88: Queerness, Theology, and Therapy: A Conversation with Ann Russo, LCSW

In this episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast, host Sindee Gozansky welcomes Anne Russo, founder of AMR Therapy. Russo, a licensed psychotherapist with a master's degree in theology focusing on liberation theology, specializes in queerness, sex, relationship diversity, and the intersections of religion and mental health.  She shares her experience growing up in a diverse family dynamic during the conservative 1980s, dealing with religious trauma, and integrating her queer identity with her Christian faith. The discussion also covers the importance of therapists finding their passion, offering specialized care, and ongoing education. Russo also talks about her upcoming CE courses focusing on sex-positive therapy and religious trauma. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:18 Growing Up in a Non-Traditional Family 02:21 Challenges of Living a Secretive Life 04:16 Discovering Personal Identity 07:16 Journey into Theology and Therapy 10:55 Finding Your Passion in Therapy 16:28 Building a Diverse Therapy Practice 19:10 Serving Marginalized Communities 23:12 Exploring Diverse Communities 25:37 Integrating Theology in Therapy 27:15 Navigating Religious Trauma 30:18 Balancing Faith and Identity 33:16 Therapist's Personal Challenges 37:55 Becoming a CE Provider 42:04 Final Thoughts and Advice   Connect with Ann: Website: annrusso.org Subscription to Newsletter:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/981712/124700102617990202/share Empowering Pathways CEUs & Training Courses:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/981712/124607394389952235/share Her Story Book Subscribe Form:  https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/981712/forms/127120723091129785 https://www.amrtherapy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/amrtherapy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annrussolcsw/ https://www.instagram.com/amr_therapy/   Check out Berries: Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month Connect with Sindee: Visit my website: https://heartcenteredtherapistpodcast.com/  Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/ Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com Interested in realigning your own practice to be more heart-centered? Join Sindee on her podcast by signing up for a Therapist Alignment Session. This brief, 15-30-minute conversation is a unique opportunity to re-align with your heart-centered approach, both in your client interactions and in the development of your practice. Whether you're at the beginning of your career or an experienced therapist, these sessions are designed to help you gain clarity on specific issues you're facing. Sign up for your Therapist Alignment Session here: https://calendly.com/heartcenteredtherapistpodcast/therapist-alignment-session Want to be a guest on the podcast? Email Sindee: [email protected] For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, email me at [email protected]