Beyond The Surface

This episode explores faith, identity, and religious trauma through Linda’s personal journey. Growing up in a tightly-knit Christian community, Linda shares her path through faith transitions, ultimately finding a home in an affirming church. A key discussion centres on the intersection of personal belief and gender identity, particularly in supporting her transgender child. As Linda navigates deconstructing long-held beliefs, she embraces a more nuanced understanding of God and community. This conversation invites listeners into a space of empathy and reflection, highlighting the power of love and acceptance in our spiritual journeys.

Who Is Linda?

Linda Pesavento listens deeply, laughs a lot and is passionate about the power of owning and honouring our story to bring healing and transformation.

Linda is a counsellor in private practice at On The Journey Counselling. She finds great fulfilment in creating a safe space where people feel secure, heard and accepted and feels privileged to be able to walk alongside couples and individuals as they navigate the challenges of life and find a deeper understanding of their own strength and wisdom.

Linda is an Australian expat living in Hong Kong. She is wife to Gary, and proud mum to adult children Jay and Sophia.

Connect With Us?

• You can find out more about Linda over on her website - https://www.onthejourneycounselling.com/
• You can also connect via Facebook or Instagram

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

This bonus episode explores the complexities of cults and the psychological impact of religious trauma with Gillie Jenkinson, a psychotherapist specialising in cult recovery. Gillie shares her insights and personal experiences, shedding light on the manipulation and control that define cult dynamics. We discuss the lasting effects on those who leave and the vital role of psychoeducation in rebuilding identity post-cult. Through this conversation, we offer understanding and hope, emphasising that healing is possible with the right support and resources.

Who Is Gillie?

Dr Gillie Jenkinson is a UKCP accredited psychotherapist, international speaker, published author and director of Hope Valley Counselling. For nearly 30 years she has specialised, as a therapist, researcher and trainer, in the challenges faced by those who have experienced coercive, cultic and spiritual abuse. Gillie's book 'Walking Free from the Trauma of Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse: A Workbook for Recovery and Growth' was published by Routledge in May 2023 and which received the Dianne Casoni Award in 2023 https://infosecte.org/en/dianne-casoni-award/.

She was awarded the Herbert L Rosedale award in 2023 ‘in recognition of leadership in the effort to preserve and protect individual freedom, help victims, or inform society about ethical and legal dimensions of the cult phenomenon’. Gillie was a keynote speaker at the DeCULT conference in New Zealand in 2024.

Connect With Us

• To find out more about Gillie's work head to her website.
• You can also connect over on Facebook or LinkedIn

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Kit (he/they) shares their deeply personal journey of growing up in the Bible Belt and navigating the impact of religious trauma. Raised in a home influenced by Dr. James Dobson’s child-rearing methods, Kit reflects on the atmosphere of fear and control that shaped their early years. They discuss how this environment, along with the pervasive Christian culture, affected their sense of identity, particularly as a queer individual. As Kit recounts their coming out process, they highlight the social rejection and isolation they faced, shedding light on the challenges of breaking away from traditional religious and societal norms.

The episode concludes with Kit’s journey toward self-acceptance, the importance of setting boundaries with toxic family dynamics, and the power of self-love and healing. This conversation offers a meaningful exploration of religious trauma and encourages listeners to embrace their own paths to liberation.

Who Is Kit?

Kit Morgan (he/they), licensed clinical social worker in New York and creator of @theliberatedporch is a leading innovator for 2SLGBTQIA+ religious trauma informed care.

When Kit began working in mental health a decade ago with formerly incarcerated individuals, they began to realise the intersectionality of leaving the carceral system and leaving religious fundamentalism. As a former member of Christian fundamentalism and conversion therapy survivor, Kit recognised the importance of directing their work to providing liberation-oriented therapy and education for those who have been impacted by adverse religious or spiritual experiences. Kit’s work is centered around dismantling oppressive ideologies, integrating tried and true healing practices, and cultivating inner wisdom.

Connect With Us

• You can find out more about Kit's work via their website - https://www.theliberatedporch.com/
• You can also connect over on Instagram - @theliberatedporch

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Micki shares her powerful journey of breaking free from the Jehovah’s Witness community and navigating life beyond its rigid confines. She reflects on the deep psychological impact of growing up in a high-control religious environment, the fear and uncertainty that came with leaving, and the struggle to redefine her identity outside of the faith. Our conversation explores the complexities of belonging, the emotional toll of losing a tight-knit community, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life on one’s own terms. Micki’s story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the transformative power of self-discovery, offering hope to those on a similar path.

Who Is Micki?

Micki, known as Apostate Barbie, spent 30 years as a Jehovah’s Witness before having a moment of awakening in October 2020. Following her departure from the tightly controlled religion in February 2021 – still a virgin at 37 years then – she embarked on a journey to rebuild her life from scratch, embracing authenticity, diversity and her sexuality. To educate others, Micki now shares her insights and deconstructs her former faith on TikTok. Her series “Random Things Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Not Allowed To Do” had over two million views, propelling her into the spotlight. As a bisexual woman who grew up in a repressive and sexist environment, Micki is especially dedicated to uplifting the voices of women and LGBTQ+ individuals who have faced similar struggles. She is from Auckland but lives in London.

Connect With Us

• Connect with Micki over on Instagram or TikTok

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

Brady’s journey from a conservative evangelical upbringing to a spiritually liberated life is a powerful exploration of faith, identity, and emotional healing. Growing up under the pressure to conform, he struggled with fear, burnout, and the need for external validation. As he stepped away from organised religion, he discovered the importance of authenticity, safe spaces for vulnerability, and meaningful human connection. His story also challenges traditional masculinity, highlighting the role of therapy and nature in his healing. In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Brady shares his path of deconstruction and reconstruction, offering a fresh perspective on spirituality and personal growth.

Who Is Brady?

Brady Rather, creator and host of the Love Like A Heretic Podcast, started his journey of spiritual liberation after exiting the evangelical church. A father, musician, artist, and creator, he seeks to create and foster human connections that make us all feel a little less alone at the end of the day. He believes that through empathy, vulnerability and compassion, we can all find a place of individual peace in our pursuit of healthy relationships, friendships and community. Brady hails from the Midwest region of the US, where he and his children enjoy connection with nature, music, art, and the occasional road trip.

Connect With Us

• You can find Brady over on Instagram - @lovelikeaheretic
• You can find the details for Brady's podcast Love Like A Heretic here
• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

Episode Summary

Jess shares her journey from a rigid religious upbringing to a more expansive and liberating spiritual understanding, shaped by her parents’ transition from Indonesian pop stars to church ministers. Growing up in a Pentecostal Charismatic environment, she struggled with purity culture, the pressure to meet impossible religious standards, and restrictive doctrines like the ‘Dating Revelation,’ which removed personal agency in relationships. As she began exploring centering prayer and reconnecting with her intuition, Jess discovered that spirituality could exist beyond the confines of the church. Her story is a powerful testament to the freedom found in self-discovery, love, and the natural world, encouraging listeners to embrace curiosity, question limiting beliefs, and seek communities that nurture authenticity.

Who Is Jess?

Jess is on a mission to live a more connected and intuitive life. A recovering pastor’s kid, she devoted her whole life to church and ministry until her mid-30s, when she began to ask questions about her faith that had no easy answers. The long process of deconstruction that followed has put her on a pathway toward deeper connection with her own embodied truths and intuition, and a more gentle way of life for her and her children. Today she offers peer support calls for people experiencing spiritual deconstruction and other major life shifts, as well as Reiki healing and Women’s Circles, all in the service of helping others connect to their own inner wisdom. Jess lives with her three brilliant kids and two quirky fur babies among the healing forests of the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne.

Connect With Us

• Find out more about the work Jess does on her website The Connected Self
• You can also connect via Facebook & Instagram

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

Episode Summary

This episode delves deep into the intricacies of coercive control and spiritual abuse within religious communities, highlighting how these dynamics can lead to profound psychological and emotional harm. Bethany, shares her extensive background in the psychology of coercive control and offers valuable insights into the signs of spiritual abuse. They discuss the BITE model, which outlines the methods high-control groups use to manipulate and isolate individuals, and explore the internal struggles victims face, such as fear, obligation, guilt, and confusion. The conversation emphasises the importance of recognising these red flags and taking steps towards healing and recovery, while also addressing the challenges loved ones encounter when trying to support someone in a coercive environment. The episode is a vital resource for those affected, encouraging them to seek safety and reclaim their autonomy in the aftermath of spiritual trauma.

Who Is Bethany?

Bethany Jantzi is a coercive control educator and consultant. Formally trained as a counsellor, she also holds a Master of Science in the Psychology of Coercive Control from the University of Salford. She is passionate about helping people understand the intricate mechanisms of coercive control and believes that every person has a fundamental right to live free from coercion, abuse, and control. Her research explored high control groups and the weaponisation of religious texts as a form of coercive control against women. Other areas of interest are trauma-coerced attachment, adult clergy sexual abuse, and the process of radicalisation.

Connect With Us

• Find out more over on Bethany's website - http://www.freefromcontrol.ca
• You can also connect over on Instagram & LinkedIn

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

Episode Summary

Nita’s journey of self-discovery reveals her struggle with queerness in a conservative environment, ultimately leading to a powerful realisation about her identity. She reflects on the trauma of leaving a once-belonging community and highlights the value of finding support outside traditional church settings. With vulnerability and honesty, Nita shows how reclaiming joy and peace can transform and empower individuals to grow into their authentic selves.

Who Is Nita?

Nita (she/they) is a licensed clinical counsellor whose jam is bringing misfits home. Her superpower is turning confusion into clarity. They do this by showing folx how to accept and walk confidently as the best version of themselves. Together, we will shatter the box of status quo and define life in your own terms.

Connect With Us

• You can find out more about Nita's work via her website - https://nitaagustincounselling.com/
• You can also connect via social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Youtube

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

Nancy reflects on her upbringing in conservative Christian circles, the challenges of being a missionary kid, and the struggles she faced in reconciling her sexuality with her spirituality. As she navigated these complexities, she discovered the importance of self-acceptance and the value of listening to one’s intuition. The discussion also touches on the impact of cultural narratives on personal identity and the transformative power of community support. Through her experiences, Nancy emphasises the need for compassion and understanding in the process of finding one’s authentic self, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys of integration and healing.

Who Is Nancy?

Nancy Shadlock is a missionary kid turned youth pastor turned spiritual director and Coming Out Coach. When Nancy finally discovered that she didn’t have to divorce her spirituality to embrace her sexuality she started creating the life she’s always dreamed of, but feared would never be possible.

Now as the Founder of Centered Consulting & Coaching and the Conscious Queer Collective and host of The Coming Out Chronicles podcast, she dedicates her time to helping people and organizations break free from metaphorical closets to bravely live the truth of how beautiful and whole they are.

Connect With Us

You can connect with Nancy via the following:

• Their website
• Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn
• Their YouTube Channel

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Kristi shares her story of growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, revealing how traditional gender roles, the belief in eternal family togetherness, and distinct doctrines shaped her upbringing. Navigating the pressures surrounding faith, sexuality, and identity, Kristi discusses her internal conflict over gay marriage, the mental health impact of church teachings, and the emotional toll of keeping secrets. She candidly reflects on her journey out of Mormonism, the role of therapy in embracing her bisexuality, and the delicate task of maintaining family bonds amid a faith transition. Kristi’s experiences highlight the importance of curiosity, grace, and authenticity when forging one’s own path.

Who Is Kristi?

Kristi Hyde is an eldest daughter, an Aries, and a natural redhead with a deep love for reading romance novels and writing poetry. Born and raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church), Kristi spent her early life in Utah before relocating to Arizona in 2019 with her partner.

A former banking professional, Kristi is now a devoted stay-at-home mum to her two daughters. Her passion for writing has culminated in her debut poetry collection, Self Deconstructing: Mormon Faith Journey Poetry, which beautifully captures her journey of faith deconstruction and personal growth.

Connect With Us

• Connect with Kristi over on Instagram.
• You can purchase Self Deconstructing: Mormon Faith Journey Poetry over on Amazon.

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.