Today we’re chatting with Brian about religious trauma! After hearing so many guests discuss traumatizing events that they experienced within the Christadelphian community, we decided to bring in a licensed religious trauma therapist to explore what religious trauma is and what we can do about it. We started with discussing some key definitions and concepts to understand, exploring what modalities Brian uses with clients, and talking about some things to consider when trying to find a therapist to work with, including knowing the difference b...
Today we’re chatting with Brian about religious trauma! After hearing so many guests discuss traumatizing events that they experienced within the Christadelphian community, we decided to bring in a licensed religious trauma therapist to explore what religious trauma is and what we can do about it. We started with discussing some key definitions and concepts to understand, exploring what modalities Brian uses with clients, and talking about some things to consider when trying to find a therapist to work with, including knowing the difference between searching for a therapist with a specialty in “spirituality” compared to “religious trauma”. We also ask some thought provoking questions such as, is pressuring minors to be baptized truly consensual? Why doesn’t the group have an exit plan for members and why is that important to have? And is holding Christadelphian beliefs a cure for mental health struggles? Let’s talk about it!
Please enjoy another week of fellowship among the heathens! If you enjoy this episode and would like us to have another episode on religious trauma, please submit your comments and questions to lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com
Listener discretion is advised.
Resources and References:
Marlene Winell's website who coined "Religious Trauma Syndrome"
https://www.journeyfree.org/rts/
Reclamation Collective (religious trauma directory/support groups/trainings) - https://www.reclamationcollective.com
Spiritual Power Inventory Tool - https://www.reclamationcollective.com/spiritual-power-inventory-tool
Secular Therapy Project (directory) - https://www.seculartherapy.org/
Religious Trauma Institute (research/trainings, mostly for therapists) - www.religioustraumainstitute.com
IFS Institute (Internal Family Systems directory) - https://ifs-institute.com/practitioners
"No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwarz (Client-friendly intro book to IFS) - https://ifs-institute.com/nobadparts
Terror, Love, and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Systems by Alexandra Stein
https://www.amazon.com/Terror-Love-Brainwashing-Attachment-Totalitarian/dp/1138677973
Alexandra Stein Talking About Cults - https://youtu.be/26ozOHPADSw?si=vH-OOqEV6M8OQlJ5
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents https://www.newharbinger.com/9781626251700/adult-children-of-emotionally-immature-parents/
Ex-christian subreddit (discussion, support, and tons of extra resources) - https://www.reddit.com/r/exchristian/wiki/faq/
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) Test:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean
ACE Aware:
https://www.acesaware.org/ace-fundamentals/
EFT Tapping:
What Is EFT Tapping? 5-Step Technique for Anxiety Relief
“How to Start Deconstructing your Christian Faith” with Kristi Burke
https://youtu.be/G4ROPDr7Hgo?si=JIhSOT6WIU_E5w9K
“When a Relationship with God Turns Unhealthy” with Kristi Burke
https://youtu.be/0Nu8KIAQl50?si=HuEVR1Yc4oM8IqyQ
Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships by Janja Lalich
What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing From Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo
Escaping Twin Flames, Netflix
The 25 Signs you’re in a High-Control Group or Cult by Anastasia Somerville-Wong
https://secularliturgies.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/the-25-signs-youre-in-a-high-control-group-or-cult-by-anastasia-somerville-wong/
What is a High Control Group?
https://medium.com/@shariwoodbury/what-is-a-high-control-group-887839bd26c5
How to Recognize a High-Control Church
https://theglorioustable.wordpress.com/2022/03/21/how-to-recognize-a-high-control-church/
Religious Trauma Therapists in Australia: https://www.thereligioustraumacollective.com/australia-practitioners
