Radical Healing: A Conversation About Religious Trauma, Identity, Sexuality, and Social Justice

Episode Summary:

In this candid and illuminating conversation, Joshua and Adina sit down with Ann Russo, psychotherapist, educator, and founder of AMR Therapy, to explore the deep intersections of sexuality, spirituality, mental health, and social justice. Drawing from her own non-traditional upbringing and an MA in theology, Ann shares her pioneering work in religious trauma treatment and her passion for creating inclusive spaces for healing. Together, they unpack themes of liberation from spiritual abuse, embracing authentic identity, and navigating the complexities of intimacy and self-expression.

Topics Covered:

• Healing from religious trauma and spiritual abuse
• Queer identity, non-monogamy, and sexual empowerment
• Dismantling stigma at the intersection of sexuality and spirituality
• The importance of inclusive mental health care
• Creating space for authenticity and self-liberation
• How personal healing ripples into cultural transformation
• Building compassionate frameworks for clinicians and clients
• Reclaiming wholeness through education, advocacy, and community

Guest:

Ann Russo
Psychotherapist • Educator • Founder of AMR Therapy • Creator of the Religious Trauma Treatment Model

Ann Russo is a psychotherapist, educator, and founder of AMR Therapy. Raised in a diverse, non-traditional household, she brings lived expertise, radical compassion, and unapologetic education into every space she enters. With an MA in theology and deep roots in social justice, Ann specializes in religious trauma, queer identity, non-monogamy, sexual empowerment, and inclusive mental health. She developed the Religious Trauma Treatment Model to empower both clients and clinicians in the healing process.

Website: amrtherapy.com; annrusso.org

Resource Mentioned:

Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá

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Adina Arden Cooper is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who prefers to refer to herself as a Shadow Guide and Soul Healing Specialist. She helps highly sensitive creative visionaries heal trauma so they can not only survive this human experience but thrive in the expression of their greatest gifts. Adina has over 20 years of experience in education and mental health. She's also an artist, a seeker, a mother, and very curious person.

Visit Adina's website to find out more about her work
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Joshua Zamrin is a nomadic soul guide, somatic life coach, and sacred purpose mentor, deeply immersed in the realms of embodiment, shamanic wisdom, and mythopoetic exploration. With a background in nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and compassionate communication, he weaves together ancient and modern practices to help others reconnect with their deepest truth. His work is rooted in rites of passage, initiation, and the sacred journey of becoming, drawing inspiration from indigenous traditions, soul-centered psychology, and the raw wisdom of nature.

@soulbodywholeness

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