Our conversation with IFS lead trainer Sue Richmond.

On this edition of the Unburdened podcast, we have Sue Richmond is a well-known therapist and one of the primary instructors of the Internal Family Systems Model. Sue does both private psychotherapy and IFS consultancy in Connecticut. She applies the IFS concept to both individuals and groups, using a kind and heart-centered approach.

Sue's journey is not just her story—it's an exploration of the internal struggle many face when their personal truths clash with religious doctrine, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Her powerful narrative of a troubled childhood, marked by a parent's PTSD and alcoholism, unfolds to reveal a woman who found strength and solace in her unwavering faith.

We discussed:

• Pursuing social work over holy orders, focusing on helping marginalized communities.

• The struggle to find a faith community that accepts LGBTQ+ individuals.

• Psychotherapy and spirituality’s role in addressing faith, sexuality, and identity.

• Understanding one's 'parts' to achieve psychological wholeness.

• Holistic therapeutic approach that integrates spirituality and emotion for authentic self-connection.

• Development and application of IFS therapy as a transformative tool for healing.

To learn more about Sue Richmond:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-richmond-668074154/

Learn more about the Unburdened podcast:

Instagram: @theunburdenedpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our conversation with EMDR therapist Erin Evanson-Lass

In another profound episode of the Unburdened podcast, we are privileged to have a chat with Erin Evanson-Lass, an LCSW, EMDR Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant with EMDRIA, a Maiberger Institute Certified EMDR Therapist, Consultant and Training Facilitator, and the owner of Waypoints Counseling - a small group practice of dedicated therapists trained in EMDR and support staff noted for its focus on treating trauma.

Erin discusses the complex journey of healing from spiritual trauma, shedding light on the transformative power of EMDR therapy. She shares her insights on navigating the aftermath of high-control group influence, underscoring the challenges of finding autonomy and the human need for belonging.

We discussed:

• The need for therapists to recognize and address spiritual trauma.

• Use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a transformative therapy method.

• Complexities of helping clients who are awakening to the existence of their trauma, particularly those coming from high-control group dynamics.

• Need for belonging and control, highlighting the risks and difficulties individuals face when leaving high-control groups.

• Damaging effects of spiritual abuse and purity culture, using Jennifer Knapp’s experiences as an example.

• Journey of healing and the courage required to reshape a new faith identity.

To learn more about Erin Evanson-Lass:

Website: waypointscounselingpllc.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erin-evanson-lass-lcsw-0b834b8

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our conversation with Anna Clark Miller, trauma therapist, host of the Marytr. She Wrote podcast and author of the Religious Trauma Survival Guide.

In this episode of the Unburdened podcast, we sat down with Anna Clark-Miller, a licensed counselor, trainer, and author who focuses on religious trauma and abuse. She hosts the podcast Martyr, She Wrote, providing education and support for religious trauma survivors. Anna is also the author of the Religious Trauma Survival Guide, offering practical help for healing from controlling religious experiences.

Anna looks back to her childhood as a missionary child in the Philippines, when identity loss and guilt were brought on by social pressure to fit in. Drawing from her experiences, she tackles the tough questions about the path to recovery from religious trauma, exploring introspection, validating emotions, and embracing self-compassion.

We discussed:

• Anna’s struggles with identity, and the role of shame in her life

• Understanding religious trauma, the challenges of deconstruction

• Recognizing the impact of high-control religious environments on personal trust

• The transformative power of therapy in recovering from spiritual scars

• Validating emotions as a vital step in recovery, instead of dismissing them

• Strategies and solutions for recovery, rather than dwelling on the past

To learn more about Anna Clark Miller:

Website: https://www.empathyparadigmtherapy.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Religious-Trauma-Survival-Guide-Professionals/dp/B0CHL5FGBM

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/martyr-she-wrote/id1644003708

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.