Beyond The Surface

Samantha Sellers
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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 Found The Divine In The Forest

    21 HR. AGO

    The One Who Found The Divine In The Forest

    Episode Summary Jess shares her journey from a rigid religious upbringing to a more expansive and liberating spiritual understanding, shaped by her parents’ transition from Indonesian pop stars to church ministers. Growing up in a Pentecostal Charismatic environment, she struggled with purity culture, the pressure to meet impossible religious standards, and restrictive doctrines like the ‘Dating Revelation,’ which removed personal agency in relationships. As she began exploring centering prayer and reconnecting with her intuition, Jess discovered that spirituality could exist beyond the confines of the church. Her story is a powerful testament to the freedom found in self-discovery, love, and the natural world, encouraging listeners to embrace curiosity, question limiting beliefs, and seek communities that nurture authenticity. Who Is Jess? Jess is on a mission to live a more connected and intuitive life. A recovering pastor’s kid, she devoted her whole life to church and ministry until her mid-30s, when she began to ask questions about her faith that had no easy answers. The long process of deconstruction that followed has put her on a pathway toward deeper connection with her own embodied truths and intuition, and a more gentle way of life for her and her children. Today she offers peer support calls for people experiencing spiritual deconstruction and other major life shifts, as well as Reiki healing and Women’s Circles, all in the service of helping others connect to their own inner wisdom. Jess lives with her three brilliant kids and two quirky fur babies among the healing forests of the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne. Connect With Us Find out more about the work Jess does on her website The Connected SelfYou can also connect via Facebook & Instagram You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

    1h 8m
  2. Understanding Spiritual Coercive Control with Bethany Jantzi

    3 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    Understanding Spiritual Coercive Control with Bethany Jantzi

    Episode Summary This episode delves deep into the intricacies of coercive control and spiritual abuse within religious communities, highlighting how these dynamics can lead to profound psychological and emotional harm. Bethany, shares her extensive background in the psychology of coercive control and offers valuable insights into the signs of spiritual abuse. They discuss the BITE model, which outlines the methods high-control groups use to manipulate and isolate individuals, and explore the internal struggles victims face, such as fear, obligation, guilt, and confusion. The conversation emphasises the importance of recognising these red flags and taking steps towards healing and recovery, while also addressing the challenges loved ones encounter when trying to support someone in a coercive environment. The episode is a vital resource for those affected, encouraging them to seek safety and reclaim their autonomy in the aftermath of spiritual trauma. Who Is Bethany? Bethany Jantzi is a coercive control educator and consultant. Formally trained as a counsellor, she also holds a Master of Science in the Psychology of Coercive Control from the University of Salford. She is passionate about helping people understand the intricate mechanisms of coercive control and believes that every person has a fundamental right to live free from coercion, abuse, and control. Her research explored high control groups and the weaponisation of religious texts as a form of coercive control against women. Other areas of interest are trauma-coerced attachment, adult clergy sexual abuse, and the process of radicalisation. Connect With Us Find out more over on Bethany's website - http://www.freefromcontrol.caYou can also connect over on Instagram & LinkedIn You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

    1h 4m
  3. The One Who Radiates Queer Joy

    FEB 5

    The One Who Radiates Queer Joy

    Episode Summary Nita’s journey of self-discovery reveals her struggle with queerness in a conservative environment, ultimately leading to a powerful realisation about her identity. She reflects on the trauma of leaving a once-belonging community and highlights the value of finding support outside traditional church settings. With vulnerability and honesty, Nita shows how reclaiming joy and peace can transform and empower individuals to grow into their authentic selves. Who Is Nita? Nita (she/they) is a licensed clinical counsellor whose jam is bringing misfits home. Her superpower is turning confusion into clarity. They do this by showing folx how to accept and walk confidently as the best version of themselves. Together, we will shatter the box of status quo and define life in your own terms. Connect With Us You can find out more about Nita's work via her website - https://nitaagustincounselling.com/You can also connect via social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and 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.

    1h 6m
  4. The One Who Went From Missionary Kid to Spiritual Nomad

    JAN 29

    The One Who Went From Missionary Kid to Spiritual Nomad

    Nancy reflects on her upbringing in conservative Christian circles, the challenges of being a missionary kid, and the struggles she faced in reconciling her sexuality with her spirituality. As she navigated these complexities, she discovered the importance of self-acceptance and the value of listening to one’s intuition. The discussion also touches on the impact of cultural narratives on personal identity and the transformative power of community support. Through her experiences, Nancy emphasises the need for compassion and understanding in the process of finding one’s authentic self, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys of integration and healing. Who Is Nancy? Nancy Shadlock is a missionary kid turned youth pastor turned spiritual director and Coming Out Coach. When Nancy finally discovered that she didn’t have to divorce her spirituality to embrace her sexuality she started creating the life she’s always dreamed of, but feared would never be possible. Now as the Founder of Centered Consulting & Coaching and the Conscious Queer Collective and host of The Coming Out Chronicles podcast, she dedicates her time to helping people and organizations break free from metaphorical closets to bravely live the truth of how beautiful and whole they are. Connect With Us You can connect with Nancy via the following: Their websiteFacebook, Instagram or LinkedInTheir YouTube Channel 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.

    57 min
  5. The Deconstructing Mormon

    JAN 22

    The Deconstructing Mormon

    In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Kristi shares her story of growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, revealing how traditional gender roles, the belief in eternal family togetherness, and distinct doctrines shaped her upbringing. Navigating the pressures surrounding faith, sexuality, and identity, Kristi discusses her internal conflict over gay marriage, the mental health impact of church teachings, and the emotional toll of keeping secrets. She candidly reflects on her journey out of Mormonism, the role of therapy in embracing her bisexuality, and the delicate task of maintaining family bonds amid a faith transition. Kristi’s experiences highlight the importance of curiosity, grace, and authenticity when forging one’s own path. Who Is Kristi? Kristi Hyde is an eldest daughter, an Aries, and a natural redhead with a deep love for reading romance novels and writing poetry. Born and raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church), Kristi spent her early life in Utah before relocating to Arizona in 2019 with her partner. A former banking professional, Kristi is now a devoted stay-at-home mum to her two daughters. Her passion for writing has culminated in her debut poetry collection, Self Deconstructing: Mormon Faith Journey Poetry, which beautifully captures her journey of faith deconstruction and personal growth. Connect With Us Connect with Kristi over on Instagram.You can purchase Self Deconstructing: Mormon Faith Journey Poetry over on Amazon. You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.auTo connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

    1h 17m
  6. The One Who Went From Born-Again Christian to Agnostic Atheist

    JAN 15

    The One Who Went From Born-Again Christian to Agnostic Atheist

    In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Sallyann shares how her family’s shift from Roman Catholicism to born-again Christianity in 1970s Ireland sparked both connection and conflict, ultimately leading her to question long-held beliefs. She recounts a six-year relationship overshadowed by a controlling religious community, a move to Australia in search of healing, and the personal upheaval of deconstructing her faith and marriage. Embracing atheism and agnosticism, Sally-Ann illustrates the transformative power of choosing curiosity over certainty, reminding us that forging one’s own identity can bring both freedom and self-discovery. Who Is Sallyann? Born into a Catholic family in Ireland, and then becoming a ‘born again Christian’ and moving to a Pentecostal church, Sallyann was serious about her faith and her commitment to God. It wasn’t until she started studying Psychology and Counselling in her late 30s that she began having doubts and questioning her faith. After several years of ‘seeking God’, reading and researching, and talking to other Christians including church leaders, she found that she could no longer call herself a Christian. Sallyann is now a therapist working in Perth, Western Australia, specialising in supporting people who are questioning their faith, or who are leaving or have left a high control religion or cult. Having experienced spiritual abuse and engaging in her own therapy to recover from religious trauma, she now has a sense of freedom and peace that she never had as a religious person. Connect With Us You can connect with Sallyann via her Website, Facebook or LinkedIn 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.

    1h 2m
  7. The Religious Abuse & Academic Sabotage Survivor (Part Two)

    JAN 8

    The Religious Abuse & Academic Sabotage Survivor (Part Two)

    In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Katrina shares her journey of religious trauma and abuse amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, recounting how American missionaries’ abrupt departure left her feeling abandoned in Africa. She describes relocating to the U.S. with her family, only to face academic sabotage, familial tensions, and a struggle for independence. Katrina’s determination to pursue higher education and a career in psychology, despite parental disapproval and health challenges, highlights her resilience and search for identity. As she breaks free from toxic control, Katrina finds hope through unexpected community support and reshapes her faith on her own terms, embracing the compassion of Jesus beyond traditional confines. More About Katrina Speaker and life coach that specialises in religious abuse, academic sabotage, and good girl syndrome, Katrina is currently living her best life in her renovated garage, feverishly writing away and creating motivational speeches! She hopes her ongoing projects will help others find the same peace she has found. Katrina is a teacher to toddlers by day, an overachieving writer by night, and a coffee-drinking socialiser on the weekends! As a never-ending psychology enthusiast, Katrina is not ashamed to seek trauma-informed therapy every week! Katrina loves making new connections with churches and colleges through her speaking career and collaborating with other artists who are trying to create beauty out of pain. Katrina's biggest focus is to speak around the US and eventually around the world, including Africa, where she was orphaned, adopted, and raised as a missionary for 20 years. Connect With Us Find out more about Katrina on her website - https://www.speakwithkatrina.online/ You can also connect via Facebook or Instagram 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.

    53 min
  8. The Religious Abuse & Academic Sabotage Survivor (Part One)

    JAN 1

    The Religious Abuse & Academic Sabotage Survivor (Part One)

    In this episode (and its only Part One) of Beyond the Surface, Katrina shares her remarkable journey of religious abuse within a remote East African missionary setting, shaped by her adventurous father, her mother’s struggle with depression, and the unique challenges of being an African orphan adopted by American missionaries. She reflects on the cultural dissonance of navigating life between Africa and the United States, confronting issues of race, identity, and the expectations tied to diverse Christian traditions. Katrina’s resilience is illuminated through her candid account of academic sabotage, highlighting how mentorship and self-awareness guided her beyond her family’s limitations. Her story offers hope to anyone seeking to redefine their path amid rigid religious and cultural constraints. More About Katrina Speaker and life coach that specialises in religious abuse, academic sabotage, and good girl syndrome, Katrina is currently living her best life in her renovated garage, feverishly writing away and creating motivational speeches! She hopes her ongoing projects will help others find the same peace she has found. Katrina is a teacher to toddlers by day, an overachieving writer by night, and a coffee-drinking socialiser on the weekends! As a never-ending psychology enthusiast, Katrina is not ashamed to seek trauma-informed therapy every week! Katrina loves making new connections with churches and colleges through her speaking career and collaborating with other artists who are trying to create beauty out of pain. Katrina's biggest focus is to speak around the US and eventually around the world, including Africa, where she was orphaned, adopted, and raised as a missionary for 20 years. Connect With Us Find out more about Katrina on her website - https://www.speakwithkatrina.online/ You can also connect via Facebook or Instagram 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.

    50 min
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Trailer

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
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Samantha Sellers
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Surface

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