Cult Trauma and the Body: Why Leaving Doesn't End the Damage

John Collins welcomes Dr. Amanda Thompson back to discuss how trauma develops in high-control religious environments and why its effects often continue long after someone leaves. Together they explore how chronic fear, identity disruption, and spiritual pressure shape the nervous system and influence both mental and physical health. The conversation examines symptoms such as hypervigilance, dissociation, sleep disruption, anxiety, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and self-medicating behaviors. Drawing from clinical research and lived experience, John and Amanda explain how trauma differs from everyday stress, why survivors respond differently, and what practical steps can help begin recovery and long-term healing. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962  Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K  ______________________ - Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham  - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org