What stood out the most in this particular episode is the parallel journeys I think you and I have been on. I became an evangelical Christian in 1975 in the midst of serious depression (along with similar feelings discussed after your "trigger warning"), and terrible anxiety, plus the loss of my brother. I was made to feel that my healing and freedom from Satan was all up to me and my own personal faith, and when I didn't get better right away, it was my fault. There was so much to fear (including being hypnotized, etc.) I spent years in that system, preferring certainty to spiritual growth, but eventually allowed my self to question everything and "come back to myself." I too became a psychotherapist and helped people using techniques that would have been deemed off limits by the original churches I attended. I'm free! Loved the episode, Florence and can't wait for more!
Yes! I think that there are many who could potentially see themselves in aspects of our stories even if not the actual details and It's so sad that is this experience of faith that is pushed out especially during times when people are at their most vulnerable. You become the problem and the burden and I think that is because as humans we struggle to deal with pain anyway but this is felt more in the church setting because it's supposed to be their whole spiel.
So glad you have found your way towards liberation and freedom - I'm always looking to hear from more people, so you are very welcome to come on to the podcast to share either through a professional, personal or mix of both lens.
What stood out the most in this particular episode is the parallel journeys I think you and I have been on. I became an evangelical Christian in 1975 in the midst of serious depression (along with similar feelings discussed after your "trigger warning"), and terrible anxiety, plus the loss of my brother. I was made to feel that my healing and freedom from Satan was all up to me and my own personal faith, and when I didn't get better right away, it was my fault. There was so much to fear (including being hypnotized, etc.) I spent years in that system, preferring certainty to spiritual growth, but eventually allowed my self to question everything and "come back to myself." I too became a psychotherapist and helped people using techniques that would have been deemed off limits by the original churches I attended. I'm free! Loved the episode, Florence and can't wait for more!
Yes! I think that there are many who could potentially see themselves in aspects of our stories even if not the actual details and It's so sad that is this experience of faith that is pushed out especially during times when people are at their most vulnerable. You become the problem and the burden and I think that is because as humans we struggle to deal with pain anyway but this is felt more in the church setting because it's supposed to be their whole spiel.
So glad you have found your way towards liberation and freedom - I'm always looking to hear from more people, so you are very welcome to come on to the podcast to share either through a professional, personal or mix of both lens.
I would love to do that any time, Florence...just let me know!
Let's do it! It'll be next year now though as things are pretty busy for me right now.
You got it, Florence!