Episode 13: For Good or for Evil - The Powerful Intersection of Religion, Shame, Hope, Belonging, & Trauma

Send us Fan MailPOV: A 16 year girl plants a "purity flag" with her dad under the shadow of The Washington Monument, proclaiming her dedication to chastity alongside hundreds of other teenage girls, under the watchful eye of the Evangelical Christian Nation.  Welcome to Episode 13 of Therapists IRL, where Jen and Steph discuss the impact of religion on mental health. Join us as Steph shares a little more of her story growing up in the 90s US Purity Culture, her brush with involvement in a pseudo-cult in college, and reclamation of her identity apart from internalized shame-based messages and the impact of toxic religion.Resources:(This is by no means an exhaustive list. Please reach out if you would like other resources for recovery from religious trauma.)90s Fundamentalist Christian Church Survivor Comedian: Www.instagram.com/kevinjamesthorntonBook: "When Religion Hurts You" by Laura Anderson, PhDFilm: "1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture." "Unraveling the Source of our Sexual Shame: Jay Stringer Deconstructs Purity Culture" Podcast with Jen Hatmakerhttps://jenhatmaker.com/podcasts/series-45/unraveling-the-source-of-our-sexual-shame-jay-stringer-deconstructs-purity-culture/Book:  "Unwanted: How our Sexual brokenness Reveals our Way to Healing" by Jay Stringer"Pure" - Linda Kay Klein (autobiography)"The Cross in the Closet" - Timothy KurekTherapists IRL Contact info:Please reach out with comments, questions, feedback, and/or to be featured on the show!www.instagram.com/[email protected] No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph