Our conversation with Jillian Houghton, licensed psychotherapist, spiritual/intuition recovery coach, religious trauma consultant, and undue influence educator.

In this episode of Unburdened, we welcome Jillian Houghton, a licensed trauma therapist who specializes in religious trauma. Jillian shares her personal journey of healing and faith deconstruction, including experiences with a high-control religious environment. She discusses the complexities of balancing her clinical work with her personal healing, especially around issues of identity and acceptance.

They delve into the role of love and fear in navigating personal beliefs and boundaries, as well as her path toward self-acceptance and reconciling family dynamics. Finally, Jillian shares about her coaching practice, dedicated to guiding others in building a self-aligned life after deconstruction.

We discussed:

• Jillian’s eye-opening journey of realizing her involvement in a religious cult and the mental toll of that environment.

• How some religious teachings can instill a pervasive sense of personal inadequacy or “badness” that clients bring into therapy.

• The challenges of reconciling her sexuality with religious teachings and her journey toward acceptance.

• Emotional complexity of setting boundaries with family members who maintain strict religious beliefs.

• How Jillian’s clinical techniques help clients reframe damaging beliefs and rediscover self-worth outside of rigid religious systems.

Learn more about Jillian Houghton at:

Website: https://www.jillianhoughton.com/

Learn more about the Unburdened podcast:

Instagram: @theunburdenedpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey friends it’s Trevor,

I hope you enjoyed the first season of Unburdened. Carey and I are excited about doing a second season, but in the meantime, I wanted to invite you to something a little more intimate. On October 21st, I’ll be leading our first Unburdening group.

Are you experiencing a faith transition, or have you stepped away from a high-control religious environment?

Perhaps you’re feeling adrift without the familiar structure and support your faith once provided, or you’re grappling with the emotional scars of religious trauma. Maybe you’ve been on this journey for a while but are still unpacking the complex emotions that continue to surface. Or you might still be part of your religious community, but certain beliefs or practices no longer feel aligned with your values, and you’re seeking a space where you can reflect without fear of judgment.

If any of this resonates, this group is here for you. Over eight weeks, you’ll join a supportive cohort of 8-12 people who are walking a similar path. Each week, I'll will guide discussions and offer tools to help you heal, grow, and navigate this challenging season of life. This is a place where you can share your story, learn from others, and discover a hopeful path forward.

Spots are limited so head over to https://www.unburdenedpodcast.com/faith-transition-support-group today to register.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we are joined by Susan Rogers, who transitioned from a nine-year career as an occupational therapist to founding and pastoring The Well at Springfield, a diverse faith community in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the past 13 years, The Well has become a home for individuals from various faith backgrounds, including agnostics and atheists, united by their curiosity, storytelling, and shared effort to practice the way of Jesus. Susan shares her journey, insights on fostering inclusivity in faith communities, and the power of asking questions and telling stories.

Susan also discussed how The Well prioritizes community and practical engagement over rigid doctrinal beliefs, fostering an inclusive environment for people from various faith backgrounds, including agnostics and atheists. She also discusses their innovative shift to holding gatherings at an outdoor community farm, reflecting their commitment to adaptability and inclusivity.

We discussed:

• Harm caused by high-control faith communities and the need for authenticity and vulnerability

• Practical advice for individuals seeking a safe and inclusive faith community

• The Well's unique approach of focusing on practices rather than a set of beliefs

• Challenges of holding space for individuals who have experienced spiritual trauma and the responsibility of creating a safe and welcoming environment

Learn more about Susan Rogers at:

Website: https://www.thewellatspringfield.org/

Learn more about the Unburdened podcast:

Instagram: @theunburdenedpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.