Ep. 19 Religious Trauma with Brian

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/