Overcoming Anything

Overcoming Strict Religious Beliefs with Michela Giordano Castro


Listen Later

EP007 — Overcoming Strict Religious Beliefs with Michela Giordano Castro

What happens when the faith you were raised in no longer feels like home? In this episode of Overcoming Anything, I sit down with Michela Giordano Castro, a licensed clinical social worker and non-religious spirituality coach who bravely shares her journey of leaving fundamentalist Christianity. From grief and anger to finding a new path in spirituality and mental health, Michela’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and learning to love yourself through the process of transformation.

Michela Giordano Castro, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, trauma-informed therapist, and spirituality coach for women building authentic spirituality beyond religion. In her spirituality coaching, Michela combines trauma and Internal Family Systems therapy expertise with her own transformative experience to guide others in healing from religious trauma, navigating family dynamics, processing doubt, and discovering authentic spirituality beyond traditional doctrines.

Key Takeaways

1. Authenticity matters. Leaving a belief system that no longer serves you is not failure—it’s growth.

2. Feel your feelings. Grieving, anger, and doubt are all part of the healing journey.

3. Spirituality can be reclaimed. Losing religion doesn’t mean losing connection—new forms of spirituality can enrich life.

Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome & introduction
 04:05 — Michela’s mantra and Gandhi’s wisdom
 10:20 — Wrestling with faith and the moment of letting go
 18:45 — Grieving the loss of religion
 26:00 — Turning to mental health and social work as a new path
 35:20 — Lessons from deconstruction and family influences
 44:00 — Reconnecting with spirituality after 10 years
 52:15 — Advice for those questioning their faith
 01:00:00 — Recommended resources and books
 01:05:00 — Where to connect with Michela

Connect with Michela Giordano Castro:

Website/Email: [email protected]

Social: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube 

Facebook Group: Unbound Faith: Post-Christianity Spirituality

Books & Resources Michela Recommends

  • Autobiography of a Yogi — Paramahansa Yogananda https://a.co/d/99gZZVj
  • How to Change Your Mind (Netflix docuseries)
  • Surviving Death (Netflix docuseries)

Credits

Host: Anne Vryonides
Guest: Michela Giordano Castro

Disclaimer

The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, therapy, or coaching.

Please follow, download, and rate Overcoming Anything so this podcast can reach the people who need to hear it most. 

Thank you! 

❤️ Anne

 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Overcoming AnythingBy Anne Vryonides