Once we understand what enmeshment is, it is easy to see how prevalent it is in some Church sub-cultures. Enmeshment can be particularly pronounced in youth and young adult ministries and communities, but these dynamics can be just as present among adult communities where a lack of boundaries or sense…
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…
A significant part of healing is just becoming able to see and name reality as it is. For many of us, acknowledging abuse can feel "wrong" and it takes time as well as grace to be able to trust our new way of seeing the truth.
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…
True conversion can only come from within, from a heart and soul that chose freely. Coercion and manipulation "for the sake of evangelisation" is both spiritually abusive AND ineffective because behavioural change that comes from pressure is not genuine conversion.
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…
When our spiritual "norm" is unhealthy without us realising, we can be set up for spiritual abuse pretty easily. Catch the full episode!
EP 156 | How Culture, Disembodied Faith and Complex Trauma Facilitate Spiritual Abuse 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…
How is it that spiritual abuse so often happens in the context of evangelisation and disciple-making? Watch my latest episode of Becoming Me where Paul Fahey and I discuss Spiritual Abuse in Evangelisation and Discipleship.
EP 155 | Spiritual Abuse in Evangelisation and Discipleship (with Paul Fahey) 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…
A personal message about why I've been sharing more about spiritual abuse and trauma in my content on YouTube / podcast as well as in my newsletter and Instagram account. Follow my Podcast: https://www.becomingmepodcast.com Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animannSubscribe to my Newsletter: https://www.integroformation.com/newsletters/begin-again
As I round off Season 10 of the Becoming Me podcast, here’s an overview of how my content has evolved together with the progression of my interior journey and some updates to address inquiries about my coaching offers. As I take a break from the podcast to recalibrate, I invite…
Two different persons and two different experiences of arriving at a secure attachment with God the Father.
In this special episode about being securely loved by God the Father, I sit down with Isaac Wicker, a Catholic licensed therapist from Minnesota with a decade of mental health experience and host of the 'Whole Human' podcast. Isaac shares his unique upbringing in a deeply Catholic family in the…
Pope Francis was a bridge of trust for me during an intense period of interior deconstruction that I went through.
In this deeply personal episode, I explore the impact of Pope Francis' recent passing, especially how he became a bridge of trust during my period of intense interior deconstruction. Over the past decade, I've grappled with my Catholic faith, my relationship with the church, and undergone a profound journey of…
In this special bonus episode for Holy Week, I share a deeply personal and vulnerable story about my journey through spiritual trauma and healing. Last year, I wrote an open letter on my personal blog, disclosing the challenges I've faced and continue to face as a complex trauma survivor within…
To violate someone's freedom is to violate their infinite dignity. So many survivors have experienced love and spiritual authority - no matter how well intentioned - in ways that infringe on or outright violate our dignity but we did not have the language to name our experiences. Listen to EP…
In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Paul Fahey, a limited licensed professional counselor, retreat leader, and catechist from Michigan, USA. Paul shares insights from his work in pastoral counseling for Catholics who have been spiritually abused and his efforts to educate ministers to be more equipped in their…
Putting family or Church (or even God) above Truth will result in idolatry, for even our image of God in such a situation will be our own projection rather than the true God who reveals himself to us on his own terms as Truth.
In this episode, I delve into the unique challenges that Catholic and Christian trauma survivors face in their healing journeys. Drawing from my own experiences and observations, I outline five specific reasons why faith can often complicate trauma recovery for believers. From the difficulty of accepting abuse within 'good' religious…
Have you experienced when healing itself becomes overwhelming for your nervous system? Why might that be? Listen to or watch EP 148 | What Do We Do When the Healing Journey Overwhelms Us?
In this episode, I address a profound question from a long-time podcast listener and religious sister in Southeast Asia regarding her healing journey. We explore the intricacies of feeling productive and empowered at times, facing moments of deep uncertainty and doubt at others, and when questions of authenticity, accountability, and…
