I was on a podcast.

True story, right?! There are approximately over 2 million podcasts streaming, according to Spring 2021 Nielsen reports. Are you a podcast listener? 

I’ll go ahead and answer my own question with, “No, I am not an avid podcast listener.” But I was a guest speaker on one? That makes a lot of sense, I know (not). In fact, I haven’t even listened to my own interview on The Problem with Perfect podcast! 

Hmmm…so maybe you could give it a listen and let me know your thoughts? 😉 

On July 6 and July 13, 2021, I began and continued the conversation about a topic I personally and professionally relate: religious trauma. The 2-part episode, called Have you Been Hurt by the Church?, visits topics such as fundamentalism, evangelical Christianity, Purity Culture, and spiritual abuse, and the role each of these play in our mental health. Rachel, Robin and I weave our own spiritual stories in and out of the candid conversation in an attempt to give listeners language and validation for their own experiences with organized religion.

I expected to really enjoy recording the interview, and I was right! It was a lot of fun to speak openly on a topic about which I am passionate. What I did NOT expect was the feeling of complete exposure! I went ahead and just opened the door to some of my personal church-related memories and where I am currently in my faith. I work with clients every week who are recovering from hurtful encounters within a church setting and others who are not even sure if they’ve ever had a faith experience. Now, all those people, along with a nation-full of others, know some of my story! I feel both honored and vulnerable and am grateful for the opportunity to be stretched in this way. 

In the future, I will be writing more on this topic offering additional mental health services for those who are interested in exploring what I call a Faith Transition. Stay tuned.

Written by Lauren Eisleben