Healing Beyond Belief: Religious Trauma, Deconstruction, and Purity Culture with Kendra Hill and Casey Bain Kare With Korac

Kendra Hill and Casey Bain created Unraveling Free, a therapy and coaching practice, to provide a place for those who have been hurt by church or religion to process, heal, and experience freedom. Casey and Kendra love being able to work with adults who have experienced church hurt, religious trauma, or harm from high-control environments, or who want to process topics like deconstruction, purity culture, sexual identity, or shifting values and beliefs. Both therapists are trauma-informed and trained, and believe in the transformative power of being with others as compassionate witnesses to their stories. Kendra and Casey aim to create the kind of safe space they wish they would have had when they were in their own processes of questioning their beliefs and deconstructing from evangelical Christianity.



Summary



In this conversation, therapists Casey and Kendra discuss topics related to trauma, religious trauma, and purity culture. They define trauma as anything that overwhelms the body and nervous system beyond its capacity, and religious trauma as traumatic experiences that occur within a religious or spiritual context. They highlight the stigma and shame associated with religious trauma and discuss the importance of normalizing and validating clients' experiences. The therapists also explore the impact of purity culture on individuals' relationships with their bodies and sexuality. They emphasize the need for self-compassion and self-care in the healing process and encourage therapists to find support and engage in activities that bring them joy and creativity. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of compassionate listening and vulnerability in therapy. They explore the therapist's journey and the healing power of connection. The conversation emphasizes the human aspect of therapy and the role of the therapist as a compassionate witness. Overall, the discussion highlights the transformative potential of therapy and the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for clients.

You can find Kendra and Casey on Instagram @unravelingfree or through their website, www.unravelingfree.com. Both see clients online and have limited in person availability in Denver or Greenwood Village, Colorado. Follow me on social media platforms @joshkorac or www.sojourncounselingco.com/josh.

Takeaways

Trauma is anything that overwhelms the body and nervous system beyond its capacity.

Religious trauma refers to traumatic experiences that occur within a religious or spiritual context.

There is stigma and shame associated with religious trauma, making it difficult for individuals to seek help and validation.

Purity culture can have a significant impact on individuals' relationships with their bodies and sexuality.

Self-compassion and self-care are essential in the healing process for both clients and therapists. Compassionate listening is a crucial aspect of therapy, allowing clients to feel heard and understood.

Vulnerability is essential in therapy, both for clients and therapists, as it fosters trust and deepens the therapeutic relationship.

The therapist's journey involves personal growth and self-reflection, as they navigate their own vulnerabilities and experiences.

Connection and the therapeutic relationship have a profound impact on healing and transformation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

11:35 Defining Trauma and Religious Trauma

13:31 The Importance of Compassionate Listening

24:35 Stigma around Religious Trauma

28:46 The Role of Vulnerability in Therapy

36:56 Exploring Purity Culture

43:16 The Therapist's Journey

45:50 Working with Shame in Therapy

55:03 Self-Care for Therapists

58:31 The Healing Power of Connection

01:00:46 Words of Wisdom

01:03:57 Closing Remarks