CW: Abuse against minors

Katharina Meredith grew up in a New Age cult from age 10 years old until 20. This week in the second part of her episode, she moves forward into what she experienced as a teen. Girls in the group were partnered with adults and taught to hide any disgust or dislike that they felt. Every day was a battle with normal emotional responses because, with the school of thought, it was a ‘weakness’ they needed to put aside to be like gods.

She protected herself by always operating on “I’m fine.” Pushing away any emotions or trauma was how she survived. When Katharina wanted to have children, she went to therapy and counseling to help her accept and transform her reactions to be more productive. She is now a PhD student focusing on subjects like Community Psychology and Extremism.

Katharina Meredith helped to further develop and eventually spearhead the non-profit "Stronger After" which was started by Rachel Bernstein, Lee Marsh, and Frances Peters:

https://www.stronger-after.org/

Stay tuned, Before You Go: Survivors sometimes defensively retreat when they finally begin to feel comfortable and vulnerable again. Years of daily stress or repressing emotions to survive can have continuous physiological effects even long after leaving an abusive relationship.