Surviving Religious Trauma and a Handmaid’s Tale Life with Coral Anika Theill

Trigger warning: This episode discusses childhood rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, spiritual abuse, cults, and family court trauma. Please listen with care.Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker continues the conversation with survivor and author Coral Anika Theill, whose real-life “Handmaid’s Tale” journey includes childhood rape, cult involvement, marital rape, medical neglect, and losing custody of her children after seeking safety. Coral and Dr. Barker examine how patriarchy, churches, and family courts protect abusers, erase survivors, and punish mothers who speak the truth, while highlighting the rare but vital professionals and survivor-led spaces that support healing. Coral shares how she continues to stand up for herself and others, exposing not only perpetrators but also enablers, and speaking for those who have been silenced or did not survive.To support Coral’s work and healing, you can purchase her candles at www.coralanikatheill.com/candles. You can also learn more about Coral and her story at www.coralanikatheill.com and connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/coral-anika-theill-92440710/. If you are interested in having Dr. Christopher Barker as a guest, or would like to be a guest on the Holding Space podcast, please visit www.drchristopherbarker.com.