Embracing Your True Self After Religious Deconstruction with Chrissy and Cortney McDermott episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 10, 2025 · 46 MIN

Embracing Your True Self After Religious Deconstruction with Chrissy and Cortney McDermott

from Air-Check Your Life · host Mathew Blades Media

This week, Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott sit down with Chrissy Powers, a therapist in San Diego. We explore the complex journey of healing from religious trauma and finding authentic self-acceptance. Chrissy shares her raw, personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment and the profound impact it had on her sense of self-worth and mental health. You'll hear: • How early exposure to strict religious teachings can lead to long-lasting trauma and disembodiment • The challenges and triumphs of leaving organized religion and deconstructing deeply ingrained beliefs • Innovative approaches to healing, including therapy, psychedelic-assisted treatments, and embodiment practices Chrissy's journey from constant self-doubt to self-acceptance is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She recounts her experiences with ketamine therapy and cannabis-assisted sessions, emphasizing the importance of guided support and integration work in these alternative healing methods. "My number one tool would be don't do it alone. Find someone or a therapist or a coach who's been through it that you trust. That's also going to help you pay attention to your body, not theirs, not their story, your body." - Chrissy Whether you're grappling with religious trauma, seeking to understand a loved one's experience, or simply interested in the intersection of spirituality and mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and a message of hope for those on the path to self-discovery and healing. Follow the podcast:  Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)  Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)  Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)  Connect with Mathew Blades:  Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/  Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/  Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/ Additional Credits: LFPWLI is managed by IMS LLC

This week, Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott sit down with Chrissy Powers, a therapist in San Diego. We explore the complex journey of healing from religious trauma and finding authentic self-acceptance. Chrissy shares her raw, personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment and the profound impact it had on her sense of self-worth and mental health. You'll hear: • How early exposure to strict religious teachings can lead to long-lasting trauma and disembodiment • The challenges and triumphs of leaving organized religion and deconstructing deeply ingrained beliefs • Innovative approaches to healing, including therapy, psychedelic-assisted treatments, and embodiment practices Chrissy's journey from constant self-doubt to self-acceptance is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She recounts her experiences with ketamine therapy and cannabis-assisted sessions, emphasizing the importance of guided support and integration work in these alternative healing methods. "My number one tool would be don't do it alone. Find someone or a therapist or a coach who's been through it that you trust. That's also going to help you pay attention to your body, not theirs, not their story, your body." - Chrissy Whether you're grappling with religious trauma, seeking to understand a loved one's experience, or simply interested in the intersection of spirituality and mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and a message of hope for those on the path to self-discovery and healing. Follow the podcast:  Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)  Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)  Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)  Connect with Mathew Blades:  Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/  Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/  Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/ Additional Credits: LFPWLI is managed by IMS LLC

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Embracing Your True Self After Religious Deconstruction with Chrissy and Cortney McDermott

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This episode was published on November 10, 2025.

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This week, Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott sit down with Chrissy Powers, a therapist in San Diego. We explore the complex journey of healing from religious trauma and finding authentic self-acceptance. Chrissy shares her raw, personal story of...

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