Healing Religious Trauma and Embracing Sexual Empowerment with Ann Russo

In this episode of the Spiritually Curious Therapist podcast, I welcomes Ann Russo, a therapist and thought leader specializing in healing religious trauma, sexual empowerment, ethical non-monogamy, and queer identity. Anne shares her unique journey from growing up in a non-traditional household to becoming an advocate and healer. We discuss the importance of understanding and integrating spirituality into therapeutic practices, navigating high control religious environments, and facilitating sexual empowerment. Anne also introduces her upcoming book and the Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM), emphasizing the significance of identity reconstruction, self-trust, and emotional regulation. The conversation delves into how therapists can provide culturally competent care, address biases, and uphold ethical standards while working with marginalized communities. Anne offers insights into the concept of 'enthusiastic consent' and the complexities involved in ethical non-monogamy. The episode highlights the need for holistic approaches in mental health that consider the spiritual and religious backgrounds of clients.

00:00 Introduction to the Spiritually Curious Therapist Podcast
01:01 Meet Anne Russo: Advocate and Thought Leader
02:29 Anne's Unique Upbringing and Early Experiences
03:57 Exploring Religion and Sexual Orientation
04:53 Academic Pursuits and Spiritual Awakening
11:08 Integrating Spirituality into Therapy
14:25 Navigating Religion and Spirituality in Therapy
16:49 Judaism and Personal Spiritual Practices
21:33 The Religious Trauma Treatment Model
22:39 Discovering a New Treatment Model
23:07 Identity Reconstruction and Emotional Regulation
24:00 Addressing Religious Trauma
24:41 The Importance of Intake Questions
25:36 High Control Religious Environments
26:36 Integration vs. Moving Away
27:30 Sexual Empowerment and Religious Beliefs
31:04 Ethical Non-Monogamy
33:24 Enthusiastic Consent
37:06 Building Self-Worth and Personal Insight
39:23 Conclusion and Resources

You can find Ann Russo at the following links:

http://www.annrusso.org
https://www.amrtherapy.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annrussolcsw/
https://www.youtube.com/@annrussolcsw 

The course referenced in the podcast can be found at  https://coursesempower.annrusso.org/

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You can find Jodi Silverman, LCSW at
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www.journeywithkindredsouls.com

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