Shows
Mindful ElevationFrom Shame to Safety: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Identity and Healing with Ann RussoHow do we move from internalized shame to a place of self-acceptance and safety? In this episode, trauma-informed therapist Ann Russo, LCSW, joins us to discuss the impact of shame on the body and mind, particularly within queer and marginalized identities. Through mindfulness practices like body scans and self-compassion, we explore ways to challenge negative beliefs and cultivate healing. Whether you’re on a personal journey of self-discovery or supporting others, this conversation offers insight, validation, and practical tools for reclaiming your sense of wholeness.
Resources:
https://www.amrtherapy.com/
https://marl...2025-06-2331 min
The Process of HealingAnger ISN'T the Enemy: Ann Russo on Embracing Your Feelings in the Healing ProcessSend us a textIn this episode of 'The Process of Healing,' David converses with Ann Russo about the complex journey of trauma and recovery. David and Ann discuss various elements of trauma, including personal experiences, the influence of societal norms on emotional expression, particularly in men, and the critical importance of advocacy and authenticity in healing. Ann shares her own background, growing up in a queer household, engaging in social justice work, and eventually becoming a therapist specialized in marginalized communities. They also touch on religious trauma and how it intersects with queerness, as well...2025-05-2953 min
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parenting LGBTQ+ Teens & Growing Into a Courageous Ally#163 | 5 Ways Religious Trauma Impacts LGBTQ Lives—and How Allies Can Offer Real GuidanceIn a profound exploration of religious trauma, this episode delves into the intricate dynamics between faith and LGBTQ identities. The insightful dialogue between the host Heather Hester and her guest, Ann Russo, unveils the complexities of navigating one’s beliefs in the aftermath of experiencing trauma rooted in high-control religious environments. They talk about the psychological ramifications of such experiences, particularly for those who identify as LGBTQ, and emphasize the critical importance of recognizing the signs of religious trauma. By sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights, they illuminate the path toward healing, underscoring the value of therapeutic interventions and co...2025-05-2035 min
u-haulers | A Lesbian PodcastA sit down with religious trauma Psychotherapist Ann RussoSend us a textThis week on U-Haulers, we sit down with Anne Russo—licensed psychotherapist, founder of AMR Therapy, and an expert in religious trauma. Anne shares her wildly unique upbringing with a gay dad, his partner, and her mom in what would now be called a lavender marriage—while later pursuing a master’s in religious studies and studying alongside actual nuns. We dive deep into how queerness, spirituality, and purity culture collide, and what healing looks like when your body and identity were once framed as sinful. This episode is a balm for anyone unpack...2025-05-1553 min
Beyond The SurfaceBonus - Deconstructing Monogamy & Exploring Polyamory with Ann RussoThis podcast episode delves into the intricate topic of deconstructing monogamy, wherein we engage in a profound exploration of diverse relationship structures. Our conversation centres on the societal norms surrounding monogamy, particularly within high-control faith contexts, and the implications these norms have on individual identity and relational dynamics. The episode not only illuminates the challenges faced by individuals questioning traditional relationship models but also highlights the potential for growth and self-discovery that arises from such explorations. Throughout, we advocate for open dialogue and the importance of understanding the values that underpin our relational choices, encouraging listeners to embrace their...2025-05-111h 10
Better Sex285: Sexual Empowerment with Ann RussoIn this episode of the Better Sex podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman interviews Ann Russo, an expert on sexual empowerment. They discuss the concept of sexual empowerment, its importance for individuals across different sexual orientations and gender identities, and the benefits and barriers to achieving it. Ann shares insights from her work and personal experiences, exploring how societal and cultural messages, particularly around religion and female sexuality, contribute to disempowerment. They also discuss how people can begin to unlearn harmful messages and reclaim their pleasure and sexual identity. Throughout the conversation, they touch on topics such as trauma, marginalized communities...2025-05-0530 min
Deeply Well with Devi BrownWhat is Religious Trauma? with Ann RussoIn this powerful episode, Devi is joined by mental health advocate and thought leader Ann Russo for a conversation that speaks directly to the hearts of those healing from religious trauma. Ann brings deep wisdom and compassion as we explore what it means to reclaim your agency after experiencing harm in spiritual or religious spaces. Together, they dive into the often-unspoken complexities of religious trauma — how it impacts identity, self-worth, and the connection to something greater. Ann shares her groundbreaking Religious Trauma Treatment Model, offering a path toward healing that honors both faith and authenticity, especially for th...2025-04-2448 min
Manders MindsetShifting More Than Mindset: The Body Tension Connection with Ann Hince | 127Feedback on the show? Send us a message!In this fascinating and soul-stirring episode of Manders Mindset, Amanda welcomes transformation guide and author Ann Hince, who takes listeners on an extraordinary journey of emotional healing, self-awareness, and physical transformation. From the moment Ann realized that her childhood traumas were still shaping her adult life, to how she learned to release years of stored pain not just emotionally, but physically this episode is a masterclass in deep, somatic healing.Ann explains how she used Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), intentional awareness, and inner...2025-04-1449 min
Fkd Up By FaithNEW SEASON! Episode 33 - with Ann RussoI am delighted to release new episode and indeed a whole new season of Fkd Up By Faith! I had a great conversation in this episode with Ann Russo (she/her). Ann is a licensed clinical social worker, mental health advocate, educator, and thought leader specializing in addressing complex and often stigmatized topics such as religious trauma, sexual empowerment, ethical non-monogamy, queer identity, and inclusivity in mental health.We talked about religious trauma, the LGBTQ+ community, the current US political climate and its impacts, and Julian of Norwich's cat!TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE AT https://judemills.com...2025-04-0739 min
A Jaded Gay143. Heal from Religious Trauma (with Ann Russo)For gay men raised in religious environments, they often internalize harmful messages that condemn their sexual orientation, fostering a deep sense of unworthiness or fear. This religious trauma can manifest in lasting struggles with shame and self-acceptance, but through self-compassion, supportive communities, and healing practices, they can reclaim their sense of authenticity and pride in their identity.In this episode, Ann Russo, a religious trauma and queer empowerment specialist and founder of AMR Therapy, joins us to discuss how religious trauma impacts LGBTQ+ individuals and share strategies for reclaiming their sexuality and improving their mental health.2025-03-2536 min
The Spiritually Curious TherapistHealing Religious Trauma and Embracing Sexual Empowerment with Ann RussoIn this episode of the Spiritually Curious Therapist podcast, I welcomes Ann Russo, a therapist and thought leader specializing in healing religious trauma, sexual empowerment, ethical non-monogamy, and queer identity. Anne shares her unique journey from growing up in a non-traditional household to becoming an advocate and healer. We discuss the importance of understanding and integrating spirituality into therapeutic practices, navigating high control religious environments, and facilitating sexual empowerment. Anne also introduces her upcoming book and the Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM), emphasizing the significance of identity reconstruction, self-trust, and emotional regulation. The conversation delves into how therapists can...2025-03-2442 min
Everything Coworking381. Turning Coworking Members into Community Builders – Liz Barney on Cahoots’ ExperimentCoworking spaces often promise community—but what does it really take to build one that’s engaged, vibrant, and truly member-driven? Liz Barney, Director of Marketing & Community at Cahoots in Ann Arbor, Michigan, joins us to share how her journey from remote worker to coworking leader led to a game-changing experiment: a member-led approach to building community and social events. In this episode, we dive into: How Cahoots launched its “Community Committee” and empowered members to take ownership of events and initiatives. Why structured, member-led engagement can be more effective than traditio...2025-03-1957 min
The Divorcing Religion PodcastAnn Russo, LCSW - Sexuality & Religious TraumaAnn Russo, LCSW - Sexuality & Religious TraumaDIVORCED: Fundamentalist ChristianityMy guest today is Licensed Clinical Social Worker ANN RUSSO.As the founder and director of AMR Therapy, Ann is a mental health advocate, educator, and thought leader specializing in addressing complex and often stigmatized topics such as religious trauma, sexual empowerment, ethical non-monogamy, queer identity, and inclusivity in mental health.Ann knows that understanding the impact of religious trauma on identity, relationships, and mental health is essential to healing religious trauma. To that end, she has developed what s...2025-03-1256 min
Men, Sex & Pleasure with Cam Fraser#243 Unmasking Masculinity: Embracing Authenticity, Healing from Religious Shame, and Redefining Gender (with Ann Russo)Key Points:Exploring identity and authenticity Ann and Cam discuss the importance of understanding and embracing one's authentic identity, whether related to gender, , spirituality, or other aspects of the self. They emphasize the need to move beyond prescriptive societal norms and labels, and instead focus on self-discovery and self-acceptance.Unpacking religious trauma and shameAnn explains her work helping clients who have experienced religious trauma, particularly from high-control religious groups. She discusses how this can lead to anxiety, depression, and shame around and relationships. Cam shares his own...2025-03-0755 min
Sex, Drugs, & Soul65. Soulful Sexuality: Healing From Religious Trauma & Embracing Authenticity with Ann RussoSend us a textPurity culture, religious trauma, and societal expectations have shaped how we view sexuality and relationships. Ann Russo joins us this week to challenge these narratives, exploring self-discovery, non-monogamy, and the power of authenticity. They discuss the impact of shame, the healing potential of kink and BDSM, and the importance of consent and self-love. About Ann Russo: She is a mental health professional, author, and advocate focused on sex positivity, queer issues, and religious trauma. She provides training, consulting, and publications to enhance mental health care. Her CE courses, p...2025-03-0349 min
The Broken BrainReligious & Social Trauma in Queer Patients, with Ann Russo, LCSWAnn Russo is a clinical social worker, therapist, and founder of AMR Therapy & Support Services. She specializes in healing religious trauma, client empowerment, and inclusivity in mental health. Ann is a strong advocate for all survivors within marginalized communities. Follow her work at www.amrtherapy.com Visit www.dcoffeyfoundation.org to support this month's highlighted nonprofit, helping youth to further their education through athleticism.2025-02-2552 min
WanderingHow to Heal Your Relationships by Embracing Your Body and Sexuality with Ann Russo
Ann Russo is a mental health professional, author, and advocate specializing in sex positivity, queer issues, and religious trauma. She offers training programs, consulting services, and publications to support mental health providers and improve client care.Ann’s Continuing Education (CE) Courses are in the final phase of approval by ASWB/ACE for social workers, MFTs, and APCCs. Her key courses include Understanding Ethical Non-Monogamy, Sexual Health and Religious Trauma, Healing from Sexual Trauma, BDSM and Kink.
Her vision is to offer inclusive mental health support, sex positivity, queer issues, and the intersection of religion and sexuality. Her ai...2025-02-2454 min
Behavioral Health TodayUnpacking Shame: Non-Monogamy, LGBTQ+ Identity, & Religious Trauma with Ann Russo, LCSW – Episode 360
Healing from religious trauma means separating doctrine from personal truth, allowing space for love, identity, and non-monogamy without judgment. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon welcomes Ann Russo, a licensed therapist and founder of AMR Therapy, which provides mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and those in non-traditional relationships. With a background in Theological Studies and Social Work, Ann combines compassion with a deep understanding of sexuality, spirituality, and mental health. Ann is also developing the Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM), a framework helping professionals guide clients through the wounds of high-control religious systems. Join us...2025-02-0448 min
talk.activeep.1 Comment construire et entretenir son réseau dans la mode - Avec Tabatha RussoDans ce nouvel épisode, j’ai le plaisir d’accueillir Tabatha Russo, une amie précieuse que j'ai rencontrée sur les bancs de l'école de communication. Ensemble, nous plongeons dans les coulisses du monde de la mode, avec un accent particulier sur son expérience unique en alternance au sein du prestigieux NUMERO MAGAZINE, où elle a occupé le poste de chargée de production.À travers une conversation sincère et inspirante, nous abordons des thèmes essentiels :L'importance de s'entourer des bonnes p...2025-02-0242 min
Queer TheologyQueer Affirming Therapy an interview with Ann RussoWe’re joined by Ann Russo, a queer therapist, who shares her journey of growing up in a queer household and navigating the complexities of identity, religion, and acceptance. She discusses the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in religious spaces, the importance of support systems, and the impact of religious trauma. Ann emphasizes the need for therapists to be transparent and knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues and offers insights into finding the right therapist. Our conversation highlights stories of transformation and the significance of intergenerational relationships within the queer community.
Takeaways
Ann Russo identifies as a q...2024-12-1543 min
queertheology's podcastQueer Affirming Therapy an interview with Ann RussoWe’re joined by Ann Russo, a queer therapist, who shares her journey of growing up in a queer household and navigating the complexities of identity, religion, and acceptance. She discusses the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in religious spaces, the importance of support systems, and the impact of religious trauma. Ann emphasizes the need for therapists to be transparent and knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues and offers insights into finding the right therapist. Our conversation highlights stories of transformation and the significance of intergenerational relationships within the queer community. Takeaways Ann Russo identifies as...2024-12-1543 min
Real Talk, Whole LifeEpisode 143: What Helps Queer Folks - Conversion Therapy or Gender Affirming Care? w/ Ann RussoAnn Russo is a licensed therapist and advocate, passionate about understanding the intersections of mental health, sexuality, and spirituality. Ann and Stacy discuss the mental, emotional, and physical ramifications of interventions like conversion therapy and gender affirming care, why leading with love matters, and why our society is only as good as our most marginalized.Find Ann:
AnnRusso.org
AMRTherapy.com
LinkedIn.com/in/annrussolcsw
Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel and visit RealEverything.com!We also want to give a big th...2024-12-1355 min
Introducing MeAnn: Mental Health and Religious TraumaAnn Russo founded a private practice, turned into a larger corporation, AMR Therapy, to provide mental health services for marginalized communities. She has researched and studied religious trauma and how that intersects with mental health. More recently, she has created trainings for other mental health professionals surrounding trauma with Christianity and has gotten a book deal to focus on religious trauma as a whole.
Ann’s Practice: https://www.amrtherapy.com
Ann’s Website: https://www.annrusso.org
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share...2024-12-0345 min
Everything & Anything...and a bit gay PodcastEpisode 47: LGBTQ+ Community & Religion. Can you be Christian and gay/trans?Ann Russo and I explore the complex relationship between religion and the LGBTQ+ community. Raised in a queer household, Ann began her spiritual journey at 18, experimenting with different faiths. Along the way, she's had encounters with the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. Her personal evolution—navigating both her identity and spirituality—is both compelling and thought-provoking. Learn more about Ann at https://www.annrusso.org/. Quince - Love their clothes!! Upgrade your wardrobe with pieces made to last with Quince. Go to Quince.com/abitgay for free shipping on your order and 365-day r...2024-11-3034 min
Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast127. Scaling Success: How Lee Ann & Jamie Willard Built a Multi-Location Executive Suite BrandGet ready for an inspiring conversation with Lee Ann and Jamie Willard, co-owners of W Executive Suites, a family-led flexible workspace brand. From overcoming imposter syndrome to balancing family and business dynamics, the Willard sisters share their journey of scaling a successful executive suite business while staying true to their values. We talked about: How Lee Ann and Jamie transitioned from traditional commercial real estate to flexible workspaces. The challenges and rewards of running a family business. Insights into managing a lean team while maintaining exceptional hospitality. Their approach...2024-11-2650 min
In The Den with Mama DragonsQueerness, Theology, and TherapySend us a textWe've had quite a few therapists on this podcast, and they have all shared so much wisdom and compassionate advice for us and our families. This week In the Den, our host Sara sits down with therapist Ann Russo, who specializes in the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ issues. They discuss a range of topics surrounding mental health, spirituality, and queerness. Special Guest: Ann RussoAnn Russo is a mental health professional, author, and a...2024-11-2556 min