What I Wish My Therapist Knew About Religious Trauma - Pt 1

Disclaimer

This podcast represents the opinions of myself, Jacqui Cousins, and each interviewed guest. Our opinions do not represent organisations we are affiliated with. The content here should not be taken as health advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult your local health professional for advice specific to your needs.

Acknowledgement of Country

I'd like to begin by acknowledging the Bunurong people, who are the traditional owners of the land of which I sit and record this podcast. I pay my respects to elders past, present, and emerging who are helping their community recover from religious trauma due to the forced removal of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children, often facilitated by religious leaders of the day. I also want to thank my Aboriginal clients for sharing your stories with me. Each of you has reminded me how freedom is fundamental for people to thrive in this life. Your stories have helped shape my practice.

In this episode:

In part 1 of my conversation with Jane Kennedy, we discuss the topic of religious trauma within the context of the aid sector. We discuss the themes of saviourism and how agenda-driven healthcare and ministry causes harm to the people being "helped". Jane reflects on her lived experience and, like Janyne McConnaughey, she reflects on the importance of people doing their own work to unravel themselves from toxic religion. We also discuss the importance of improving religious trauma literacy in healthcare so therapists can identify religious trauma.

Resources discussed in today's episode:

• Jane Kennedy Counselling
• The Zone of Fabulousness by Vikki Reynolds
• What is somatic therapy?

Need support?

If you want to connect with me for religious trauma counselling, contact me here.

If you are looking for a religious trauma therapist in your local area, information is available here.

For urgent care support in Australia, you can contact:

• Blue Knot Helpline on 1300 657 380 (9-5pm service)
• Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hour service)
• Or 000

A BIG thank you!

Thank you to Leng Te for permission to use music from your song Safety House. It is from her album Garden of Delights which is available here.

Thank you to Jarred from Four4ty Recording Studio for editing the podcast.

Thanks to Jo Adams Creative for What The Church's artwork.

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