Episode 247: Therapy for Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse [featuring Michelle Moseley]
In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Michelle Moseley, LCMHC, who provides trauma-informed, weight-inclusive, and neurodivergent-affirming counseling for survivors of religious/spiritual harm and individuals who struggle with body image.
They discuss the factors that play into religious and spiritual harm, including the impact it can have on a person, and what therapeutic approaches are helpful vs. harmful.
Here are 3 key takeaways:
- Specialization Goes Beyond Lived Experience: Lived experience with religious trauma can inform our work as clinicians, but true specialization comes from doing our own healing and seeking diverse, continuing education, not just relying on personal background.
- Common Themes in Religious Trauma: Clients often present with gender-based discrimination, purity culture wounds, and a struggle with autonomy—especially when coming from high-control or patriarchal religious environments.
- The Importance of Safe Community and Normalizing Questions: Questioning long-held beliefs is a healthy part of growth. Providing safe spaces and support groups can help those navigating deconstruction realize they’re not alone, and that curiosity is a sign of development, not wrongdoing.
More about Michelle
Michelle F. Moseley, LCMHC, (she/her) is a mental health counselor in North Carolina. She specializes in supporting folks who have received messages throughout life that they are "too much", yet somehow also "never enough." Her work includes providing trauma-informed, weight-inclusive, and neurodivergent-affirming counseling services to survivors of religious/spiritual harm and to those who struggle with body image or feeling disconnected from their body, as well as supporting late-identified neurodivergent individuals. In addition to her counseling services, she also provides consultation and continuing education courses for mental health professionals, as well as educational workshops for various groups and organizations. Michelle believes that ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and to feel heard.
Check out Michelle's continuing education courses. Info can be found at michellefmoseley.com/continuing-education
- Instagram: @therapy_with_michelle
- Facebook: facebook.com/MichelleFMoseleyCounseling
- Website: michellefmoseley.com
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Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
