Lisa Saruga
Author, Speaker, Counselor
Lisa is a licensed professional counselor, EMDR trauma therapist, and legislative advocate who specializes in sexual trauma. Although Lisa knows God does not purpose for us to experience trauma, she has discovered that God can use every aspect of our lives for a greater purpose.
Get To Know Lisa
Lisa is a licensed professional counselor, EMDR trauma therapist, and legislative advocate who specializes in sexual trauma. She is a national speaker who has keynoted for college campuses, Christian retreats, community organizations, and Christian women’s groups. She is the author of two books. Her book on healing from trauma will launch later this year. As a trauma survivor, she has learned that hope and healing are available even when this world offers no happy endings.
Although Lisa knows God does not purpose for us to experience trauma, she has discovered that God can use every aspect of our lives for a greater purpose. In addition to counseling, Lisa has proposed legislation in Lansing, Michigan, and Washington DC, and is working with several members of Congress in Washington DC to improve safety for survivors of sexual violence. In this way, God has been using her story for his purposes.
Lisa will be taking 15-minute appointments to talk with you about how to use your tough story for God’s purposes, and how to tell your story—using spoken or written word—from a trauma-informed, healing-focused perspective.
Pre-Conference Session
Masterful, Memorable Messaging for Speakers (Co-taught with Peg Arnold)
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how God formed our minds and the effectiveness and impact of engaging the senses as we speak to audiences. Peg Arnold and Lisa Saruga, both counselors and educators, will talk about how the brain reacts to various stimuli and how we can use this knowledge to bring our messages to life as we speak. Discover how drama, props, and visual aids can be used to help illustrate scriptural analogies, capture attention, trigger emotion, and improve retention. Participants will be empowered and equipped with various teaching techniques and tools to implement and ignite their personal, God-given message. Expect to have some laugh-out-loud fun in this three-hour session.
Breakout Session
More Than a Memoir (Co-taught with Susan Call)
You’re ready to share your story. What things should you consider if you’re thinking about writing your memoir? And, what are effective ways to use your story and increase your reach? We’ll explore a variety of options for you to maximize your impact, from memes, blogs, articles, and podcasts to legislation and more.
15-Minute Appointments
As a licensed professional counselor who specializes in EMDR trauma therapy, Lisa is also a trauma survivor. She speaks, writes, and advocates for legislative change. Do you have a difficult story to tell? Lisa would love to help you understand how to:
- Tell your story without being re-traumatized…
- … or traumatizing others
- Become a true survivor after experiencing trauma
- Find purpose in your pain and put it to use for your own healing and the benefit of others
Ready To Register?
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity. Sign up now & join us at Speak Up 2023!