This week, we talk about the darker side of religious practices, exploring emotional, psychological, and even financial abuses that can occur in religious contexts. Join us as we discuss the process of deconstruction, the path to recovery, and the importance of a safe healing space. Whether you've faced religious trauma or are keen on understanding this uncharted area, this episode is a key resource.

This week, we invite counselor, teacher, researcher, and podcaster Paula Swindle to discuss the sensitive subject of religious trauma or when spirituality is weaponized instead of used as a healing tool. Swindle, who works at the Center for Healing Religious Harm, dives deep into the aspects of religious abuse and explains three broad categories of such trauma. She further highlights the importance of self-examination and transparency in her roles as a counselor, teacher, and podcaster.

00:00 Guest Quote

00:24 Opening Music

01:19 This Week's Topic

03:25 Introduction and Guest Background

04:07 Studying Religious Trauma

08:36 Understanding Religious Trauma

15:22 Counselor, Teacher, Podcaster - Navigating Power and Transparency

22:25 Final Thoughts

25:41 Recap

27:44 Closing Music

About our guest:

Paula Swindle is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in North Carolina who maintains a private practice called the Center for Healing Religious Harm. She is also an associate professor of counseling at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where she trains new counselors. Last but not least, she and her pastor co-host Sacred Intersections, a podcast about navigating the twisty roads of harmful theology, mental health, and religious abuse.

Find Paula Online

* https://www.sacredintersectionspodcast.com

* https://instagram.com/drpaulaswindle

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Dive into an enlightening journey of self-discovery with our special guest, Michael McGinnis. Embark on a captivating exploration of spirituality and personal development as Michael narrates his authentic journey that culminated in the creation of his transformative trilogy, "The Essential Revolution." Experience how this profound journey transcends the individual, sparking a global awakening.

In an age of division and chaos, McGinnis addresses the integral role of personal awakening in navigating our world. He unveils the potent impact of perspective and the liberating power of forgiveness in breaking the chains of victimhood. Whether you're seeking inner peace amidst the turbulence, longing for purpose, or thirsty for personal growth and spiritual evolution, this episode holds valuable insights for you.

00:00 Guest Quote

00:21 Opening Music

03:40 Introduction and Guest Background

04:39 The Essential Revolution: A Spiritual Allegorical Fiction

06:39 Impact of the Book Series

09:31 The Connection Between the Book and Current World Events

11:19 Understanding the Victim Mindset

18:58 The Essential Revolution: A Global Awakening

25:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

26:37 Recap

29:10 Closing Music

About our guest:

Michael "Mike" McGinnis, Jr., also known as The Jungle Writer, is an author dedicated to the global awakening of humanity. He is best known for his Essential Revolution series. A spiritual powerhouse, he is also an entrepreneur, big wave surfer, and race car driver, using his transformational experiences to inspire others. Currently involved in a reforestation-backed crypto project, Mike's work serves as a beacon of introspection and self-realization.

Find Michael online:

www.michaelmcginnis.com

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More about the host (The Mystic Geek)Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/socialCheck out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.comBook an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com

Journey into the intriguing realm of psychedelic therapy. This week, we welcome Anne Metz, a groundbreaking psychedelic therapist, as we delve into the unexplored depths of mind-altering substances and their potential in treating mental health conditions.

Discover the journey that led Anne to this revolutionary field, influenced by the insightful work of author Michael Pollan. Together, Jessica and Anne explore the nuances of psychedelics and how they stand apart from conventional drugs, shedding light on their resurgence as a novel solution to mental health problems.

Addressing pressing issues like responsible regulation of psychedelic substances, Anne draws interesting parallels between the current scenario and past challenges like the opioid crisis. Not one to shy away from future prospects, the conversation also navigates the promising research landscape and potential benefits, particularly for veterans struggling with PTSD.

Tune in to understand the strides taken by states like Oregon and Colorado in developing accessible community-based treatments and decriminalizing plant-based psychedelics. Gain insight into the necessity of ethical practice, rigorous training, and the spirit of inquisitiveness in this emerging field. Listen, learn, question, and grow with us on this mind-bending journey.

About Our Guest: 

Anne is a psychedelic therapist who came into the profession after working as a community-based mental health care provider. She found that a lot of her clients were struggling to get the results they wanted from traditional therapy and wanted to find new ways to support them. She found out about psychedelics from Michael Pollan's book, How to Change Your Mind, which led her to seek out training on plant-medicine-based treatments. She is a Southern New Hampshire University faculty member and holds licenses to practice counseling in multiple states.

Anne's passion for therapeutic uses of psychedelics and her commitment to social reform have led to groundbreaking research and significant policy changes. When not working, she’s exploring the great outdoors in her current home of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Find Anne online:

* www.annemetz.com

* https://www.instagram.com/doctormetz

Support our show:Subscribe to this channel to receive notifications of upcoming episodesShare this episode with your friendsPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us:

More about the host (The Mystic Geek)Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/socialCheck out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.comBook an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com