55. Sequence of Religious Abuse (Religious Trauma Syndrome)

In this week's episode of Mental Podcast, Michelle and Seth talk a bit longer than what is standard. The first 10 minutes of the show includes a promotion for Michelle's new debut book, "Into the Gray: The Mental and Emotional Aftermath of Spiritual Deconstruction." She also was published as a contributor to a new book entitled "Before You Lose Your Mind: Deconstructing Bad Theology In the Church." In discussing these books, the team reviews the basics of Religious Trauma Syndrome and the purpose behind this month's focus.

During their Mental Minutes, Seth reports being self-conscious; explaining how the pressures of a big project have been stressful. Michelle reports feeling rushed after quality time with her children. Her daughter is pregnant with triplets!

At around 17 minutes, they begin the discussion on this episode's topic: The Sequence of Religious Abuse.The sequence of religious abuse consists of 3 steps: Step #1: Control by claim of infallibility and perfection, Step #2: Mind Control or Groupthink and Step #3: Threat of Punishment. Michelle and Seth go through each of the steps and explore look how these play out in-depth.

At around 56 minutes, the team answers questions that were asked live during the discussion. The questions result in discussions involving: church attendance (why neither Michelle or Seth are frequent attendees), differences between religious leaders and cult leaders, and discovering a new cultural identity post leaving church.

Michelle and Seth then listen in to Ben DeLong's story. Having grown up as a pastor's kid, Ben had a unique experience. He shares how he understood the potential consequences on his family from simple childhood experiences due to Church judgment. Further, he shares a disturbing story from church camp. Lastly, he explains some of the expectations that were placed upon him due to who his father is.

For more information about the show: mental-podcast.com

Text/Call and Leave a Voicemail on the Mental Hotline: 314-690-5005

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mental-podcast/exclusive-content

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week's episode of Mental Podcast, Michelle and Seth talk a bit longer than what is standard. The first 10 minutes of the show includes a promotion for Michelle's new debut book, "Into the Gray: The Mental and Emotional Aftermath of Spiritual Deconstruction." She also was published as a contributor to a new book entitled "Before You Lose Your Mind: Deconstructing Bad Theology In the Church." In discussing these books, the team reviews the basics of Religious Trauma Syndrome and the purpose behind this month's focus.

During their Mental Minutes, Seth reports being self-conscious; explaining how the pressures of a big project have been stressful. Michelle reports feeling rushed after quality time with her children. Her daughter is pregnant with triplets!

At around 17 minutes, they begin the discussion on this episode's topic: The Sequence of Religious Abuse.The sequence of religious abuse consists of 3 steps: Step #1: Control by claim of infallibility and perfection, Step #2: Mind Control or Groupthink and Step #3: Threat of Punishment. Michelle and Seth go through each of the steps and explore look how these play out in-depth.

At around 56 minutes, the team answers questions that were asked live during the discussion. The questions result in discussions involving: church attendance (why neither Michelle or Seth are frequent attendees), differences between religious leaders and cult leaders, and discovering a new cultural identity post leaving church.

Michelle and Seth then listen in to Ben DeLong's story. Having grown up as a pastor's kid, Ben had a unique experience. He shares how he understood the potential consequences on his family from simple childhood experiences due to Church judgment. Further, he shares a disturbing story from church camp. Lastly, he explains some of the expectations that were placed upon him due to who his father is.

For more information about the show: mental-podcast.com

Text/Call and Leave a Voicemail on the Mental Hotline: 314-690-5005

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mental-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy