Bodies Behind the Bus is a podcast that has created a space for survivors of spiritual abuse and religious trauma to reclaim their stories. I have been listening to this podcast for over a year. I have resonated with the similarities that so many of the stories share, and have felt deep connection with some of the storytellers even though I’ve never met them. 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 on your favorite podcast platform, and follow along on both Facebook and Instagram.
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 being 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 10 years since leaving vocational ministry in 2013 has shaped my current work as a 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 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 creates spiritual abuse and allows for healthy, whole individuals to flourish.
If you find yourself looking for further resources, the following list is a few that I hope you’ll find helpful.
LOOKING FOR A THERAPIST?
If you are located in NC or FL 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 consultation chat to see if I might be a good fit to support you with your concerns.
For folks in locations outside of NC or FL, the Reclamation Collective Therapist Directory is a great place to start your search for a therapist who works with concerns related to religious trauma.
FOR FAITH LEADERS
I recently facilitated version 1.0 of the Religious Trauma Seminar for Faith Leaders and am in the process of making this into an on-demand, virtual course. This material provides an understanding of trauma and the common ways that faith leaders may encounter mental health concerns in their roles within churches and faith-based organizations. The material also offers resources to further learn in this area and help make faith-based spaces more trauma responsive.
If you are interested in bringing the in-person seminar to your location or in completing the virtual course, take a moment to learn more and complete this survey so you can be informed of future offerings.
FOR OTHER MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS
I offer consultation around the topic of 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. If this is something you are interested in exploring, complete this contact form and we can schedule a time to talk about your needs and goals as a provider.
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 is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NC, and a Registered Telehealth Provider in FL. 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. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website at MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
