Heidi I Knapp
Heidi Knapp is a seasoned Life Recovery Coach and Co-Director of Becoming Free, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and couples impacted by spiritual abuse, harmful religious experiences, complicated relational situations and family estrangement. With more than 25 years of experience in recovery-related education, Heidi brings a compassionate, relational approach that prioritizes emotional healing, insight, and long-term personal growth.
Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating safe spaces where individuals can process complex experiences and reclaim wholeness.
Heidi’s professional background includes studies in theology and psychology through Liberty University. In addition she Completed a two and a half year Counseling Program which specialized in addiction counseling (CAC II).
She also holds three certifications in Life Recovery Coaching from Light University through the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). These credentials, combined with decades of hands-on experience, allow Heidi to integrate psychosocial education, relational coaching, and faith-sensitive perspectives in her work. Alongside her husband, Pat, Heidi co-directs Becoming Free, where she provides individual and couples coaching, facilitates recovery and support groups, and contributes to educational offerings such as webcasts, webinars, and other resources. In addition to her coaching work, Heidi is a published writer and values creativity as an essential component of healing, informed by her secondary education in fine art.
Her work reflects a holistic philosophy that honors both the emotional and creative dimensions of recovery and restoration.
She holds certifications from the American Association of Christian Counselors and integrates theology, psychology, and creative healing approaches. Heidi provides individual and couples coaching, facilitates support groups, and creates educational resources while emphasizing holistic emotional and creative restoration.
Heidi is a dedicated mother to her 42year old blind and mildly autistic son, who is now living independently with support services in Colorado. In their spare time Heidi and her husband Pat enjoy hiking in the Rocky Mountains, live music, and traveling through-out the western region on the US. Heidi love's Art and is always open to pursuing a new creative adventure!
• Certified Life Recovery Coach
• Counseling program completed for CACII, three certifications in Life Recovery Coaching from Light University, Theology and Psychology course studies from Liberty University.
• I have provided opportunities for adults with special needs to engage in creative process. In addition we donate to the Wellspring Community in Colorado an organization which empowers and supports adults with IDD.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep passion for coaching and helping others maintain their faith through life’s challenges. I support individuals and couples, guiding them toward healing, wisdom, and renewed purpose. Helping others reframe their spiritual and religious experience.
Having support is huge, I am grateful to have a husband who shares this work and vision together with me...and who values the individuality, ideas, and creativity that I bring into this work.
My years of raising a son with disabilities and volunteering and working with parents and children with disabilities has strengthened my compassion and commitment to helping people grow and heal.
Faith; the steady presence of God, providing me grace and peace through turbulent times. "Jesus - Emmanuel (God with us)." Matt 1:23
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Since we all face challenges and hardships that can knock us down...three quotes come to mind;
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." Henry Ford
"Don't be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again." J.K. Rowling
"Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts" Winston Churchill
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To listen to what you truly desire to do, and have the courage to pursue it, find a mentor if you can...Then be patient taking things one day at a time. Remember that in pursuing your dreams keep moving forward but also value patience. The Bible states in James 1:4 "and let patience have its perfect work."
Waiting is part of life and through the process of pursuing your desires, obstacles will present themselves, but with patience and perseverance...you will develop your problem solving skills and your people skills...if we are willing to self reflect, listen to your heart and receive helpful/constructive advice, you can learn many amazing life lessons that will support you in your success!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is helping clients heal from past harmful religious experiences, while encouraging them to consider their faith as being separate...from what a harmful person or people did to them.
This presents a powerful opportunity to help individuals reframe their experiences in developing self-compassion and a clearer awareness of what are the traits of a safe person and/or Unsafe person or group?
Discovering these traits can empower ones confidence and equip them for future interactions with others, helping them grow into spiritual restoration, personal growth, and renewed purpose.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, and balance. I cherish time spent with my loved ones... I find grounding and inspiration in my relationship with God and in nature through hiking, walking, gardening, and exploring...which helps me stay present, energized, and connected to the world around me.