Some call it “Spiritual Abuse”. Some say “Religious Trauma”. Others will call it “Adverse Religious Experience”. It all refers to a negative experience with religion and it’s a highly popular topic right now as more and more people are coming forth with their own stories of this harmful behavior by people and systems they were told they could trust. There is an actual physiological condition that is called RTS (Religious Trauma Syndrome) and I’m seeing it played out in real time with many of my friends.
I think this is why so many are drawn to “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hills” right now - finding their own story in the similar stories being told by this popular podcast.
Today I talk with therapist Jessica Hyne, who is a licensed trauma therapist who specializes in the intersection of religious trauma and family of origin trauma. We talk through so many topics that are directly related to this trauma, from patriarchy, faith colonization, purity culture, and more. It’s a fascinating conversation and she gives us some great advice on how to navigate these waters if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or know anyone else who is.
*Please note that there are some sensitive topics discussed that are not appropriate for young ears in this episode, so please keep this in mind as you are listening.
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About our guest:
Jessica Hyne is a native Nashvillian who has been working for over 10 years as a licensed trauma therapist in Tennessee specializing in the intersection of religious trauma and family of origin trauma. She holds a Master in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. She enjoys mediation, reading, adventure, and exploring the outdoors with her dog Cam.
To contact Jessica, email her at: Jessica.hyne@gmail.com
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Books and resources mentioned in the interview are:
Pleasure Activism by Adrianne Maree Brown : https://amzn.to/3isaqrc
You Are Your Own: A Reckoning With The Religious Trauma of Evangelical Christianity
by Jamie Lee Finch : https://amzn.to/3mmPKSx
My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies — by Reesma Menakem : https://amzn.to/3itq6uo
Braving The Wilderness by Brené Brown : https://amzn.to/3B6aNis
Untamed by Glennon Doyle: https://amzn.to/2ZUABAw
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk: https://amzn.to/3uyloQU
For more information on God and My Girlfriends Ministries:
www.godandmygirlfriendsonline.com
God And My Girlfriends Ministries
A non-profit ministry helping women flourish in their relationships with God and others.
Working Through Religious Trauma w/Jessica Hyne