About US
We are a grounded, authentic, and insightful team of coaches and therapists that love to help individuals, couples, and families create life-giving change in themselves and in their relationships. We are steadfast in our commitment to helping people because we have personally experienced the joy and peace of healing transformation in our own lives.
About Our Directors: Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith
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.
certifications, licenses, and degrees
couples and individuals supported
client hours
years of counseling and coaching experience
“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, MDiv
Joanna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Coach serving the greater Memphis area and clients across the county via telehealth. She earned two graduate degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy and a Masters of Divinity. She is trained in Restoration Therapy (Level 2) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and utilizes systems theories and a client centered approach in therapy. She is also trained in EMDR and specializes in treating trauma. She is a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS) trained through APSATS, as well as a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT) through IITAP. Areas of special interest include working with couples going through recovery, relationship issues, trauma and betrayal trauma, addiction, self-esteem, anxiety, and spiritual issues.
She has had a lot of success working with couples in transforming their interactions to restore love and trustworthiness to their relationship. She also enjoys working with individuals, helping them in their pursuit of a life well lived. Working with her is a journey that begins with the discovery and understanding of your story, as you share your pain, passions, and hopes in a safe environment. As trust is developed, you will work together as a team, helping you discover obstacles and opportunities to greater health.
Matthew Raabsmith
CPC, Mdiv, Certified Life & Relationship Coach
Matthew works with clients from a variety of backgrounds and needs in the Memphis area and across the county via telehealth. He has been coaching both individuals, couples, and teams for a number of years, and has over 15 years experience as a pastoral leader and counselor. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the ICF. He is also a Certified Partner Coach Candidate (CPC-C) through APSATS. His method centers around identifying a client’s best self and which strengths need to be leveraged for growth and transformation. He is comfortable working with both individuals, couples, and staff teams.
Matthew’s areas of special interest include working with professional growth, addiction recovery, betrayal trauma, relationship health, leadership development. He is excited to encourage change in his clients, by helping them discover the internal and external resources and tools that are at their disposal. Matthew connects easily with people and uses his infectious passion and energy to encourage them on their journey.
Melissa Whaley
Professional Life and Relationship Coach
Melissa is a dedicated life and relationship coach with a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate their personal and relational journeys. With a degree in Youth Ministry, she has spent the past 20 years serving in various ministries, including children’s, youth, and women’s ministries. Her training as an APSAT Trainee, ACC candidate, and Restoration Coach has equipped her with the skills to support her clients effectively and compassionately.
Alongside her husband RJ, Melissa leads Relate Strong marriage groups at their local church, working together to strengthen relationships within their community. Her mission is to empower and encourage women to confidently step into the roles God has called them to.
Melissa is also a homeschool mom to six kids, a lifelong learner, and loves being outdoors. Teaching is a significant part of her approach. She loves sharing good resources with her clients to help them grow and understand the challenges they are facing.
Navigating the tumultuous waters of betrayal can be daunting and isolating, but Melissa’s goal is to be an ally on the journey to healing. Together with her clients, Melissa uncovers their goals, deepens their connection to their core values, and discovers their passions. She customizes a path to healing and wholeness that is uniquely theirs.
RJ Whaley
M Ed, Professional Life and Relationship Coach
RJ is a professional life and relationship coach passionate about helping men discover their true selves. With a master’s degree in education and seminary training, he brings a rich educational background to his coaching practice. He is an ACC candidate, a trained Restoration Coach, and an APSAT Trainee, enabling him to offer a trauma-informed, partner-sensitive approach to his work with both betrayers and partners, whether individually or as a couple.
With 15 years of experience in the field of education, RJ transitioned into coaching to further support personal growth and recovery. He leads men’s recovery groups and Relate Strong groups at his local church. A devoted father of six and a lifelong learner, RJ brings both personal and professional insights to his coaching practice.
RJ works with men to delve deep into the core of their struggles, seeking to be a supportive ally on their journey of recovery and healing. His approach is grounded in spiritual formation and self-reflection, helping men uncover their goals, understand their challenges, and find a path to wholeness.
