Recovering From Religion

Latest Episodes:

E56: Realizing It's Over - Breaking Up(with Religion) Can Be Hard w/ Janice Selbie RPC Aug 21, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever wondered what brings religion and people together? Do you wish you would have let go of religion sooner? In this session we will examine the depths of our relationship to religion: What drew us to it in the first place? We will explore the signs that our faith was unravelling, and what kept us hanging on.

As a registered professional counsellor with a personal history of religious trauma syndrome, Janice is passionate about helping others understand their losses and embrace their new identity in the secular world. Her own deconversion experience compelled her to develop the on-line Divorcing Religion Workshop, a 6-week interactive workshop combining written exercises and group work to bring together those from diverse backgrounds who are walking a similar journey. This discussion is hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Coordinator.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org.

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E55: Dating (and other connections) as a Nonbeliever w/ Mandisa Thomas Aug 20, 2021

Show notes

Dating, seeking romantic partnerships, and establishing personal connections can be extremely challenging. As nonbelievers, it is important to evaluate our approaches and thinking, as well as manage our expectations in order to achieve the types of relationship(s) we want. Mandisa Thomas will offer advice and insight, as well as discuss possible solutions to assist with dating as a nonbeliever.

Mandisa Thomas is the Founder and President of Black Nonbelievers. She currently serves on the Boards for American Atheists and the American Humanist Association, and facilitates the Morrow, GA chapter of Recovering from Religion. In 2019, Mandisa was named the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Freethought Heroine, and was the recipient of the Secular Student Alliance’s Backbone Award. This discussion is hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Coordinator.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E54: Chris Boothman - Faces of RfR Aug 19, 2021

Show notes

We sit down with RfR Helpline agent, RfR Resource team volunteer, and IT guru, Chris Boothman. We get to know what makes Chris tick, how a childhood game resulted in a lifelong passion, his views on letting projects go and how his struggle with bullying motivated him to volunteer. He also shares his views on religion, nature, his “video on demand library” idea and a final hopeful message. It is with a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye to Chris. He expectantly passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2020. He touched so many lives, not only here at RfR, but also with whomever he connected with. He will be dearly missed. The primary focus of Recovering from Religion (RfR) is to offer hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. We are here to help each other through this journey.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E53: Creating Meaning Without God with Danielle LaSusa, Ph.D. Aug 18, 2021

Show notes

What is the meaning of life? For those who do not believe in God or religious faiths, the meaning or purpose of one’s life or of life in general can seem unclear, confusing, or simply absent. Philosopher Danielle LaSusa will discuss the various ways that we can create a strong and anchoring sense of meaning that is authentic to a secular worldview. Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. helps moms grapple with what it means to make a person. She is a Philosophical Coach and co-creator and co-host of Think Hard podcast, which brings philosophy to the real world. She has a PhD in Philosophy and a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies from Temple University, and a certification in Philosophical Counseling from the American Philosophical Practitioners Association. When her daughter was born, she damn near broke her brain trying to figure out what the hell happened. Now, she helps other moms make sense of motherhood. This discussion is hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Coordinator. Resources - Danielle’s Meaning of Motherhood Course - Hope in a Godless World - “I Had Postpartum Psychosis” - Danielle’s Story - “How to Transform Fear” - “Existentialism is a Humanism” by Jean-Paul Sartre - The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus More about Danielle LaSusa - https://daniellelasusa.com - https://thinkhardpodcast.com TED Talk “What to do when your worldview falls apart” The primary focus of a Recovering From Religion (RfR) support group is to provide ongoing and personal support to individuals as they let go of their religious beliefs. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. We are here to help each other through this journey. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, we can be reached at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

E52: Adjustment to Parenthood with Kayce Hodos, LCMHC Aug 17, 2021

Show notes

The adjustment to parenthood is one of the most stressful transitions of a lifetime. The sleep deprivation alone is enough to make you question how the human race has survived. This conversation will provide tips for managing the overwhelming demands of life with a newborn, setting boundaries with religious grandparents, and coping with postpartum depression and anxiety. We’ll also cover some realistic ways you can offer support to new parents.

Kayce Hodos is a licensed therapist in Wake Forest, NC. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of settings, including hospice, employee assistance programs, and for the last 12 years, private practice. Her current passion is supporting women through their adjustment to motherhood. She has advanced training in loss and grief and postpartum depression and anxiety, and she is a proud member of the Secular Therapy Project and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. She’s thrilled to be a part of RfR’s online mental health programming.

This discussion is hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Coordinator.

Website resources

- Postpartum Support International - https://www.postpartum.net/

- The Blue Dot Project - https://www.thebluedotproject.org/

- SkepDoc - https://www.skepdoc.info/

Book resources

- Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears Of New Mothers by Karen Kleiman

- Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth

- The Happiest Baby On The Block by Harvey Karp

- Zero To Five: 70 Essential Parenting Tips Based On Science by Tracy Cutchlow

- Bossy Pants by Tina Fey

- Yes, Please by Amy Poehler

- Annabelle & Aiden series by Joseph Becker

E51: Ask A Therapist w/ Kayce Hodos, LPC, Rebecca Williams, LMFT, and Praia Westerband-Otero, LMHC Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

What is going on in your life for which you could use the advice and counsel from a professional therapist? For this RfRx session we’ve invited 3 mental health professionals to answer your questions. They are professionals in the fields of individual therapy, relationships, pregnancy, child raising, family counselling, sex therapy, alcohol/substance abuse, stress management, grief, end-of-life, personal growth and more. Praia Westerband-Otero, LMHC, CASAC, is a mental health professional specializing in individual, relationship, alcohol/substance abuse and sex therapy with an emphasis in alternative relationships. https://remotementalhealth.net/ny/praia Rebecca Williams, LMFT, is a marriage and family therapist specializing in preserving marriages and family relationships when people leave religion. https://www.iecouplescounseling.com Kayce Hodos, LPC, is a mental health professional specializing in end-of-life, grief, motherhood, and stress management therapy with an emphasis in post-partum depression and anxiety. https://www.kaycehodos.com This discussion is hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Coordinator. RfR has an immense collection of well-curated resources available as you go through your journey, including resources for mental and physical crises, working with relationships, issues stemming from specific religions, coming out stories, and much more. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E50: How Racism & Injustice Affects Our Mental Health w/ Mandisa Thomas & Candace Gorham, LPC Aug 15, 2021

Show notes

The future of our society rests in many ways on how the ongoing challenge of racial injustice in the country is addressed. We also may not understand how racism affects the mental health and overall perspectives of people leaving religion. Yet, atheists/humanists remain divided over what, if anything, should guide humanist thought and actions toward matters of racial and other societal injustices. It is important that the secular community knows that critical thinking, education, and recovery includes addressing, understanding and undoing other societal problems as well. Mandisa Thomas is the Founder and President of Black Nonbelievers. She currently serves on the Boards for American Atheists and the American Humanist Association, and facilitates the Morrow, GA chapter of Recovering from Religion. In 2019, Mandisa was named the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Freethought Heroine, and was the recipient of the Secular Student Alliance’s Backbone Award. Candace R. M. Gorham MA, LPCS is a licensed professional mental health counselor. She is a former ordained minister turned atheist-humanist activist, researcher, and writer on issues related to race and religion. She is a member of the Black Humanist Alliance advisory board, The Secular Therapist Project, and The Clergy Project. Candace is also the author of "The Ebony Exodus Project: Why Some Black Women Are Walking Out on Religion—and Others Should Too." For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E49: Autonomy, Boundaries, & Consent w/ Marie D'Elephant Aug 14, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever struggled setting boundaries? Do you always feel like you have to please people over your own needs? Religion of all types has a tendency to tell you what you can and can’t do with your own body and thoughts. Coming out of religion one can begin to recognize that there is no longer a need to operate as if still under that old control. In this discussion, we will gain an understanding of our own autonomy, what it is, what we have autonomy over, how to establish boundaries, and how to seek consent, in addition to how to advocate for the autonomy of others.

Marie D’Elephant is a former evangelical missionary to Mexico, now an agnostic-atheist, secular humanist, and activist. She hosts the Everyone’s Autonomous Podcast, discussing themes of autonomy through a post-religion lens and the process of reintegration into the world now that we’re just apes. Marie is also a photographer with a humanist twist as well as a life coach with a specialty in ethical non-monogamy. This discussion is hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Coordinator.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E48: Our Community Is Here - Utilizing Support Groups w/ Mandisa L. Thomas Aug 13, 2021

Show notes

The feelings of isolation and despair that many experience when leaving religion can be overwhelming. Many still think they must endure the attacks and questions that come from their family and friends alone. However, secular communities abound and are waiting for you to plug into them. This week we will talk about the importance of having communities, how to find, build, get involved in and support these communities so that we can not only help ourselves, but also help others. Mandisa Thomas is the Founder and President of Black Nonbelievers. She currently serves on the Boards for American Atheists and the American Humanist Association, and facilitates the Morrow, GA chapter of Recovering from Religion. In 2019, Mandisa was named the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Freethought Heroine, and was the recipient of the Secular Student Alliance’s Backbone Award. This discussion is hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Todd Yoder, the RfR Helpline Director. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

E47: Accepting Your Sexuality After Religion w/ Praia Westerband-Otero, LMHC & Dr Darrel Ray Aug 12, 2021

Show notes

Religion can distort many things in our lives that are natural, including sex! Have you been taught that sex is only permitted in the context of marriage or procreation? Or that anything other than a monogamous heterosexual relationship will lead to damnation? That porn is addictive and will lead to a degenerate behavior? Do you struggle with guilt because you masturbate? We’ll be tackling these questions and more along with providing some helpful tools for those of us who are struggling with these issues.

Praia Westerband-Otero, LMHC, CASAC is a licensed mental health counselor and a credentialed alcohol and substance use counselor with experience providing individual psychotherapy, relationship counseling and sex therapy. She is in the process of becoming an AASECT certified sex therapist with an emphasis on alternative relationships. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. More about Praia Westerband-Otero: https://remotementalhealth.net/ny/praia by MyTherapist New York Dr. Darrel Ray is the Founder & President of Recovering from Religion. He has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: including "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality". Dr. Ray has been a student of religion most of his life and holds a Masters Degree in religion as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a Doctorate in Psychology. He has lectured around the world on sexuality and the myth of sex and porn addiction. This discussion is hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Todd Yoder, the RfR Helpline Director. RfR has an immense collection of well-curated resources available as you go through your journey, including resources for mental and physical crises, working with relationships, issues stemming from specific religions, coming out stories, and much more.

For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org.

Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

(844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada

Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer

Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate

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