I was recently invited to be a guest on Bodies Behind the Bus, a podcast created to provide a space for survivors of spiritual abuse and religious trauma to reclaim their stories. I have been listening to this podcast since it first began, and I have resonated with the similarities that so many of the stories share. I have felt a deep connection with some of the storytellers even though I’ve never actually met them because so many elements of each survivor’s story connect to my own. I have also been grateful for the platform that Johnna and Jay, the hosts and both survivors themselves, have created and shared to allow survivors to share their stories.
You can subscribe to episodes of Bodies Behind the Bus on your favorite podcast platform, and follow along on both Facebook and Instagram.
And, if you’re wondering who I am, let me introduce myself. I’m Michelle F. Moseley, LCMHC, a licensed mental health counselor in North Carolina who specializes in working with those who have experienced spiritual abuse or religious trauma, as well as folks who are navigating shifts in their beliefs. I spent almost a decade working in evangelical Christian ministry prior to becoming a licensed counselor, and experienced both spiritual abuse and religious trauma personally (though I didn’t have the words for what was happening at the time).
It was an incredible honor to be able to chat with Johnna and Jay recently. The content of our conversations became the backbone of 2 podcast episodes that have recently gone out into the world. I’m excited to share them with you here.
My Story
My own experience of spiritual abuse and religious trauma has impacted every corner of my humanity and literally changed the trajectory of my life. In my first chat with Johnna and Jay, I share details about my experience working in ministry, my forced termination from my ministry role, and the aftereffects of the abuse I experienced.
You can listen to that episode on your favorite podcast platform – look for “Ep. 46 – Michelle’s Story / USA / College Campus Ministry.”
For your convenience, here are links to the episode on a few popular platforms:
Where The Story Led
I joined Johnna and Jay for a 2nd conversation, where we discussed how my story of navigating the decade since my exit from vocational ministry in 2013 has shaped my current work as a licensed mental health therapist. I share my educational and professional journey to my current role providing support to other survivors. I also talk about what religious trauma is and some of the common ways it can show up in folks’ lives, as well as how to connect with a qualified mental health provider.
You can listen to this 2nd conversation on your favorite podcast platform – look for “Ep. 47 – Therapy After Religious Trauma with Michelle Moseley.”
For your convenience, here are links to this episode on a few popular platforms:
Want More?
Thanks for taking the time to read this post, and to listen to these podcast episodes. My hope is that each story of survival that finds its way into the light helps change the culture that allows spiritual abuse to flourish. Let’s create a world that honors healthy, whole individuals and holds abusers accountable!
If you find yourself looking for further resources, the following list offers a few that I hope you’ll find helpful.
LOOKING FOR A THERAPIST?
If you are located in NC and interested in working with me, you can contact me here. I offer both individual and group counseling opportunities, and am happy to offer a 15-minute, free, virtual consultation chat to see if I might be a good fit to support you with your concerns.
For folks in other locations, the Reclamation Collective Resource Directory or the Empathy Paradigm Therapist Directory are helpful places to start your search for a therapist who works with concerns related to religious trauma.
FOR FAITH LEADERS
It is imperative that those who lead within churches and religious organizations are familiar with spiritual abuse and are actively working to create trauma-informed spaces. I offer a Trauma-Informed Ministry Training to assist faith leaders in understanding mental health, caring for both themselves and those within their congregation or group, and being aware of supportive resources to refer folks to for additional care. Additionally, I provide the Creating Safer Spaces workshop to support group leaders (think about Bible studies or small groups within your church or organization) in cultivating trauma-informed spaces.
These educational opportunities have been created out of my own experience leading and participating in a wide variety of faith-based settings, as well as my training and clinical work as a licensed mental health counselor. I’m able to bring my unique perspective alongside the specific needs of your group and provide a workshop that meets your needs and the needs of those you serve. I’d love to hear from you and work together to help address the impacts of trauma and cultivate spaces where abuse doesn’t occur.
FOR OTHER MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS
I believe it’s imperative that we, as licensed mental health providers, are not only trauma-informed but also religious trauma informed. We are seeing more people navigating shifts in beliefs and becoming aware of harm that has been rooted in religious systems. We need to be able to competently discuss religion and spirituality with clients, including supporting those who may have experienced spiritual abuse or religious trauma.
I am an NBCC-approved CE provider, regularly offering Continuing Education options on topics related to religious harm and clinical work. I also offer Professional Consultation to support therapists who are working with survivors of spiritual abuse and religious trauma. This may include helping you understand the similarities and nuances of religious trauma as compared to other types of trauma. This may also include some case consultation to assist you in your work clients. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about either of these services to support you in professional growth.
Thank you to Johnna, Jay, and their small team behind the Bodies Behind the Bus podcast! Your work is important and the stories of survivors matter!
Michelle F. Moseley (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC (#12491). She believes ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and access to mental and physical healthcare. Michelle specializes in working with survivors of religious trauma, and with those who have body image concerns, finding there is frequent overlap in these areas. She also frequently supports late-identified neurodivergent individuals as they navigate the grief and relief of a new understanding of self. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website at MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
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