In this powerful and eye-opening episode of A Soulful Rebellion, I sit down with Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews—TEDx speaker, published author, advocate, and founder of Phoenix Rising Coaching & Consulting—to explore the hidden connections between narcissism, spiritual abuse, and high-control religious environments.

Kelsey shares her transformative journey, from growing up in a dysfunctional, abusive home and a high-control Catholic environment, to later encountering similar patterns within modern American Christianity.

What We Discucussed

• How narcissism shows up in churches, leadership, and institutions
• The difference between the gospel vs the social construct of Christianity
• Why people raised in dysfunctional families are more susceptible to toxic churches
• What spiritual gaslighting and manipulation look like in real time
• The emotional consequences of questioning, leaving, or being ostracized by a faith community
• How fear, shame, and indoctrination maintain spiritual control
• Practical ways to reclaim your voice, trust yourself, and heal after spiritual abuse

Additional Resources

• Episode 53: Moving Beyond The Pain: Overcoming Religious Trauma
• Episode 63 | Reframe and Renew: Overcoming Toxic Beliefs in Your Faith Deconstruction Journey
• Episode 73: Faith Deconstruction, Religious Trauma & Cult Recovery With Samantha Speed
• Awaken Your Truth - A free guide for those deconstructing toxic religious beliefs and aligning with your truth

Who Is Kelsey Matthews?

Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews is a first-generation college graduate, published author, advocate, public speaker, coach, trainer, and consultant with a passion for empowering individuals and leaders. Originally from East Haven, CT, Kelsey graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2023, where she was honored as one of 58 Truman Scholars nationwide. 

Kelsey’s professional journey spans multiple sectors, including rehabilitative mental health, non-profit program management, and community engagement, with a focus on mental health, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and animal welfare. A survivor of narcissistic abuse and institutional trauma, Kelsey is driven by her personal experiences to advocate for those affected by emotional and verbal abuse, especially within institutions. Through her own healing, she has developed a deep knowledge of ethics, abuse/power dynamics, and leadership, inspiring her to coach and train others to become healthy, empowered individuals and leaders.

Residing again in her home state of Connecticut, Kelsey is the Founder and CEO of Phoenix Rising Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and a member of the Maxwell Leadership Team. She is a TEDx speaker, having presented "Transformative Leadership: The Power of Love to Change the World" at TEDxUNLV 2024. Kelsey is currently completing her Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Policy Practice at the University of Connecticut, with plans to pursue a PhD in Social/Personality Psychology.

Learn More About Kelsey: Website | Coaching & Consulting | Kelsey's Ted Talk 

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional mental health, medical, or spiritual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Anekia Nicole and/or A Soulful Rebellion LLC. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline in your area.

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