S2 Ep. 19 Religious Trauma with Brian

Update: 2025-02-23

Description

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"

Reclamation Collective (religious trauma directory/support groups/trainings) -

Spiritual Power Inventory Tool

Secular Therapy Project (directory)

Religious Trauma Institute (research/trainings, mostly for therapists)

Religious Trauma Providers in Australia

IFS Institute (Internal Family Systems directory)

"No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwarz (Client-friendly intro book to IFS)

Terror, Love, and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Systems by Alexandra Stein

Alexandra Stein Talking About Cults