Daniel Kiser

Erica Vaughn

As Bethesda Workshops’ Marketing Director, Erica helps share the hope and healing available at Bethesda. Her work includes creating our messages shared through email, social media, and on our website.

She brings experience in marketing several small businesses and non-profit organizations in the Southeast. Erica earned her BS in Business Administration in Marketing from Appalachian State University and completed a certificate program in Digital Marketing with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

She and her husband have three kids. She enjoys traveling with her family to the Carolina beaches and mountains.

Daniel Kiser

Shelly Gibbs

Shelly Gibbs is a nonprofit consultant and business coach who partners with organizations and individuals navigating their next season of growth. Her work centers on three pillars: strategy, systems, and staff — the building blocks of sustainable, thriving organizations.

Before launching her practice, Shelly served as Executive Director of NorthState Care Clinic and Director of Moral Revolution, two nonprofits dedicated to equipping and empowering people to live as their best, truest selves.

Shelly brings a whole-person perspective to her work, grounded in the belief that we are tri-polar beings — body, soul, and spirit — and that lasting transformation requires all three. She partners with people in their pursuit of freedom, peace, and abundance, holding firmly to this: we are better together.

She holds a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential from Simpson University. A Northern California native, she's now rooted in the Pacific Northwest.  

Daniel Kiser

Melissa Haas

Melissa Haas serves as the spouse-supporting therapist at HopeQuest. Melissa has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and is a licensed professional counselor.  Passionate about spiritual community, healthy marriages, and intimacy with God, Melissa regularly facilitates small groups and teaches and speaks on these topics in order to help the Body of Christ grow relationally with God and each other.  

Melissa and her husband Troy have been married for thirty-four years and have three adult children and one grand-daughter. They have devoted their lives to helping others find hope and freedom from addiction, giving back the comfort they have received on their own journeys of healing.  

Daniel Kiser

Daniel Kiser

Daniel is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist in the state of Tennessee. He has earned master degrees in Marital and Family Therapy and Biblical Studies from Lee University. Throughout his clinical experience, he has demonstrated clinical effectiveness working with adolescents and families through utilization of evidenced based approaches in his roles as a counselor, clinical supervisor, and behavioral health manager. He has worked with adolescents with severe suicidal behaviors, anxiety, depression, aggression, and high-risk behaviors in residential treatment. Addressed the relational distress within the parent-child relationship created by their child’s disruptive behavioral responses, helping parents through their despair, resentment, and disillusionment. He is invested in the integration of theology and psychology, believing that activation of human longings, desires, and vitality for life is based upon both disciplines. Aside from professional development, he also has experienced the profound impact of a transformative therapeutic relationship that provides accountability, exploration of underlying wounds and thoughts, and compassionate care. Counseling is oriented towards reclaiming, rediscovering, and restoring vital aspects of human development and he is eager to help others in their process as well. 

Learn About Us

Bethesda Workshops

Bethesda's Purpose

The Vision

We envision restored lives and relationships, and sexually whole communities, all grounded in vital fellowship with God and others. We aim to renew and equip those who serve, including helpers, counselors, pastors, and coaches, so they can faithfully support the healing journey of others with grace, wisdom, and hope.

The Mission of Bethesda

Bethesda Workshops exists to provide Christ-centered, clinically excellent care for individuals, couples, and families impacted by compulsive sexual behavior and betrayal trauma. We foster spiritual, emotional, and relational restoration through clinical programs grounded in biblical truth.

The Distinction of Bethesda

Bethesda offers one of the most unique, clinically intensive, Christian-based workshop models in the country, including the only intensive workshop for sexually acting-out teens. Our programs are facilitated solely by licensed clinicians, most of whom are CSATs, and we provide all lodging and meals in a convenient four-day structure.

The Heart of Bethesda

Bethesda Workshops combines grace-based clinical excellence with a Christian worldview. All are welcome, and we focus on a relationship with God over religious rules, gently addressing the spiritual wounds many have experienced.

BETHESDA's FOCUS

Christian-Based Focus

Bethesda Workshops offers grace-based healing rooted in a Christian worldview. Our approach welcomes all backgrounds and avoids rules-based religion in favor of relationships. Many who come to us carry deep spiritual shame or wounds. We specialize in gently addressing that pain and helping participants reconnect with a loving God.
Participants from all faith backgrounds—or none at all—have found Bethesda a safe and welcoming space.

The beauty of Bethesda

What We Offer

Clinical Intensive Workshops
  • Male and female sex addicts
  • Partners of sex addicts
  • Couples affected by addiction
  • Teens who are struggling with compulsive sexual behavior
  • Advanced workshops focus on trauma healing

Speaking Ministry
  • Healthy sexuality and families
  • Sexual addiction and abuse
  • Faith-based response to sexual brokenness
  • Helping churches address sexual misconduct

Training for Clinicians
  • Sexual addiction and trauma education
  • Clinical frameworks for faith-informed practice

Church Education
  • Pornography awareness
  • Ministry team support and training

Crisis Consulting
  • Church and organization leadership support in cases of sexual misconduct

Resources
  • Books, curriculum, articles, and referrals
  • Online store and resource recommendations
THE DISTINCTION OF BETHESDA

What Sets Us Apart

Christian-based treatment (non-denominational, grace-based)

Similar intensive workshops for sex addicts, partners, and couples

Facilitated solely by licensed clinicians; majority are CSATs

Unique workshop for sexually acting-out teens and their parents

4-day intensive format provides a strong start or reset for healing

Multiple clinicians offer a variety of therapeutic styles and expertise.

The fee includes lodging and meals.

Payment plans and limited scholarships available

THE INSPIRATION OF BETHESDA

Pool of Bethesda

The name “Bethesda” comes from John 5:1-9, where Jesus asks a paralyzed man at the pool, “Do you want to get well?” That question sits at the center of everything we do.

In a world that often condemns without offering help, Bethesda Workshops provides healing through grace, truth, and proven clinical practice. We are a place where the broken can begin to walk again.

Our Space

TSince 2008, Bethesda Workshops have operated from donated space at Woodmont Hills Church. By 2015, we knew we needed our own home.

An alum couple’s $250,000 challenge gift launched the journey. After months of searching, we discovered 1035 Acorn Drive—a space that perfectly matched our needs. Though initially a leap of faith, an angel investor stepped forward to purchase the property and personally finance it.

Today, our building offers:

  • A large teaching room
  • Multiple therapy group spaces
  • Offices for our staff
  • Two separate, dedicated entrances for workshop and administrative functions
  • A warehouse-turned-dining and relaxation area

Our goal now is to pay off our building debt early. Will you help us?

Donate Today
TESTIMONIALS

Restored Lives

“I resisted any type of community and realized it was a big missing piece of my recovery.”

Healing for Men

“I did not expect the depth of material and tools I received for my recovery and I am thankful.”

Healing for Men

“The integration of Godly values to truly heal core wounds was remarkable.”

Healing for Men

“I resisted any type of community and realized it was a big missing piece of my recovery.”

Healing for Men

“I did not expect the depth of material and tools I received for my recovery and I am thankful.”

Healing for Men

“The sense of community and brotherly camaraderie was so encouraging.”

Healing for Men

“I didn’t think this would reach so deep in my soul.”

Healing for Men

“The healing I have already experienced really surprises me. I will be forever grateful for this.”

Healing for Men

“The comprehensiveness was astounding. I liked the variability of learning experiences.”

Healing for Men

“This workshop is so, so awesome. Wish I had known about this many years ago.”

Healing for Men

“I am leaving with ample tools and I had fantastic discovery. 15 out of 10 experience.”

Healing for Men

“We left feeling so encouraged.”

“Safe place to take on the hard stuff.”

“The ratio of couples to therapists was great, especially having a male and female therapist in the group.”

“I believe this workshop will help save our marriage.”

“We were really stuck in our coupleship, and Bethesda helped us get unstuck.”

“I never thought my wife and I could laugh together again and have fun.”

“I came in carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders and I’m leaving with the ability to walk out with a greater freedom than expected.”

Healing for Women

“The format, tools, and therapists are amazing.”

Healing for Women

“I feel I have a better, much better vision and tools to improve my life.”

Healing for Women

“I realized I am not alone.”

Healing for Women

“I realized I am not alone.”

Healing for Women

“The hands-on assignments were life-altering.”

Healing for Women

“This has been life-changing.”

Healing for Women

“I learned more in 4 days about my addiction and tools to combat it than I have in 10 years of therapy.”

Healing for Women

“I’m leaving feeling strengthened and loved.”

Healing for Women

“I was looking for tools and connections and I found both.”

Healing for Women

“I was blown away. I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into but this was the perfect, most welcoming, life giving, non judgmental place to start my recovery.”

Healing for Women

“I didn’t expect to have the spiritual experience and it was amazing.”

Healing for Partners

“This was a powerful weekend. I feel more confident in my journey. Thank you for empowering me and giving me the tools to move forward.”

Healing for Partners

“I’m walking away feeling more hopeful for myself.”

Healing for Partners

“The Lord heard my cry and used this workshop to answer my prayer.”

Healing for Partners

“The insight, education, hope and healing I’ve experienced here was beyond what I imagined.”

Healing for Partners

“Bethesda Workshops was a place where I was met with love, understanding and complete acceptance. I was able to bear my soul in a safe place.”

Healing for Partners

“This was an incredible and life changing experience in every way. I am eternally grateful to Bethesda Workshops.”

Healing for Partners

“This was a great workshop and opportunity to connect with others who are going through the same issues.”

Healing for Partners

“I received understanding, tools and a jumpstart in therapy.”

Healing for Partners

“This has been the most healing experience of my life.”

Healing for Couples

“I connected with my spouse in ways I wasn’t sure I could.”

Healing for Couples

“Bethesda Workshops changed my life and I am eternally grateful for all you do. Having this shared experience with my wife will serve us immensely in our future.”

Healing for Couples

“You all have certainly changed our lives.”

Healing for Couples

“This was our first opportunity to do any couples work and it was hugely beneficial!”

Healing for Couples

“I came out more confident that we can heal and move forward.”

Healing for Couples

“It furthered our healing as a couple with very hands-on exercises to help us see our parts and places more clearly.”

Healing for Couples

“Thank you to all the Bethesda Workshops staff. You care for us like family.”

Healing for Couples

“I believe God was at work at Bethesda.”

Healing for Couples

“The staff here are priceless.”

Healing for Couples

“Exceeded my expectations. I am hopeful for my marriage for the first time in a long time.”

Healing for Couples

“This wasn’t just surface-level therapy. It went so much deeper.”

Healing for Men

“I got a solid foundation about how I can fight my addiction.”

Healing for Men

“I didn’t feel like just another ‘sex addict’ client, but dealt with on a very individual level.”

Healing for Women

“Amazing therapists! Wow! After experiencing so many ‘bad’ counselors, I’m so impressed at the depth of each one.”

Healing for Women

“I really valued the leadership and therapists. You could tell how invested they were in this work.”

Healing for Women

“The workshop leaders are very effective at creating a climate of trust.”

Healing for Women

“The staff who have lived this journey were an incredible source of inspiration, credibility, and competency.”

Healing for Women

“Wonderful, caring counselors”

Healing for Women

“I will never be the same after this workshop!”

Healing for Women

“I was skeptical about being with partners of addicts, but it was so healing to hear their stories, see their strength, and receive grace and care from them.”

Healing for Women

“It gave me so much hope.”

Healing for Women

“I didn’t expect to make such connections with other female addicts, which was a highlight.”

Healing for Women

“This workshop was a lifeline to me when I needed it most.”

Healing for Women

“The healing I experienced was more than I ever could have imagined.”

Healing for Women

“I absolutely love the counselors at this workshop. They were well informed, loving, and compassionate.”

“This was very pragmatic and participatory. I did specific things and practices that deepened my experience with God.”

“Now I see the value of sitting still with God.”

“I thought I was in a sound spiritual place and wasn’t sure what to expect from this workshop. I learned so much about myself and God and how past hurts still impact my relationship with him.”

“I came away certain that God cares about me and our relationship.”

“My fears dissolved instantly upon the start.”

"I learned a lot about myself and my triggers."

Healing for Teens

"I now have the tools I need to respond to relapse and the boundaries set in place to avoid triggers."

Healing for Teens

"I recommend this program to anyone who needs it!"

Healing for Teens

"A lot of the same things that made me anxious about attending were the most impactful components of the workshop. The vulnerability, the group aspect, and the connections I formed were a big part of this."

Healing for Teens

The connections you make and the wisdom that is spoken were the most impactful components of the workshop for me."

Healing for Teens

"The experiential moments were extremely eye-opening. The affirmations were a beautiful component. NOT HAVING OUR PHONES WAS A GIANT BENEFIT! All the curriculum was valuable! Developing a plan before leaving was key!"

Healing for Teens

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