Beyond The Surface

Samantha Sellers
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Beyond The Surface

Welcome to Beyond the Surface, where being seen means being understood. Here, we explore the ups and downs of exploring and sometimes losing faith and community, and the healing power of shared stories. This is a safe space to connect, share, and find support in our common experiences of religious trauma and leaving fundamental communities. Join us as we build a community of understanding and connection. Host - Sam Sellers; Therapist specialising in Religious Trauma and the Queer Community Links: Website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au Facebook - www.facebook.com/anchoredcounsellingservices Instagram - www.instagram.com/anchoredcounsellingservices Monthly Newsletter - https://anchored-counselling-services.ck.page/e912816a5d

  1. The One Who Was Lied To About God

    5 DAYS AGO

    The One Who Was Lied To About God

    In this compelling conversation, Dr. Jamie Marich shares her journey from a turbulent upbringing shaped by Croatian Catholicism and Pentecostal evangelicalism to a place of self-acceptance and spiritual healing. Jamie grappled with conflicting beliefs about faith, morality, and her early awareness of her queer identity, leading to deep spiritual trauma. In her memoir, You Lied to Me about God, she confronts the religious shame and guilt she endured, advocating for a spirituality that honours her authentic self. Jamie emphasises the importance of chosen family and community support in the healing process, offering listeners hope and encouragement to explore their own spiritual paths, challenge harmful narratives, and embrace a compassionate, inclusive understanding of faith. Who Is Jamie? Dr. Jamie+ Marich (she/they/we) began her career as a humanitarian aid worker in Bosnia-Herzegovina where they primarily taught English and music from 2000 to 2003. Jamie travels internationally, teaching on topics related to trauma, EMDR Therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness and yoga, while maintaining a private practice and online education operations in her home base of Akron, Ohio.  Marich’s previous books include Dissociation Made Simple, EMDR Made Simple, Trauma Made Simple, Dancing Mindfulness, Process Not Perfection, Trauma and the 12 Steps in addition to other titles.  The New York Times featured Marich’s writing and work on Dancing Mindfulness in 2017 and 2020. NALGAP awarded Jamie with their esteemed President’s Award in 2015 for her work as an LGBT+ advocate. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) granted Marich the 2019 Advocacy in EMDR Award for her using her public platform to advance awareness about EMDR and to reduce stigma around mental health. The Huffington Post published her personal story of being out as a clinical professional with a dissociative disorder in May 2023.  Connect With Us Find out more about Jamie via their website - http://www.jamiemarich.comYou can also connect on Facebook or InstagramYou can also find more content on Jamie's Youtube. You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

    1 hr
  2. The Whistleblower of a Dominionist Cult

    6 NOV

    The Whistleblower of a Dominionist Cult

    In a heartfelt exploration of religious trauma, Sam and Clare delve into Clare's experiences as a pastor's daughter in a high-control church. Clare reflects on the authoritarian, misogynistic dynamics of her upbringing, revealing how these shaped her identity through expectations of perfection and submission. The discussion broadens to examine religious control's impact, including conversion therapy practices and LGBTQ+ rights. Clare’s journey of breaking free, becoming a whistleblower, and advocating for others underscores her resilience, even as she navigates the challenges of familial ties. Her humour and authenticity offer hope and empower listeners to embrace healing, self-care, and reclaiming their values. Who Is Clare? Clare Heath-McIvor, formerly known as Kit Kennedy in the blogging and podcasting world, is a dedicated communications professional with specialisations in research writing, manuscript development, and non-fiction publishing. She’s passionate about helping people understand their experiences within evangelicalism and high-demand groups, empowering them to navigate life beyond those frameworks. A proud mum to two spirited souls, Clare balances life as a businesswoman, advocate, and church survivor who has even taken her turn as a whistleblower. Though naps rank high on her list of passions, Clare is deeply committed to her journey through theology and faith deconstruction, which she chronicles with honesty and optimism. Her blog began as an outlet for exploring theology but evolved into a profound journey of faith deconstruction and discovery, leading her to a new way of engaging with spirituality. Today, Clare writes from a place of peace, aiming for that grounded perspective to resonate through her words. In early 2020, she launched Unchurchable, a podcast for those who find spirituality more accessible than traditional church structures. Whether due to doctrine, trauma, social justice concerns, or other factors, Unchurchable offers a space for those excluded from traditional spaces to engage meaningfully with faith. Clare’s podcast journey expanded in 2023 with Survivors Discuss, co-hosted with Cait West and Shari Smith, where she dives into life after Christian patriarchy alongside two powerhouse voices in the deconstruction space. When not writing, Clare indulges her love for photography, explores Melbourne’s galleries and bookshops, and occasionally tries her hand at stand-up comedy. Connect With Us! Check out Clare's writing on her website - https://www.clareheathmcivor.comYou can also connect over on Facebook or Instagram (and @Unchurchablepod)Check Out Unchurchable & Survivors Discuss You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this a href="https://anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au/contact/" rel="noopener...

    1h 27m
  3. Recovering From Purity Culture As A Person Of Faith with Dr Camden Morgante

    3 NOV · BONUS

    Recovering From Purity Culture As A Person Of Faith with Dr Camden Morgante

    In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Camden Morgante. We explore the intricate intersections of faith, sexuality, and recovery from religious trauma, particularly in the context of purity culture. Dr. Morgante, a psychologist and author of Recovering from Purity Culture, shares her journey of navigating evangelical teachings that shaped her understanding of identity and sexuality, highlighting the disillusionment she felt as these teachings clashed with her experiences. The conversation challenges myths like the notion of "damaged goods" after premarital sex, which perpetuate shame and hinder healthy relationships, especially for women. Dr. Morgante encourages listeners to reclaim their faith without shame, inviting them to embrace curiosity, self-reflection, and supportive communities on their journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Who Is Dr Camden Morgante? Dr. Camden Morgante (pronunciation: More-GAN-tee) is a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly 15 years of experience as a therapist and college professor. In addition to her private therapy practice, she is a writer, speaker, and coach on issues of relationships, sexuality, trauma, and faith. Her first book, Recovering from Purity Culture, released in 2024. Dr. Camden lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with her husband and their daughter and son. Connect with Us Learn more about Camden on her website, www.drcamden.comBuy Recovering from Purity Culture: www.drcamden.com/book or wherever books are soldSubstack: Walking the Middle PathSocial media: @drcamden To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

    58 min
  4. The Holy Runaway

    30 OCT

    The Holy Runaway

    In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Matthias shares his courageous journey of navigating the intersection of faith and identity, growing up in a conservative religious environment while grappling with homophobia and his own sexuality. A pivotal moment helped him embrace his identity and begin deconstructing his faith. Matthias reflects on the challenges of reconciling being both queer and Christian, confronting traditional beliefs, and finding a deeper connection to God. His story offers hope and insight for those seeking to live authentically while healing from the wounds of religious rejection and rigid doctrines. Who Is Matthais? Matthias Roberts (he/him) is a queer psychotherapist and author of Holy Runaways: Rediscovering Faith after Being Burned by Religion and Beyond Shame: Creating a Healthy Sex Life on Your Own Terms. Formerly, he hosted the popular podcast Queerology which was dubbed by O: The Oprah Magazine as “one of the best LGBTQ+ podcasts.” Matthias holds two master’s degrees from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, one in Theology & Culture and one in Counselling Psychology. Matthias’ work has been featured by Bustle, Woman’s Day, Sojourners, The Seattle Times, and many others. In his psychotherapy practice, Matthias specialises in helping people recover from religious and spiritual trauma so they might live confident and fulfilling lives. Connect with Us You can find out more about Matthias via his websiteYou can also connect over on Instagram - @matthiasroberts To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

    49 min
  5. The Former Fundamentalist

    23 OCT

    The Former Fundamentalist

    In this episode of Beyond the Surface, we hear Megan’s powerful story of resilience and transformation as she navigates life after growing up in a fundamental, high-control evangelical environment. From the pressures of purity culture to the emotional toll of fear-based faith, Megan shares how she transitioned from conventional therapy to religious harm recovery. Through candid reflections on toxic relationships, faith-driven guilt, and post-traumatic growth, Megan’s journey highlights the importance of community, self-exploration, and reclaiming one’s identity after religious trauma. Who Is Megan? Megan is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Religious Harm Recovery Coach who was indoctrinated into fundamentalist evangelical christianity at an early age. Her work in the mental health field eventually helped her begin to make sense of her complicated family history and the way the patriarchal religious groups of her childhood supported harmful, authoritarian systems of control. She now draws from both her personal experience and professional expertise to help others recover from religious harm and reclaim their authentic selves. Connect with Us You can find more about Megan's work on her website - https://meganvonfricken.com You can also connect on Instagram or FacebookTo join Megan's group for religious harm recovery click here. To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

    1h 9m
  6. Bridging the Gap - The Religious Trauma Collective

    20 OCT · BONUS

    Bridging the Gap - The Religious Trauma Collective

    Join us in this enlightening episode of Beyond the Surface as we explore the multifaceted topic of religious trauma in Australia and New Zealand. Joined by Jane Kennedy and Elise Heerd, both therapists and we are all co-founders of the Religious Trauma Collective. Together, we discuss the significant launch of this collective, which aims to provide community, support, and understanding for individuals impacted by religious trauma. The collective is committed to building a registry of trauma-informed practitioners, offering support to those seeking help, and creating a resource hub that showcases local stories and memoirs. Find Out More About Us Sam - website or Instagram. Jane - website or InstagramElise - website or Instagram The Religious Trauma Collective Visit our website - https://www.thereligioustraumacollective.com/ If you are a practitioner working with religious trauma; why not join our registry?!We are also on Instagram & Facebook Listen to our stories Sam - 'Me, Myself & I'Jane - 'The Sentimental Non-Believer'Elise - 'The Former Good Christian Girl'

    1h 4m
  7. The Descendant of Joseph Smith

    16 OCT

    The Descendant of Joseph Smith

    Lynn, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, she shares her journey of faith deconstruction that began in Utah after confronting troubling historical truths about her ancestor and the Book of Mormon. Lynn's path of navigating religious trauma, embracing uncertainty, and redefining her spiritual identity highlights the role of therapy and self-compassion in the process. We also explore the complexities of family dynamics when beliefs diverge, and the importance of fostering mutual respect and understanding amid religious transitions. Who Is Lyn? Lyn Smith Gregory grew up in Utah as one of nine children in a devout Mormon family. Her great, great uncle was Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. At 19, she left the Church and moved to New York City, eventually obtaining an MBA at NYU. After a 20-year career in the tech industry, she left to pursue writing full-time and has attended the Iowa Summer Writing Program and the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference. She lives in Savannah with her husband. Connect With Us You can connect with Lyn on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn Or reach out via her website To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

    55 min
  8. The Exvangelical Parent

    9 OCT

    The Exvangelical Parent

    What happens when the church you trust becomes a source of fear and exclusion? In this episode of Beyond the Surface, we sit down with Kimberley, known as the exvangelical parent, to discuss her journey through conservative evangelicalism, growing up during the satanic panic and purity culture. Kimberley shares her struggles with undiagnosed OCD, vivid memories of being shown graphic depictions of hell, and navigating family dynamics shaped by political conservatism. From supporting her brother as he came out to navigating her own deconstruction as a parent, this is a story of fear, resilience, and finding peace beyond religious teachings. Who Is Kimberly? Kimberly, She/Her, is the founder of The Exvangelical Parent. She is a writer, artist, wife, and over-caffeinated mom. Enneagram 9. INFP. She is a queer, neurodivergent, hopeful agnostic who likes long walks in the forest and Zoloft. After spending over a decade in the ministry world, she now writes and creates full time. You can find her work on Scary Mommy, The Mighty, The Huffington Post, The Natural Parent, Parent Co, Her View From Home, and Columbia Mom. Connect With Us You can connect with Kimberly on social media on both Facebook & InstagramYou can find out more about The Exvangelical Parent via their website. To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservicesWant to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

    1 hr
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About

Welcome to Beyond the Surface, where being seen means being understood. Here, we explore the ups and downs of exploring and sometimes losing faith and community, and the healing power of shared stories. This is a safe space to connect, share, and find support in our common experiences of religious trauma and leaving fundamental communities. Join us as we build a community of understanding and connection. Host - Sam Sellers; Therapist specialising in Religious Trauma and the Queer Community Links: Website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au Facebook - www.facebook.com/anchoredcounsellingservices Instagram - www.instagram.com/anchoredcounsellingservices Monthly Newsletter - https://anchored-counselling-services.ck.page/e912816a5d

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Sellers
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Samantha Sellers
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Surface

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