Episode #123 -In this episode of the Awakened Heart Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Maurice Turmel—a retired therapist, former rock musician, author, and spiritual teacher—to explore his profound journey of healing religious trauma and reclaiming his authentic self.

We talk about the impact of rigid religious conditioning on self-worth, the emotional toll of suppressing feelings, and how the journey toward spiritual awakening often requires facing grief and nurturing our inner child. 

Dr. Turmel has authored numerous books including Breaking the Spell of Religion & Healing the Trauma, The Voice: A Spiritual Sci-Fi Adventure, Conscious Evolution: Mythology in Action, and When Angels Call: Coping with Grief and Loss. His most recent work offers readers a front-row seat on his own Hero’s Journey—a deeply personal exploration of trauma recovery, spiritual liberation, and emotional resilience.

Maurice offers practical tools like journaling for trauma recovery and shares how the hero’s journey mirrors our own paths of transformation. This conversation is raw, real, and deeply inspiring—a reminder that living with an awakened heart means embracing your full humanity, including the messy, tender parts.

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma often stems from rigid religious teachings.
• Self-discovery is a journey that requires unpacking layers of trauma.
• Spirituality plays a crucial role in healing and personal growth.
• Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and healing.
• The hero's journey is an inward exploration of self and healing.
• Living from the heart is essential for emotional well-being.
• Self-acceptance and self-love are key to overcoming trauma.
• Embracing feelings can lead to a healthier, longer life.
• There is always room for more love in our lives.
• Connecting with our inner child is vital for healing. 

Connect with Maurice:

BOOK LINKS at AMAZON: "Breaking the Spell of Religion & Healing the Trauma"

When Angels Call - Coping wth Grief & Loss

Maurice Turmel PhD ( Music )

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Keywords

trauma, religion, self-discovery, spirituality, healing, childhood experiences, journaling, hero's journey, emotional growth, self-acceptance religious trauma, narcissistic wounds, emotional healing