Becoming Me

Ann Yeong
  • 5.0 (9)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • WEEKLY SERIES

Becoming Me is your podcast companion and coach in your journey to a more integrated and authentic self. I explore the joys and challenges of the interior journey and share practical wisdom about growing in wholeness, healing from complex trauma, and navigating the existential crises of spiritual midlife deconstruction and renewal as an integrated Roman Catholic. Visit www.integroformation.com for more!

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  1. EPISODE 155

    Spiritual Abuse in Evangelisation and Discipleship (with Paul Fahey)

    Episode 155 In this episode, Paul Fahey joins me in a pivotal conversation about spiritual abuse within the context of evangelisation and church communities. We share our journey from years of traditional evangelisation to a deeper understanding of the Great Commandments and how they relate to the Great Commission. We examine the importance of truly loving others as Christ loves us and how our distorted images of God can impact our relationships and evangelisation efforts.  We address the often-overlooked emotional and psychological abuses by those in spiritual authority and discuss what a healthy use of authority should look like. We also delve into the critical role of personal integrity and humility for those in spiritual leadership. This episode offers crucial insights into the ways we can foster a more loving and respectful approach to faith, evangelisation and discipleship. Watch this recording on YouTube. Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again. RESOURCES Paul Fahey's Spiritual Abuse Workshop (Fall 2025) Read Paul's excellent reflection: "One cannot proclaim God in a way contrary to God himself: Spiritual Abuse and Evangelisation" Sherry Weddell’s book Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus  Catechesi Tradendae  Dignitatis Humanae  Pope Francis’ address to the Indigenous Peoples and Members of the Parish Community Sacred Heart  CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Introduction 03:29 Spiritual Abuse in Evangelisation 05:52 Introducing Paul Fahey 09:43 Personal Experiences and Reflections 14:18 The Role of Trust in Evangelisation 25:29 Coercion in Evangelisation 30:48 Subtle Forms of Coercion 44:45 Preferential Option for the Institution 50:26 Defining the End of Evangelisation 53:16 The Importance of Dignity and Freedom 55:23 Evangelisation vs. Proselytism 56:52 Intellectual Conversion vs. True Discipleship 58:15 Lack of Self-Awareness in Evangelisation 01:01:25 Corporate and Individual Responsibility 01:04:33 Historical Context of Church Authority 01:18:35 Healthy Use of Spiritual Authority 01:24:07 E Support the show SUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORT Social Media: Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook. Newsletter: Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections. Support the Show: Monthly Support (starting at USD$3) One-time Donation Leave a Review: If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

    1h 36m

  2. EPISODE 156

    How Culture, Disembodied Faith and Trauma Facilitate Spiritual Abuse

    Episode 156 In this episode, I delve into three factors that facilitate spiritual abuse, especially within the experience of many Catholics. Reflecting on a personal experience during a silent retreat, I explore how complex trauma, disembodied faith, and cultural influences create environments where spiritual abuse can easily occur.  I share insights on recognising these dynamics and discuss the importance of becoming trauma-informed to foster authentic spiritual maturity and embodied faith. This conversation aims to support individuals on their journey of healing and integration, helping them understand the systemic and personal elements contributing to spiritual abuse. Watch this recording on YouTube. Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again. CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Introduction 06:02 Three Factors in the Set-Up for Spiritual Abuse 11:25 Cultural Influences on Spirituality 14:20 Silent Retreat Experience 25:48 Understanding Spiritual Maturity 28:05 The Role of Dreams in Spiritual Direction 28:57 Unknowingly Primed for Spiritual Abuse 31:30 Complex Trauma and Authority 36:25 Disembodied Faith 43:21 Recognising and Addressing Spiritual Abuse 49:43 Final Reflections and Encouragement Support the show SUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORT Social Media: Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook. Newsletter: Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections. Support the Show: Monthly Support (starting at USD$3) One-time Donation Leave a Review: If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

    56 min

  3. EPISODE 157

    Using Power and Influence in Non-Spiritually Abusive Ways

    Episode 157 In this episode, I build on my last episode’s discussion of how culture, disembodied faith, and trauma contribute to an environment conducive to spiritual abuse. I delve into the responsible use of power and influence, sharing personal insights and experiences.  I discuss how, even with good intentions, we can unintentionally harm others by imposing ourselves and violating the sacred freedom of another person’s conscience that even God respects. I offer tips for exercising influence in a non-coercive and respectful manner, emphasising the importance of honouring each person's freedom and dignity.  Watch this recording on YouTube. Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again. CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Introduction 05:36 Personal Influence and Power Dynamics 09:54 Why So Hard to Recognise Spiritual Abuse 20:20 Tips for Respecting Others' Freedom 35:14 Conclusion and Reflection Support the show SUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORT Social Media: Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook. Newsletter: Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections. Support the Show: Monthly Support (starting at USD$3) One-time Donation Leave a Review: If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

    37 min

  4. EPISODE 158

    Healing and Repenting from Abuse of Conscience

    Episode 158 In this episode, I continue the discussion on spiritual abuse by focusing on Abuse of Conscience. I share my personal journey of discovering this subtle yet pervasive form of abuse, how it affected my life, and my path to recognising my own role in it.  I discuss how my own spiritual trauma and distorted image of God fuelled my participation in this form of spiritual abuse and share how experiencing God's unconditional love has been crucial in my healing process both as a survivor and perpetrator of abuse of conscience.  Watch this recording on YouTube. Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again. RESOURCES What is Abuse of Conscience? (Podcast by Paul Fahey) Abuse of Conscience (Presentation by Paul Fahey, Q&A with Fr Boniface Hicks) Respecting Conscience in Catholicism (Paul Fahey with Amy Grey) Conscience Invaders  The Place Where You Stand Is Holy Ground: Recognizing and Preventing Spiritual Abuse in the Catholic Church  CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Resources on Abuse of Conscience 05:50 The Challenge of Accepting Abuse 08:47 Conscience in Catholic Teaching 14:01 Freedom and Consent in Moral Actions 17:41 About Mortal Sin 24:35 Personal Stories of Conscience Abuse 32:08 The Impact of Fear on Faith 42:13 Healing and Repenting from Abuse of Conscience 49:05 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Reflect Support the show SUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORT Social Media: Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook. Newsletter: Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections. Support the Show: Monthly Support (starting at USD$3) One-time Donation Leave a Review: If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

    55 min

  5. EPISODE 159

    When Enmeshment Trauma Becomes Spiritually Abusive

    Episode 159 In today's episode, we explore the intersection of enmeshment trauma and spiritual abuse. If you're new to the concept, enmeshment trauma occurs in families that are too close to the point where individual boundaries and self-identity are compromised. This episode delves into the signs and impacts of enmeshment trauma, such as poor boundaries, lack of self-identity, feeling overly responsible for others and constant seeking of approval.  I also discuss how these dynamics can lead to spiritual abuse within both families and faith communities, particularly through the misuse of authority and abuse of conscience. Offering insights and personal experiences, this episode aims to help you recognise and heal from these harmful patterns especially when they are cloaked in beautiful and ‘holy’ language such as ‘accountability’ and ‘fraternal correction’. Watch this recording on YouTube. Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again. RESOURCES Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing (Book) Holy Hurt (Podcast)  Understanding Enmeshment Trauma Enmeshment in Family: Breaking Free from Unhealthy Closeness    CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Introduction 00:11 Understanding Enmeshment Trauma 02:33 Healthy Intimacy vs. Enmeshment 05:27 Spiritual and Religious Trauma 09:56 What is Enmeshment Trauma? 13:01 Personal Experiences and Cultural Context 13:47 Signs of Enmeshment Trauma 19:09 Impact of Enmeshment Trauma 25:54 Enmeshment in Faith Communities 32:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Support the show SUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORT Social Media: Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook. Newsletter: Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections. Support the Show: Monthly Support (starting at USD$3) One-time Donation Leave a Review: If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

    37 min

  6. EPISODE 160

    Reconsidering Holiness: Saints, Trauma, and Spiritual Abuse

    Episode 160 We know we’re called to holiness, that we’re called to be saints. But have we really grappled with what holiness means? With what becoming saints really mean? In my latest podcast episode I share how I have come to ask these questions in much more earnest after learning about how even canonised saints commit great harm to people, and how some of these harmful actions are even considered by many as part of holiness. I dive into the concepts of sainthood and holiness, especially in light of personal experiences with trauma and spiritual abuse. Reflecting on the stories of saints like Padre Pio and Mother Teresa, I explore how their actions and the narratives surrounding them can impact our understanding of holiness. I encourage viewers to question and reconsider what it means to be holy, particularly from the perspective of embodied spiritual and emotional health.  Watch this recording on YouTube. Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again. RESOURCES The Turning: The Sisters Who Left “The Turning”: The dark side of Mother Teresa’s order, according to nuns who left CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Spiritual Abuse and Its Prevalence 02:07 Saints and Holiness: Personal Experiences 02:53 Padre Pio: Reverence and Controversy 11:41 Questioning Holiness and Spiritual Abuse 23:02 Mother Teresa: A Complex Legacy 33:56 Holiness, Love, and Abuse 44:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Support the show SUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORT Social Media: Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook. Newsletter: Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections. Support the Show: Monthly Support (starting at USD$3) One-time Donation Leave a Review: If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

    47 min

  7. EPISODE 161

    Grappling with Spiritual Abuse and Trauma in the “DNA” of the Catholic Church

    Episode 161 What if the reason spiritual abuse is so rampant yet unrecognised in the Church is because these kind of dynamics have always been part of the way the Church existed in the world? In this deeply personal episode, I talk about my journey awakening to and grappling with the legacy of spiritual abuse and trauma within the Catholic Church. I share the story of how I was led in my interior journey into deconstructing my old Self, the way I related to my family of origin and eventually my understanding of and relationship with my Catholic faith. I share how learning to recognise trauma, harm and abuse led me to wrestle with the integrity of what I believed and how that faith is embodied in the world. This reflection offers an honest, bold and nuanced discussion on the complex interplay between faith and coercion in the 2,000 years of the history of the Church and how that impacts the way we live our faith out today. How can we as Church continue to undergo conversion from the legacy of coercion and spiritual abuse that has made up such a huge part of our intergenerational, collective and systemic trauma within the Catholic Church? Join me in this thought-provoking sharing! Watch this recording on YouTube. CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 01:14 Deconstructing Faith and Identity 03:52 Family of Origin and Trauma 09:10 Anger and Frustration with the Church 14:43 Historical Context of Church Coercion 19:21 Reconciling Faith and Church Authority 22:58 The Role of Conscience in Faith 24:15 Spiritual Abuse and Church Culture 46:03 Hope and Transformation in the Church 51:29 Conclusion Support the show SUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORT Social Media: Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook. Newsletter: Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections. Support the Show: Monthly Support (starting at USD$3) One-time Donation Leave a Review: If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

    57 min
See All Season 11 (7)

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Becoming Me is your podcast companion and coach in your journey to a more integrated and authentic self. I explore the joys and challenges of the interior journey and share practical wisdom about growing in wholeness, healing from complex trauma, and navigating the existential crises of spiritual midlife deconstruction and renewal as an integrated Roman Catholic. Visit www.integroformation.com for more!

Information

  • Creator
    Ann Yeong
  • Episodes
    162
  • Seasons
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Parrhesia | Integrō Formation
  • Show Website
    Becoming Me