New book offers a story of hope and recovery from traumatic life experiences

Contact: Mary Anne Morrow, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, 602-359-6989, mmorrow@timberlineknolls.com

CHICAGO, May 15, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Julie Woodley understands trauma. From physical and sexual abuse as a child, to abortion, the murder of a dear friend, brain injury and cancer, she has experienced more than a lifetime's worth of pain and loss. By the grace of God, Woodley is now thriving. In her new book, A Wildflower Grows in Brooklyn: From Striving to Thriving After Sexual Abuse and Other Trauma, Woodley shares her story of anguish, loss, hope, recovery and how she helps others overcome major obstacles.

"As someone who has endured so much trauma and works as a trauma counselor, I've heard hundreds and hundreds of stories of pain, shame, anger and confusion," said Woodley. "These stories have put a fire in me to keep telling my own story because I see how sharing it has helped so many women."

In the book, readers will find a story that will inspire them to imagine a life restored and overflowing with all the good things God intends for them. Woodley discusses how God elevated her joy and hope through layers of loss and into the light of His plan for her. She talks about her transformation from a broken receiver of grace into a blossom that radiates the grace she received into the lives of other hurting people.

"My great desire is to be a healer," adds Woodley. "My recovery is a miracle and God has given me this remarkable gift of letting me speak to many individuals about the wholeness and tenderness given through Jesus."

Woodley's book has received glowing endorsements from John Eldredge, author of Wild at Heart; Wayne Pederson, president of HCJB Global; Christopher West, author of Fill These Hearts: God, Sex, and the Universal Longing; among others. The forward is written by Dr. Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).

Woodley is the founder and director of Restoring the Heart Ministries as well as the ministry outreach representative for Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in Lemont, Ill. She has provided Christian counseling for 20 years. Woodley conducts ministry outreach with the Christian community of professionals, clergy and individuals. She also provides educational outreach and training about women and trauma to churches, ministries and Christian colleges around the country.

With Timberline Knolls as a contributor, Woodley produced the DVD series, "In the Wildflowers," which trains professionals how to help their clients heal from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. She recently completed the production of "Into My Arms," a DVD for professionals working with patients suffering from the pain of abortion. In addition, she co-authored the book, Finding Hope When Life Goes Wrong, with H. Norman Wright, a renowned trauma therapist and author of more than 70 books.

Woodley holds a Master’s in counseling and a certificate in theological studies from Bethel Seminary. She provides leadership and serves as the head of the AACC's division Crisis Pregnancy and Abortion Recovery network. She was inducted into the Suffolk County (New York) Women's Hall of Fame in 2009 and named America's Most Outstanding Woman by Bethel Seminary, Minneapolis, MN in 2009.

For more information on the book, please visit www.wipfandstock.com. The book is also available on www.rthm.cc or by calling 1- 866-780-7846.

About Timberline Knolls:
Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls (ages 12 - 65+) with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders.  Located in suburban Chicago, residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre wooded campus.  Women and families seeking Christian treatment can opt for specialized Christian-based therapy.  For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611. We are also on Facebook -- Timberline Knolls, and LinkedIn -- Timberline Knolls.