Healing Religious Trauma and Embracing Sexual Empowerment with Ann Russo

03/24/25 • 42 min

In this episode of the Spiritually Curious Therapist podcast, I welcomes Ann Russo, a therapist and thought leader specializing in healing religious trauma, sexual empowerment, ethical non-monogamy, and queer identity. Anne shares her unique journey from growing up in a non-traditional household to becoming an advocate and healer. We discuss the importance of understanding and integrating spirituality into therapeutic practices, navigating high control religious environments, and facilitating sexual empowerment. Anne also introduces her upcoming book and the Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM), emphasizing the significance of identity reconstruction, self-trust, and emotional regulation. The conversation delves into how therapists can provide culturally competent care, address biases, and uphold ethical standards while working with marginalized communities. Anne offers insights into the concept of 'enthusiastic consent' and the complexities involved in ethical non-monogamy. The episode highlights the need for holistic approaches in mental health that consider the spiritual and religious backgrounds of clients.
00:00 Introduction to the Spiritually Curious Therapist Podcast
01:01 Meet Anne Russo: Advocate and Thought Leader
02:29 Anne's Unique Upbringing and Early Experiences
03:57 Exploring Religion and Sexual Orientation
04:53 Academic Pursuits and Spiritual Awakening
11:08 Integrating Spirituality into Therapy
14:25 Navigating Religion and Spirituality in Therapy
16:49 Judaism and Personal Spiritual Practices
21:33 The Religious Trauma Treatment Model
22:39 Discovering a New Treatment Model
23:07 Identity Reconstruction and Emotional Regulation
24:00 Addressing Religious Trauma
24:41 The Importance of Intake Questions
25:36 High Control Religious Environments
26:36 Integration vs. Moving Away
27:30 Sexual Empowerment and Religious Beliefs
31:04 Ethical Non-Monogamy
33:24 Enthusiastic Consent
37:06 Building Self-Worth and Personal Insight
39:23 Conclusion and Resources

You can find Ann Russo at the following links:

http://www.annrusso.org
https://www.amrtherapy.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annrussolcsw/
https://www.youtube.com/@annrussolcsw

The course referenced in the podcast can be found at https://coursesempower.annrusso.org/

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You can find Jodi Silverman, LCSW at
www.therachihealing.com
www.journeywithkindredsouls.com

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Join our facebook group at
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Are you a mental health professional with a spiritual edge and have something to share? Reach out to be considered for the podcast
[email protected]

Remember to check out our merchandise for healers and helpers who blend science and spirituality

https://kindredsoulshop.creator-spring.com/

You can find Ann Russo at the following links:

http://www.annrusso.org
https://www.amrtherapy.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annrussolcsw/
https://www.youtube.com/@annrussolcsw

The course referenced in the podcast can be found at https://coursesempower.annrusso.org/

Remember to check out our merchandise for healers and helpers who blend science and spirituality

https://kindredsoulshop.creator-spring.com/

Previous Episode

Increasing Awareness and Presuming Competence: A Lesson from the Telepathy Tapes

In this episode, my sister, Lisa Mesecar, OTR, and I explore the Telepathy Tapes Podcast and the powerful messages it carries. We discuss the profound impact of these tapes on conscious connection, intuition, and the ways they challenge our understanding of communication.

Most importantly, we dive into the urgent call to action from the children—voices that remind us of our role in shaping a more compassionate and awakened world. We discuss in depth the importance of presumed competence and the power of choosing to believe in things we don't understand.

This conversation is both thought-provoking and deeply moving, inviting listeners to tune into higher awareness and respond to the wisdom coming through. Join us for a journey into telepathy, transformation, and the messages we can’t afford to ignore.

Lisa can be contacted at [email protected]

Find the telepathy tapes here.

Remember to check out our merchandise for healers and helpers who blend science and spirituality

https://kindredsoulshop.creator-spring.com/

Next Episode

Harnessing Spiritual and Somatic Tools for Healing in the Present Moment with Erin Diedling

In this episode of the Spiritually Curious Therapist podcast, I chat with Erin Diedling, a clinical psychotherapist specializing in somatic experiencing for trauma repair.

We discuss Erin’s background in spirituality, psychic gifts, and her passion for healing developmental trauma and attachment issues. The episode delves into the integration of psychic work, including clairvoyance and past lives, and how spiritual gifts are emerging and becoming more acceptable among clinicians.

We explore the importance of bringing light to darkness in therapy and the role of regulated nervous systems in healing. Erin also shares her experiences working in an integrated medical setting and offers insights on how therapists can cultivate and manage their spiritual gifts.

You can find Erin at the following links:

www.ErinDiedling.com

https://www.youtube.com/@erindiedling2295

Instagram @CrossTownPsychic

00:00 Introduction to the Spiritually Curious Therapist Podcast
01:07 Meet Erin Diedling: Clinical Psychotherapist and Spiritual Guide
02:45 Erin's Early Spiritual Experiences
07:05 Integrating Spiritual Gifts in Therapy
10:54 Challenges and Insights in Trauma Work
20:09 The Role of Family and Ancestral Helpers
23:08 Exploring Past and Future Lives
23:57 Exploring Past, Present, and Future Lives
26:05 The Role of Healers and Clinicians
28:28 Integrating Past Lives in Therapy
34:54 Energy Work in Clinical Practice
41:28 Guidance for Therapists Cultivating Their Gifts
46:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts