14: Leaving the Fold: Understanding Religious Trauma with Marlene Winell

The Natasha Helfer Podcast

Do you wonder why your’e having such a hard time if you’ve left your religion? Do you think it’s silly to struggle when all you’ve experienced is a “shift of beliefs”? Turns out this isn’t so silly after all! You may fit the criteria for a cPTSD diagnosis! I was so excited to have interviewed the person who developed the term "Religious Trauma Syndrome". I remember being skeptical decades ago when I heard the language. And now, after working with people from conservative and high demand religions for over two decades, I understand the significance of Marlene Winell’s work. Dr. Marlene Winell is a licensed psychologist, educator, and writer in western Massachusetts. Her background includes 30 years of experience in human services, in both community and academic settings. She holds a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University and is the author of, "Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving their Religion." Dr. Winell directs the organization, Journey Free, with services for recovery from harmful religion. In 2011, she named "Religious Trauma Syndrome." Marlene is also a filmmaker, photographer, mother, and grandmother.

Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek

Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini