Our Founders

Early on in our marriage we began to realize that while we loved and cared for each other very deeply, there were some destructive habits and cycles that were hindering our growth personally, as a family, and even in our business.

For years we weren’t sure where to turn or how to fix the broken parts of our lives. We have been in that hopeless, confused, and unsure place. We each made the choice not to stay there.

We began the journey of transformation and have never looked back. We did the necessary work of rebuilding our marriage from the damage done by anger, control, addiction, and even betrayal. We dove deeper into understanding what caused these behaviors and sought out professional training to help ourselves and others find a way out.

With hard work, transformative tools, and professional guidance we began reaching our goals and discovering even bigger dreams! Our life has never been better and we continue to use the practices and insights we have learned along the way to thrive in all areas of our lives.

It is a privilege that we get to use our experience, training, and talents to help others find what they have been desperately searching for: safe and supportive relationships which empowers them to not just survive, but thrive. Our growing team represents a community of dedicated professionals who passionately pursue a greater mastery of the very best tools and techniques to serve our clients faithfully.

“Several reasons I love recommending Joanna and Matthew to betrayed partners and those struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors. In every interaction with them, I experience their professional expertise and empathetic approach, thus know their clients will be heard, seen, and helped. As educational presenters in the A Door of Hope Peer Facilitator Training community and in other professional settings like the SILS Conferences, they continually exceed my expectations by bringing that same approach and engaging with their audience.”

— Donna Meredith Dixon: C-SASI Board Member and creator of A Door of Hope: Peer Facilitator Training

JOANNA RAABSMITH

LMFT, CCPS, CPTT, MDiv

Joanna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Coach, serving clients nationwide via telehealth. She holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Trained in Restoration Therapy (Level 2), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and EMDR, she specializes in trauma, betrayal trauma, addiction recovery, and relationship issues. She is also a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS) through APSATS and a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT) through IITAP.

Joanna is passionate about helping couples restore love and trust while guiding individuals toward personal growth and healing. Her approach is client-centered and integrative, focusing on each person’s unique story. Alongside her husband, Matthew, she co-leads The Raabsmith Team, co-authored Building True Intimacy (2023), and co-developed The Intimacy Pyramid™, a framework for building a thriving connection in relationships. They also founded Renewing Us™, one of the first couples group programs of its kind.

She lives in Tennessee with Matthew and their three children, where she enjoys going on shared adventures, reading by the fireplace, and a weekly game of pickleball.

MATTHEW RAABSMITH

CPC, Mdiv, Certified Life & Relationship Coach

Matthew Raabsmith is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the ICF and a Restoration Coach, serving clients nationwide via telehealth. With over 15 years of experience as a pastoral leader and counselor, he has coached individuals, couples, and teams, specializing in addiction recovery, betrayal trauma, relationship health, leadership development, and professional growth. He holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and is a Certified Partner Coach (CPC) through APSATS.

Matthew’s coaching method focuses on identifying a client’s authentic self, leveraging strengths for growth and transformation. He is passionate about encouraging change by helping clients discover the internal and external resources available to them. Known for his infectious energy and deep empathy, he creates a dynamic, supportive space for personal and relational growth.

Alongside his wife, Joanna, Matthew co-leads The Raabsmith Team, co-authored Building True Intimacy (2023), and co-developed The Intimacy Pyramid™, a framework for building a thriving connection in relationships. They also founded Renewing Us™, one of the first couples group programs of its kind.

He lives in Tennessee, with Joanna and their three children. He enjoys new adventures with his amazing wife, silliness with his cute kids, and a warm homemade espresso.

MELISSA WHALEY

Professional Life and Relationship Coach

Melissa is a dedicated life and relationship coach who brings both professional training and personal experience to her work. After walking through betrayal and doing the hard work of healing in her own marriage, she’s passionate about helping others find hope and restoration too.

She holds a degree in Christian Ministry and has spent over 20 years serving in children’s, youth, and women’s ministries. Melissa is a Restoration Coach, ACC candidate, and APSAT trainee, equipping her to support individuals and couples with a trauma-informed, partner-sensitive approach. Alongside her husband of 17 years, RJ, she leads Relate Strong marriage groups at their local church and facilitate Renewing Us groups at the Raabsmith Team.

Melissa is also a homeschool mom to six, a lifelong learner, and loves being outdoors. Her coaching blends practical tools, spiritual insight, and compassionate support to help women rediscover their voice, reconnect with their values, and move forward with confidence.

RJ WHALEY

M Ed, Professional Life and Relationship Coach

RJ is a life and relationship coach who brings both lived experience and professional training to the work of recovery. After walking his own path of healing and restoration, he is passionate about helping other men break free from shame, grow in self-awareness, and rebuild trust.

He holds a master’s degree in education and has completed graduate work in spiritual formation. As a trained Restoration Coach, ACC candidate, and APSAT Trainee, RJ offers a trauma-informed, partner-sensitive approach in both individual and couples coaching.

With a background in education and ministry, he now leads men’s recovery groups and Relate Strong marriage groups at his local church, along with facilitating Renewing Us groups with his wife, Melissa. A father of six and lifelong learner, RJ helps men go beneath the surface to pursue deep, lasting change from the inside out.

Megan Weller

Professional Life and Relationship Coach

Megan is a life and relationship coach to women and couples healing from the impact of. betrayal and sexual addiction. With over 10 years of experience counseling women, couples, and children, along with her own experience with healing from betrayal, Megan has much to offer. She has a passion to help her clients discover the healing and transformation that can occur even from the most painful experiences in life. With training in Restoration Therapy, and as an APSATS trainee, Megan brings many tools and resources to guide clients on this path to transformation.

Megan also enjoys living near the coast in Southern California with her husband and their kitty. She is involved with her husband in facilitating groups in their church that encourage couples to live into the truth of who God designed them to be. Megan also loves spending time outside exploring tide-pools, paddle-boarding, and hiking in God’s beautiful and comforting creation.

Connect With Us

Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal, relational, or professional transformation. Connect with us today and someone from our team will reach out with you personally.