88. Understanding & Healing Religious Trauma With Ann Russo (LCSW, MA Theology) episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 14, 2025 · 57 MIN

88. Understanding & Healing Religious Trauma With Ann Russo (LCSW, MA Theology)

from Unruly Podcast | Travel, Activism & Alternative Culture · host Calen Otto - Travel Writer & Activist

Is there an ethical way to do religion? That’s one of the many topics we explore in the newest podcast episode with Ann Russo, LCSW, founder and clinical director of AMR Therapy. As a queer phycologist with a MA in Theology, Ann speaks to what religious trauma is, how it affects the body and brain, and how to navigate and heal from religious trauma. From growing up in a secret queer household in the 80’s and 90’s to entering religion herself, Ann shares personal stories that inform the way she’s able to help others today. Religious trauma can look differently for everyone, and today’s episode is a reminder that you’re not alone. Tune in for venerability, science-backed explanations, and a path forward. “Studies show that queer folks have higher rates of mental illness, suicide, and drug abuse. Some church folks like to say it’s because you’re queer. No — it’s because of the level of rejection.” SHOWNOTES - Connect with Ann: https://www.annrusso.org/ - Join Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel
 - Unruly GroupTrip email list: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/757985/151947543497934231/share - Unruly Group Trip WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HP0EAHfUEK64arxqlsCRxC?mode=ac_t - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
- -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT
 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel 
- Contact: [email protected]
 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

Is there an ethical way to do religion? That’s one of the many topics we explore in the newest podcast episode with Ann Russo, LCSW, founder and clinical director of AMR Therapy. As a queer phycologist with a MA in Theology, Ann speaks to what religious trauma is, how it affects the body and brain, and how to navigate and heal from religious trauma. From growing up in a secret queer household in the 80’s and 90’s to entering religion herself, Ann shares personal stories that inform the way she’s able to help others today. Religious trauma can look differently for everyone, and today’s episode is a reminder that you’re not alone. Tune in for venerability, science-backed explanations, and a path forward. “Studies show that queer folks have higher rates of mental illness, suicide, and drug abuse. Some church folks like to say it’s because you’re queer. No — it’s because of the level of rejection.” SHOWNOTES - Connect with Ann: https://www.annrusso.org/ - Join Patreon: patreon.com/unrulytravel
 - Unruly GroupTrip email list: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/757985/151947543497934231/share - Unruly Group Trip WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HP0EAHfUEK64arxqlsCRxC?mode=ac_t - Unruly Travel & Living Blog: unrulytravel.com
- -Unruly email newsletter: buff.ly/4a1bPwT
 - Support the podcast: SoundCloud - @unrulystories, 
Venmo - @unruytravel 
- Contact: [email protected]
 - Unruly Instagram: www.instagram.com/unruly_traveller

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88. Understanding & Healing Religious Trauma With Ann Russo (LCSW, MA Theology)

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This episode was published on August 14, 2025.

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Is there an ethical way to do religion? That’s one of the many topics we explore in the newest podcast episode with Ann Russo, LCSW, founder and clinical director of AMR Therapy. As a queer phycologist with a MA in Theology, Ann speaks to what...

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