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  • Brady’s journey from a conservative evangelical upbringing to a spiritually liberated life is a powerful exploration of faith, identity, and emotional healing. Growing up under the pressure to conform, he struggled with fear, burnout, and the need for external validation. As he stepped away from organised religion, he discovered the importance of authenticity, safe spaces for vulnerability, and meaningful human connection. His story also challenges traditional masculinity, highlighting the role of therapy and nature in his healing. In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Brady shares his path of deconstruction and reconstruction, offering a fresh perspective on spirituality and personal growth.

    Who Is Brady?

    Brady Rather, creator and host of the Love Like A Heretic Podcast, started his journey of spiritual liberation after exiting the evangelical church. A father, musician, artist, and creator, he seeks to create and foster human connections that make us all feel a little less alone at the end of the day. He believes that through empathy, vulnerability and compassion, we can all find a place of individual peace in our pursuit of healthy relationships, friendships and community. Brady hails from the Midwest region of the US, where he and his children enjoy connection with nature, music, art, and the occasional road trip.

    Connect With Us

    You can find Brady over on Instagram - @lovelikeahereticYou can find the details for Brady's podcast Love Like A Heretic hereYou can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • Episode Summary

    Jess shares her journey from a rigid religious upbringing to a more expansive and liberating spiritual understanding, shaped by her parents’ transition from Indonesian pop stars to church ministers. Growing up in a Pentecostal Charismatic environment, she struggled with purity culture, the pressure to meet impossible religious standards, and restrictive doctrines like the ‘Dating Revelation,’ which removed personal agency in relationships. As she began exploring centering prayer and reconnecting with her intuition, Jess discovered that spirituality could exist beyond the confines of the church. Her story is a powerful testament to the freedom found in self-discovery, love, and the natural world, encouraging listeners to embrace curiosity, question limiting beliefs, and seek communities that nurture authenticity.

    Who Is Jess?

    Jess is on a mission to live a more connected and intuitive life. A recovering pastor’s kid, she devoted her whole life to church and ministry until her mid-30s, when she began to ask questions about her faith that had no easy answers. The long process of deconstruction that followed has put her on a pathway toward deeper connection with her own embodied truths and intuition, and a more gentle way of life for her and her children. Today she offers peer support calls for people experiencing spiritual deconstruction and other major life shifts, as well as Reiki healing and Women’s Circles, all in the service of helping others connect to their own inner wisdom. Jess lives with her three brilliant kids and two quirky fur babies among the healing forests of the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne.

    Connect With Us

    Find out more about the work Jess does on her website The Connected SelfYou can also connect via Facebook & Instagram
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
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  • Episode Summary

    This episode delves deep into the intricacies of coercive control and spiritual abuse within religious communities, highlighting how these dynamics can lead to profound psychological and emotional harm. Bethany, shares her extensive background in the psychology of coercive control and offers valuable insights into the signs of spiritual abuse. They discuss the BITE model, which outlines the methods high-control groups use to manipulate and isolate individuals, and explore the internal struggles victims face, such as fear, obligation, guilt, and confusion. The conversation emphasises the importance of recognising these red flags and taking steps towards healing and recovery, while also addressing the challenges loved ones encounter when trying to support someone in a coercive environment. The episode is a vital resource for those affected, encouraging them to seek safety and reclaim their autonomy in the aftermath of spiritual trauma.

    Who Is Bethany?

    Bethany Jantzi is a coercive control educator and consultant. Formally trained as a counsellor, she also holds a Master of Science in the Psychology of Coercive Control from the University of Salford. She is passionate about helping people understand the intricate mechanisms of coercive control and believes that every person has a fundamental right to live free from coercion, abuse, and control. Her research explored high control groups and the weaponisation of religious texts as a form of coercive control against women. Other areas of interest are trauma-coerced attachment, adult clergy sexual abuse, and the process of radicalisation.

    Connect With Us

    Find out more over on Bethany's website - http://www.freefromcontrol.caYou can also connect over on Instagram & LinkedIn
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • Episode Summary

    Nita’s journey of self-discovery reveals her struggle with queerness in a conservative environment, ultimately leading to a powerful realisation about her identity. She reflects on the trauma of leaving a once-belonging community and highlights the value of finding support outside traditional church settings. With vulnerability and honesty, Nita shows how reclaiming joy and peace can transform and empower individuals to grow into their authentic selves.

    Who Is Nita?

    Nita (she/they) is a licensed clinical counsellor whose jam is bringing misfits home. Her superpower is turning confusion into clarity. They do this by showing folx how to accept and walk confidently as the best version of themselves. Together, we will shatter the box of status quo and define life in your own terms.

    Connect With Us

    You can find out more about Nita's work via her website - https://nitaagustincounselling.com/You can also connect via social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Youtube
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • Nancy reflects on her upbringing in conservative Christian circles, the challenges of being a missionary kid, and the struggles she faced in reconciling her sexuality with her spirituality. As she navigated these complexities, she discovered the importance of self-acceptance and the value of listening to one’s intuition. The discussion also touches on the impact of cultural narratives on personal identity and the transformative power of community support. Through her experiences, Nancy emphasises the need for compassion and understanding in the process of finding one’s authentic self, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys of integration and healing.

    Who Is Nancy?

    Nancy Shadlock is a missionary kid turned youth pastor turned spiritual director and Coming Out Coach. When Nancy finally discovered that she didn’t have to divorce her spirituality to embrace her sexuality she started creating the life she’s always dreamed of, but feared would never be possible.

    Now as the Founder of Centered Consulting & Coaching and the Conscious Queer Collective and host of The Coming Out Chronicles podcast, she dedicates her time to helping people and organizations break free from metaphorical closets to bravely live the truth of how beautiful and whole they are.

    Connect With Us

    You can connect with Nancy via the following:

    Their websiteFacebook, Instagram or LinkedInTheir YouTube Channel
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Kristi shares her story of growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, revealing how traditional gender roles, the belief in eternal family togetherness, and distinct doctrines shaped her upbringing. Navigating the pressures surrounding faith, sexuality, and identity, Kristi discusses her internal conflict over gay marriage, the mental health impact of church teachings, and the emotional toll of keeping secrets. She candidly reflects on her journey out of Mormonism, the role of therapy in embracing her bisexuality, and the delicate task of maintaining family bonds amid a faith transition. Kristi’s experiences highlight the importance of curiosity, grace, and authenticity when forging one’s own path.

    Who Is Kristi?

    Kristi Hyde is an eldest daughter, an Aries, and a natural redhead with a deep love for reading romance novels and writing poetry. Born and raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church), Kristi spent her early life in Utah before relocating to Arizona in 2019 with her partner.

    A former banking professional, Kristi is now a devoted stay-at-home mum to her two daughters. Her passion for writing has culminated in her debut poetry collection, Self Deconstructing: Mormon Faith Journey Poetry, which beautifully captures her journey of faith deconstruction and personal growth.

    Connect With Us

    Connect with Kristi over on Instagram.You can purchase Self Deconstructing: Mormon Faith Journey Poetry over on Amazon.
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Sallyann shares how her family’s shift from Roman Catholicism to born-again Christianity in 1970s Ireland sparked both connection and conflict, ultimately leading her to question long-held beliefs. She recounts a six-year relationship overshadowed by a controlling religious community, a move to Australia in search of healing, and the personal upheaval of deconstructing her faith and marriage. Embracing atheism and agnosticism, Sally-Ann illustrates the transformative power of choosing curiosity over certainty, reminding us that forging one’s own identity can bring both freedom and self-discovery.

    Who Is Sallyann?

    Born into a Catholic family in Ireland, and then becoming a ‘born again Christian’ and moving to a Pentecostal church, Sallyann was serious about her faith and her commitment to God. It wasn’t until she started studying Psychology and Counselling in her late 30s that she began having doubts and questioning her faith. After several years of ‘seeking God’, reading and researching, and talking to other Christians including church leaders, she found that she could no longer call herself a Christian. Sallyann is now a therapist working in Perth, Western Australia, specialising in supporting people who are questioning their faith, or who are leaving or have left a high control religion or cult. Having experienced spiritual abuse and engaging in her own therapy to recover from religious trauma, she now has a sense of freedom and peace that she never had as a religious person.

    Connect With Us

    You can connect with Sallyann via her Website, Facebook or LinkedIn
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Katrina shares her journey of religious trauma and abuse amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, recounting how American missionaries’ abrupt departure left her feeling abandoned in Africa. She describes relocating to the U.S. with her family, only to face academic sabotage, familial tensions, and a struggle for independence. Katrina’s determination to pursue higher education and a career in psychology, despite parental disapproval and health challenges, highlights her resilience and search for identity. As she breaks free from toxic control, Katrina finds hope through unexpected community support and reshapes her faith on her own terms, embracing the compassion of Jesus beyond traditional confines.

    More About Katrina

    Speaker and life coach that specialises in religious abuse, academic sabotage, and good girl syndrome, Katrina is currently living her best life in her renovated garage, feverishly writing away and creating motivational speeches! She hopes her ongoing projects will help others find the same peace she has found.

    Katrina is a teacher to toddlers by day, an overachieving writer by night, and a coffee-drinking socialiser on the weekends! As a never-ending psychology enthusiast, Katrina is not ashamed to seek trauma-informed therapy every week!

    Katrina loves making new connections with churches and colleges through her speaking career and collaborating with other artists who are trying to create beauty out of pain. Katrina's biggest focus is to speak around the US and eventually around the world, including Africa, where she was orphaned, adopted, and raised as a missionary for 20 years.

    Connect With Us

    Find out more about Katrina on her website - https://www.speakwithkatrina.online/ You can also connect via Facebook or Instagram
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • In this episode (and its only Part One) of Beyond the Surface, Katrina shares her remarkable journey of religious abuse within a remote East African missionary setting, shaped by her adventurous father, her mother’s struggle with depression, and the unique challenges of being an African orphan adopted by American missionaries. She reflects on the cultural dissonance of navigating life between Africa and the United States, confronting issues of race, identity, and the expectations tied to diverse Christian traditions. Katrina’s resilience is illuminated through her candid account of academic sabotage, highlighting how mentorship and self-awareness guided her beyond her family’s limitations. Her story offers hope to anyone seeking to redefine their path amid rigid religious and cultural constraints.

    More About Katrina

    Speaker and life coach that specialises in religious abuse, academic sabotage, and good girl syndrome, Katrina is currently living her best life in her renovated garage, feverishly writing away and creating motivational speeches! She hopes her ongoing projects will help others find the same peace she has found.

    Katrina is a teacher to toddlers by day, an overachieving writer by night, and a coffee-drinking socialiser on the weekends! As a never-ending psychology enthusiast, Katrina is not ashamed to seek trauma-informed therapy every week!

    Katrina loves making new connections with churches and colleges through her speaking career and collaborating with other artists who are trying to create beauty out of pain. Katrina's biggest focus is to speak around the US and eventually around the world, including Africa, where she was orphaned, adopted, and raised as a missionary for 20 years.

    Connect With Us

    Find out more about Katrina on her website - https://www.speakwithkatrina.online/ You can also connect via Facebook or Instagram
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • Navigating the complexities of Christmas can be particularly challenging for those who have experienced religious trauma or disconnection from their previous faith communities. This conversation delves into strategies for being okay over the holiday season, emphasising the importance of awareness around triggers and the need for self-compassion. Host Sam and guest Jane reflect on their personal experiences with Christmas, sharing how their celebrations have evolved from church-centric traditions to more individualised, meaningful rituals. They discuss the significance of boundaries, especially in familial contexts, and encourage listeners to prioritise their well-being by recognising their needs and feelings. Ultimately, the episode offers practical tools and insights to foster a sense of connection and joy, regardless of one's past or current beliefs.

    More About Jane

    Jane Kennedy is a Sydney-based Counsellor. Jane has lived experience of religious trauma and is committed to supporting people as they leave church and/or faith. This experience, still frequently misunderstood, can be life-altering. She brings language and framing for the complexities of religious trauma to the counselling space and works with other Australian therapists to broaden knowledge among those working with affected clients. Jane has written her story, an e-book, The Sentimental Non-Believer, on Loving & Leaving God.

    Connect With Us

    To find out more about Jane and her practice head to her website – https://janekennedycounselling.com.au/Or to connect with her on social media; you can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
    You can find out more about Sam on her website – www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram – @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • In this episode, Zoe shares her transformative journey from a conservative Christian upbringing steeped in guilt and purity culture to embracing her true identity and sexuality. Reflecting on the impact of religious trauma on self-esteem and relationships, she highlights her path to healing through bodywork and self-compassion. Zoe’s story offers hope and inspiration for reclaiming authenticity and self-acceptance.

    Who Is Zoe?

    With over 14 years of experience in the bodywork and spa industry, including a transformative role as International Trainer for the eco-luxe brand Sodashi, Zoe has worked with some of the world’s most renowned luxury spas, including One&Only, Four Seasons, and Shangri-La. Known for inspiring teams and delivering impactful, transformational training, Zoe became a standout trainer in the industry.

    Drawing on years of insight, Zoe recognised a gap in the spa world: the need for therapists to cultivate presence, intention, and the ability to create deeply transformative guest experiences. This realisation led her to create Body Whispering, evolving from offering treatments at home to building a thriving business with over 300 clients and taking her unique approach on tour across Australia.

    Connect With Us

    Find more about Zoe's offerings via her website - https://www.zoebutler.com.au/You can also connect over on Instagram - @zoebutler.bodywhisperer
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • If you haven't listened to Part One make sure you head back an episode and listen to it first.

    In this episode Craig shares his powerful story of returning to Invercargill after leaving the Exclusive Brethren, recounting the heartache of family rejection and a poignant encounter with his little sister. We explore the deep complexities of healing from religious trauma and the challenges faced when leaving a high-control community, emphasising that healing is about gaining freedom from the past, not erasing it. Craig sheds light on the fear and surveillance tactics employed by these communities against those who choose to leave and the cultural adjustments required to adapt to mainstream society. Reflecting on his journey of self-discovery and the importance of personal identity, Craig’s insights highlight the need for sensitivity and respect when engaging with those who’ve left insular religious backgrounds.

    Who Is Craig?

    Craig Hoyle grew up in Invercargill within the New Zealand Exclusive Brethren. Separated from public society, he attended Brethren-only schooling and worked in his family's tyre shop. After facing interrogations and conversion therapy for his sexuality, he was excommunicated from the Brethren and lost his family in 2009. Today he is a news director for the Sunday Star-Times. He has worked for newsrooms such as TV3 and RadioLive, and behind the scenes on current affairs shows including 60 Minutes and 3rd Degree. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

    Connect With Us

    You can connect with Craig via Instagram or LinkedInGrab Craig's book 'Excommunicated'
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • Craig, author of Excommunicated, shares his journey growing up within the Exclusive Brethren, a high-control religious group where strict doctrines governed every aspect of life. Realising his community's isolation wasn't the norm, Craig embarked on a path of faith deconstruction and self-discovery, facing profound challenges around identity, sexuality, and belonging. Through heartfelt reflections, he recounts the painful experiences of coming out, being excommunicated, and confronting the emotional toll of family estrangement. Craig's story highlights the complex process of building a life outside the only world he’d known, using humour as a coping mechanism and finding resilience in the face of trauma and cultural disorientation. This conversation provides a rare glimpse into the lasting impacts of strict religious control and the courageous pursuit of self-acceptance.

    Who Is Craig?

    Craig Hoyle grew up in Invercargill within the New Zealand Exclusive Brethren. Separated from public society, he attended Brethren-only schooling and worked in his family's tyre shop. After facing interrogations and conversion therapy for his sexuality, he was excommunicated from the Brethren and lost his family in 2009. Today he is a news director for the Sunday Star-Times. He has worked for newsrooms such as TV3 and RadioLive, and behind the scenes on current affairs shows including 60 Minutes and 3rd Degree. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

    Connect With Us

    You can connect with Craig via Instagram or LinkedIn Grab Craig's book 'Excommunicated'
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • In this compelling conversation, Dr. Jamie Marich shares her journey from a turbulent upbringing shaped by Croatian Catholicism and Pentecostal evangelicalism to a place of self-acceptance and spiritual healing. Jamie grappled with conflicting beliefs about faith, morality, and her early awareness of her queer identity, leading to deep spiritual trauma. In her memoir, You Lied to Me about God, she confronts the religious shame and guilt she endured, advocating for a spirituality that honours her authentic self. Jamie emphasises the importance of chosen family and community support in the healing process, offering listeners hope and encouragement to explore their own spiritual paths, challenge harmful narratives, and embrace a compassionate, inclusive understanding of faith.

    Who Is Jamie?

    Dr. Jamie+ Marich (she/they/we) began her career as a humanitarian aid worker in Bosnia-Herzegovina where they primarily taught English and music from 2000 to 2003. Jamie travels internationally, teaching on topics related to trauma, EMDR Therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness and yoga, while maintaining a private practice and online education operations in her home base of Akron, Ohio. 

    Marich’s previous books include Dissociation Made Simple, EMDR Made Simple, Trauma Made Simple, Dancing Mindfulness, Process Not Perfection, Trauma and the 12 Steps in addition to other titles. 

    The New York Times featured Marich’s writing and work on Dancing Mindfulness in 2017 and 2020. NALGAP awarded Jamie with their esteemed President’s Award in 2015 for her work as an LGBT+ advocate. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) granted Marich the 2019 Advocacy in EMDR Award for her using her public platform to advance awareness about EMDR and to reduce stigma around mental health. The Huffington Post published her personal story of being out as a clinical professional with a dissociative disorder in May 2023. 

    Connect With Us

    Find out more about Jamie via their website - http://www.jamiemarich.comYou can also connect on Facebook or InstagramYou can also find more content on Jamie's Youtube.
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • In a heartfelt exploration of religious trauma, Sam and Clare delve into Clare's experiences as a pastor's daughter in a high-control church. Clare reflects on the authoritarian, misogynistic dynamics of her upbringing, revealing how these shaped her identity through expectations of perfection and submission. The discussion broadens to examine religious control's impact, including conversion therapy practices and LGBTQ+ rights. Clare’s journey of breaking free, becoming a whistleblower, and advocating for others underscores her resilience, even as she navigates the challenges of familial ties. Her humour and authenticity offer hope and empower listeners to embrace healing, self-care, and reclaiming their values.

    Who Is Clare?

    Clare Heath-McIvor, formerly known as Kit Kennedy in the blogging and podcasting world, is a dedicated communications professional with specialisations in research writing, manuscript development, and non-fiction publishing. She’s passionate about helping people understand their experiences within evangelicalism and high-demand groups, empowering them to navigate life beyond those frameworks.

    A proud mum to two spirited souls, Clare balances life as a businesswoman, advocate, and church survivor who has even taken her turn as a whistleblower. Though naps rank high on her list of passions, Clare is deeply committed to her journey through theology and faith deconstruction, which she chronicles with honesty and optimism. Her blog began as an outlet for exploring theology but evolved into a profound journey of faith deconstruction and discovery, leading her to a new way of engaging with spirituality. Today, Clare writes from a place of peace, aiming for that grounded perspective to resonate through her words.

    In early 2020, she launched Unchurchable, a podcast for those who find spirituality more accessible than traditional church structures. Whether due to doctrine, trauma, social justice concerns, or other factors, Unchurchable offers a space for those excluded from traditional spaces to engage meaningfully with faith. Clare’s podcast journey expanded in 2023 with Survivors Discuss, co-hosted with Cait West and Shari Smith, where she dives into life after Christian patriarchy alongside two powerhouse voices in the deconstruction space.

    When not writing, Clare indulges her love for photography, explores Melbourne’s galleries and bookshops, and occasionally tries her hand at stand-up comedy.

    Connect With Us!

    Check out Clare's writing on her website - https://www.clareheathmcivor.comYou can also connect over on Facebook or Instagram (and @Unchurchablepod)Check Out Unchurchable & Survivors Discuss
    You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this
  • In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Camden Morgante. We explore the intricate intersections of faith, sexuality, and recovery from religious trauma, particularly in the context of purity culture. Dr. Morgante, a psychologist and author of Recovering from Purity Culture, shares her journey of navigating evangelical teachings that shaped her understanding of identity and sexuality, highlighting the disillusionment she felt as these teachings clashed with her experiences.

    The conversation challenges myths like the notion of "damaged goods" after premarital sex, which perpetuate shame and hinder healthy relationships, especially for women. Dr. Morgante encourages listeners to reclaim their faith without shame, inviting them to embrace curiosity, self-reflection, and supportive communities on their journey toward healing and self-acceptance.

    Who Is Dr Camden Morgante?

    Dr. Camden Morgante (pronunciation: More-GAN-tee) is a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly 15 years of experience as a therapist and college professor. In addition to her private therapy practice, she is a writer, speaker, and coach on issues of relationships, sexuality, trauma, and faith. Her first book, Recovering from Purity Culture, released in 2024. Dr. Camden lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with her husband and their daughter and son.

    Connect with Us

    Learn more about Camden on her website, www.drcamden.comBuy Recovering from Purity Culture: www.drcamden.com/book or wherever books are soldSubstack: Walking the Middle PathSocial media: @drcamden
    To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Matthias shares his courageous journey of navigating the intersection of faith and identity, growing up in a conservative religious environment while grappling with homophobia and his own sexuality. A pivotal moment helped him embrace his identity and begin deconstructing his faith. Matthias reflects on the challenges of reconciling being both queer and Christian, confronting traditional beliefs, and finding a deeper connection to God. His story offers hope and insight for those seeking to live authentically while healing from the wounds of religious rejection and rigid doctrines.

    Who Is Matthais?

    Matthias Roberts (he/him) is a queer psychotherapist and author of Holy Runaways: Rediscovering Faith after Being Burned by Religion and Beyond Shame: Creating a Healthy Sex Life on Your Own Terms. Formerly, he hosted the popular podcast Queerology which was dubbed by O: The Oprah Magazine as “one of the best LGBTQ+ podcasts.” Matthias holds two master’s degrees from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, one in Theology & Culture and one in Counselling Psychology.

    Matthias’ work has been featured by Bustle, Woman’s Day, Sojourners, The Seattle Times, and many others. In his psychotherapy practice, Matthias specialises in helping people recover from religious and spiritual trauma so they might live confident and fulfilling lives.

    Connect with Us

    You can find out more about Matthias via his websiteYou can also connect over on Instagram - @matthiasroberts
    To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • In this episode of Beyond the Surface, we hear Megan’s powerful story of resilience and transformation as she navigates life after growing up in a fundamental, high-control evangelical environment. From the pressures of purity culture to the emotional toll of fear-based faith, Megan shares how she transitioned from conventional therapy to religious harm recovery. Through candid reflections on toxic relationships, faith-driven guilt, and post-traumatic growth, Megan’s journey highlights the importance of community, self-exploration, and reclaiming one’s identity after religious trauma.

    Who Is Megan?

    Megan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Religious Harm Recovery Coach who was indoctrinated into fundamentalist evangelical christianity at an early age. Her work in the mental health field eventually helped her begin to make sense of her complicated family history and the way the patriarchal religious groups of her childhood supported harmful, authoritarian systems of control. She now draws from both her personal experience and professional expertise to help others recover from religious harm and reclaim their authentic selves.

    Connect with Us

    You can find more about Megan's work on her website - https://meganvonfricken.com You can also connect on Instagram or FacebookTo join Megan's group for religious harm recovery click here.
    To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • Join us in this enlightening episode of Beyond the Surface as we explore the multifaceted topic of religious trauma in Australia and New Zealand. Joined by Jane Kennedy and Elise Heerd, both therapists and we are all co-founders of the Religious Trauma Collective. Together, we discuss the significant launch of this collective, which aims to provide community, support, and understanding for individuals impacted by religious trauma. The collective is committed to building a registry of trauma-informed practitioners, offering support to those seeking help, and creating a resource hub that showcases local stories and memoirs.

    Find Out More About Us

    Sam - website or Instagram. Jane - website or InstagramElise - website or Instagram

    The Religious Trauma Collective

    Visit our website - https://www.thereligioustraumacollective.com/ If you are a practitioner working with religious trauma; why not join our registry?!We are also on Instagram & Facebook

    Listen to our stories

    Sam - 'Me, Myself & I'Jane - 'The Sentimental Non-Believer'Elise - 'The Former Good Christian Girl'
  • Lynn, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, she shares her journey of faith deconstruction that began in Utah after confronting troubling historical truths about her ancestor and the Book of Mormon. Lynn's path of navigating religious trauma, embracing uncertainty, and redefining her spiritual identity highlights the role of therapy and self-compassion in the process. We also explore the complexities of family dynamics when beliefs diverge, and the importance of fostering mutual respect and understanding amid religious transitions.

    Who Is Lyn?

    Lyn Smith Gregory grew up in Utah as one of nine children in a devout Mormon family. Her great, great uncle was Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. At 19, she left the Church and moved to New York City, eventually obtaining an MBA at NYU. After a 20-year career in the tech industry, she left to pursue writing full-time and has attended the Iowa Summer Writing Program and the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference. She lives in Savannah with her husband.

    Connect With Us

    You can connect with Lyn on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn Or reach out via her website
    To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.