This week, host Renae Johnson (they/them) and OSTC therapist Sierra Gruca (she/her) delve into the various ways individuals can experience religious trauma and the complex relationship with spirituality and community that often results.

In this episode we answer:

• If I come from a religious background and I’m queer, do I automatically have a trauma background?

• Is religious trauma different than other types of trauma? What are some characteristics I can identify?

• What beliefs or practices should I think about challenging if I have a religious background?

• How can I figure out who the real me is when I come from a religious background or have religious trauma?

Join us as we explore the layers of complexity of spirituality, trauma, identity, and community.

Therapist Bio:

Sierra Gruca AMFT (she/her/ella) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Sierra specializes in working with couples and partners in non-monogamous relationships, as well as adults experiencing overwhelm, loss, and guilt.

Host Bio:

Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies.

Renae is a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist who specializes in working with queer artists who are exploring their gender identity and recovering from complex trauma. Previous to founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community mental health services, providing therapy and as an Operations Director in non-profit organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Content transparency: trauma

Discussed in this episode: Gabor Mate