliency
Hospital ER staff, teachers, and social workers are routinely exposed to trauma. Over time, this secondary trauma can take its toll. Our training programs provide tools to foster secondary trauma resiliency and are customized to fit your team’s unique needs. Our approach is an experiential, hands-on program that incorporates instruction, small group discussion, psycho-spiritual-social assessment and analysis, and self-care planning.
Research studies demonstrate that secondary trauma in clinical care providers routinely exposed to traumatic experiences manifests in reduced service quality and lower levels of efficiency, at a minimum. Further, 54% of ER residents were at risk of secondary trauma syndrome (STS).
Consulting Services
Our team has designed and developed innovative staff enrichment programs that support frontline workers. These initiatives are designed for resiliency and retention. From Code Lavender programs to integrative therapeutic initiatives, our strengths are creative expansive thinking, and systemic analysis.
Speaking Engagements
Chaplain Deb is a frequent lecturer in academic settings and has spoken at numerous conferences, as well as to elected officials and city personnel. Topics include:
- Trauma and Addiction in Women
- Disaster and Mass Violence Spiritual Care for Cities, Organizations, and States
- Recovery Resources in Addition to the Twelve Steps
- Secondary Trauma Research and Resources
- Mindfulness Techniques for Use with Small Groups
Lean on us for skill, experience, and proven, compassionate strength.
The Shepherd’s Shoulder team is composed of trauma chaplains, and crisis counselors who are also mental health therapists.
Our spiritual care team members are ordained ministers, board certified, and hold Masters degrees and more. We have the knowledge and experience in caring for those who identify with Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hindu, as well as Spirituality. Our crisis counselors also hold Masters degrees and have years of experience in trauma therapy for both adults and children.
We are certified – both federally and in Virginia – as an Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business.
Chaplain Deb Wacker, M.Div, MBA, BCCC, FHPC
Chaplain Deb is the Founder and Director of The Shepherd’s Shoulder. She has expertise in ER/ICU trauma chaplaincy, palliative care, and spiritual counseling. She has provided spiritual care and counseling for the primary and secondary trauma victims, families, and staff for two mass casualty incidents in Virginia.