Summary
In this episode, Kari answers questions from her audience. She discusses how her personal experiences and strategies inform her therapy practice, including somatic approaches, internal family systems, and narrative therapy. She also explores the importance of ecotherapy and connecting with nature. Kari addresses the question of whether it is reasonable to ask a therapist about their religious background when seeking help for religious trauma. She differentiates between biblical counseling and therapy, emphasizing the trauma-informed and evidence-based nature of therapy. Kari shares her own journey of exploring spirituality after leaving high control religion and defines wellness as a balance between body, emotions, intellect, and spirituality. She recommends books and movies for staying well and gives a preview of Season 2, which will focus on healing from high control religion.
Takeaways
Personal experiences and strategies can greatly influence a therapist's approach to therapy.
Somatic approaches, internal family systems, and narrative therapy are effective modalities for healing trauma and pain.
Ecotherapy, or connecting with nature, can have positive benefits for mental health and well-being.
It is reasonable to ask a therapist about their religious background when seeking help for religious trauma.
Biblical counseling is distinct from therapy and may not be trauma-informed or evidence-based.
Exploring spirituality after leaving high control religion can involve curiosity, self-connection, and a broadening of perspectives.
Wellness is achieved through balance in the body, emotions, intellect, and spirituality.
Reading and watching materials that resonate with personal interests and values can contribute to well-being.
Season 2 of the podcast will focus on healing from high control religion.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Q&A
01:25 Influence of Personal Experience on Therapy Practice
03:17 Internal Family Systems and Narrative Therapy
07:24 Ecotherapy and Connection with Nature
10:21 Asking Therapist's Religious Background for Religious Trauma
13:02 Difference Between Biblical Counseling and Therapy
21:08 Exploring Spirituality After Religion
23:46 Current Phase of Deconstruction
26:05 Definition of Wellness
27:28 Reading and Watching Recommendations
32:23 Preview of Season 2
Check out my podcast appearances here.
Listen to my conversation with Jessica Schafer here.
The books I referenced in this episode are:
The Language of Emotions by Karla McLaren
Stumbling: A Sassy Memoir about Coming Out of Evangelicalism by Brandon Flanery
Praying Naked by Katie Condon
Devotions by Mary Oliver
Remedy by John Roedel