Navigating Religious Trauma, Spiritual Abuse, and Lies About God: An interview with Dr. Jamie Marich

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Navigating Religious Trauma, Spiritual Abuse, and Lies About God: An interview with Dr. Jamie Marich

Curt and Katie interview Dr. Jamie Marich about her new book coming out in October 2024, You Lied to Me About God. We explore the impacts of religious abuse, Jamie’s personal story of spiritual trauma, and what therapists can miss when working with clients on these topics. We also dig into the idea that therapists can let their clients down when they don’t do their own internal work, address their bias, and show up effectively.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we look at the impacts of spiritual trauma on therapy clients

We invited our friend, Dr. Jamie Marich, back on the podcast to talk about her story (and her upcoming book) that deals with spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and the lies that have been told "in God's name" that lead to shame and isolation for many of our clients.

What are the impacts of spiritual abuse and religious trauma?

· Definition of shame as the lie someone told you about yourself

· Spiritual abuse goes deeper because the lies are told in God’s name

· There are big impacts of religious trauma on those in the LGBTQ+ community as well as those who are seeking deep spiritual connection

Looking at the concept of forgiveness within the context of religious and other trauma

· How forgiveness can be helpful

· How forgiveness is weaponized within the church and can be harmful

· Forgiveness is not required, acceptance is a more appropriate goal

How can therapists make sure they are not adding to the harm for clients with religious trauma?

· Do your own work, so you can approach clients where they are

· Be authentic, don’t lie to your clients, but don’t bring it up unless asked

· Seek consultation to enhance your understanding of the client’s situation

· Cultural humility is key, and don’t rely solely on your clients to be the cultural informant

· Do not impose your spirituality on your clients, but be open to discussing spirituality

· Be aware of the power dynamics, so you don’t become the client’s new guru

· Help clients to find their own answers rather than relying on external authority

Other ideas we touched on in this podcast episode

· The importance of critical thinking

· “Therapy cults” that promote adherence to a specific intervention model

· The challenges of folks seeking compliance and righteousness, rather than taking a nuanced approach to topics and deciding for themselves

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/