Don’t let your past define your future
Triage: Healing Mental and Spiritual Roots
by Denise Renken
GILBERT, ARIZONA – August 26, 2025 — Redemption Press announces the release of its award-winning new book, Triage: Healing Mental and Spiritual Roots, a powerful memoir by Denise Renken that offers readers a unique perspective on overcoming trauma through faith and self-discovery.
In Triage, Renken shares her harrowing journey from a childhood marred by her father’s heroin addiction and abuse to a life transformed by God’s love. Unlike many self-help books written by licensed professionals, Renken’s work is a raw, firsthand account of redemption that speaks directly to those struggling with shame, regret, and self-worth.
While telling her own story with painful but dramatic episodes of abuse and determination to succeed against immeasurable odds, Renken shares her life of wounds, including living with parental addiction, homelessness, and abuse to illustrate the healing process.
Renken expands on the concept of trauma’s effects by guiding readers to forgive the impact of past events. She then walks readers through questions, prayer, and—ultimately—forgiveness.
While other books utilize snippets of before and after examples of transformation, Renken gently peels the layers of the reader’s life into manageable pieces. Once mental and spiritual wounds are identified, she guides readers through prayers, asking God to heal heart and mind. Renken recognizes God’s ability to carry our wounds, freeing us from the bondage of mental and spiritual abuse and neglect.
Triage: Healing Mental and Spiritual Roots is now available through major book retailers and the Redemption Press website. The book received honors in the Memoir category of the 2025 Golden Scroll Awards given by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Denise Renken, an award-winning author, blends warmth and wisdom in her writing, drawing from thirty-five years of mentoring women through life’s challenges. Her work focuses on spiritual and
mental healing, inspired by her own journey. Currently residing in Allen, Texas, Denise is a self-proclaimed “blend of bare feet and opera.” Besides writing encouraging words (preferably in her pajamas), she works with her husband in marriage ministries nationwide. A lover of German shepherds, Denise proudly admits her greatest kitchen accomplishment is not burning down the house—yet.
Invite Denise to speak at WomenSpeakers.com
Suggested Interview Questions:
- Your book is called Triage, with a subtitle of “Healing Mental and Spiritual Roots.” Who is this book for and why did you write it?
- “Triage” is an evocative word choice for the title. Can you explain why you chose the medical term and how it relates to your topic on healing from trauma?
- Why should you be the one to write about this tough topic?
- In your memoir, you share your journey from a childhood of parental addiction and abuse. How difficult was it to revisit these painful memories during the writing process?
- You incorporate Erik Erikson’s Life Stages theory in your book. Could you please explain what those are for those of us who aren’t familiar with them?
- And then why do you feel Erickson’s theory is useful in understanding your own experiences, and aid in your healing process? Is this theory also going to be useful for others?
- Your experience counseling other women is drawn from your own journey to redemption, and your book is described as a “raw, firsthand account of redemption.” Can you share a moment when you felt God’s transformative love most powerfully?
- How do you address the feelings of shame, regret, and low self-worth that often accompany trauma?
- You’ve experienced addiction, homelessness, prostitution, abortion, and abuse. Which of these challenges did you find most difficult to overcome, and why?
- Your book includes practical exercises for forgiveness and conflict resolution. Can you share one exercise that readers have found particularly helpful?
- If someone joining us for this conversation today is feeling at rock bottom emotionally, where would you tell her to start?
- Finally, how can people connect with you and find your book?