Have you been questioning your religious upbringing and wondering if it caused more harm than good? If so, you're not alone. In this powerful episode of Our Collective Threads, host and trauma therapist Kelly Rhyne explores the complex and often painful topic of religious trauma. She defines trauma from a clinical perspective and applies that understanding to how religious experiences, particularly those involving the "threat to your soul," can become deeply traumatic.

Kelly delves into the core of religious trauma, explaining how it goes beyond physical harm to impact our spiritual and emotional well-being. She draws on her experience in the therapy room, a deep dive into the documentary "Shiny Happy People," and a personal reflection on her own deconstruction journey. The episode tackles difficult topics, including:

• Defining religious trauma and why it's a new field in clinical study.
• The concept of threats to the soul and how they can be more frightening than physical threats.
• How religious institutions can use manipulation and grooming to instill a sense of belonging for harmful, self-serving agendas.
• The generational trauma passed down through religious interpretations, particularly from authoritarian translations like the King James Version of the Bible.
• Practical steps for healing and deconstruction, including the importance of questioning, studying original texts, and embracing curiosity.

This is a must-listen for anyone on a journey of deconstruction, those healing from spiritual abuse, or anyone curious about the intersection of faith and mental health. Kelly encourages listeners to sit in the mystery of their beliefs and find a spirituality that is authentic and true to themselves.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 - Intro: What is the episode about?
• 1:18 - What is religious trauma?
• 3:45 - The definition of trauma in the clinical world
• 6:00 - How religious experiences can become traumatic
• 10:30 - How is religious trauma showing up in the world?
• 14:40 - Religious trauma and the grooming model
• 18:15 - The problem with bad translations and authoritarianism
• 23:00 - Starting your deconstruction journey
• 28:00 - Embracing mystery and curiosity in spirituality
• 32:00 - Live card reading from the Psalms deck

Connect with Kelly:

• Podcast: Listen to Our Collective Threads on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
• Instagram: @give_into_love
• TikTok: @give_into_love
• Website: www.giveintolovetherapeutics.com
• Shop: Bookish Therapy by Giving to Love

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SUMMARY

In this episode, Kelly Rhyne, LMSW | MDIV, explores the journey of getting unstuck and moving up the metaphorical mountain of life. They discusses the collective experiences of grief, the importance of vulnerability, and the necessity of making mistakes for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes finding safety in vulnerability, creating safe spaces for healing, and the burden of wearing masks in society. Ultimately, it is a call to embrace change and take action towards personal transformation.

TAKEAWAYS

• It's important to acknowledge when we feel stuck and ready to move forward.
• Grief can hit us unexpectedly, especially during reflective times like birthdays.
• Hitting rock bottom can sometimes be necessary for change.
• Mistakes are a natural part of growth and learning.
• We need to find safe spaces to express our vulnerabilities.
• It's okay to allow ourselves to feel okay after difficult times.
• Vulnerability requires a sense of safety, even if it's not complete safety.
• Masks we wear can become burdensome and limit our true selves.
• Honoring our past experiences is crucial for healing.
• Embracing change is essential for personal growth and transformation.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Getting Unstuck: The Journey Begins

07:41 Navigating Grief and Loss

10:32 Embracing Our Mistakes

12:55 Finding Our "Safe Enough" Spaces

24:40 When Our Defenses Are No Longer Viable

27:59 Acknowledging Our Broken Hearts

Join Kelly Rhyne, a trauma and grief therapist, as they delve into the depths of life's valleys and the journey of healing. In this episode, Kelly explores the concept of "grief bursts," the impact of Mercury retrograde, and the transformative power of acknowledging our losses and moving our grief from the inside out. Discover how to navigate through life's challenges, find meaning in adversity, and embrace the growth that follows. Whether you're facing a personal rock bottom or seeking connection, this episode offers insights and support for your journey. The featured tarot deck of the week is Next World Tarot by Cristy C. Road.

#GriefJourney #Healing #PersonalGrowth

Keywords: Grief, Healing, Mercury Retrograde, Personal Growth, Trauma Therapy

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