{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/660366bb0e9b740016f049b5/6659827ba3bef4001262e2cd?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"“The Free Fall” with Laurie Wevers","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/660366bb0e9b740016f049b5/1717142091726-c796ab89667319a0aedc52bc65107a99.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>On this episode of the Unburdened podcast, we are joined by Laurie Wevers, a licensed marriage and family therapist and spiritual director who specializes in treating religious trauma and assisting individuals in connecting with their spirituality post trauma.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Based out of the Washington DC area, Laurie has a deep personal connection to the work she does, rooted in her own experiences of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian community and navigating the complexities of embracing her queer identity within that context.</p><p><br></p><p>However, her experiences in the church led her to question the institutional approach to spirituality and seek a path that prioritized genuine connection and inclusion. This ultimately propelled her toward spiritual direction, a transformative process that she now advocates for, especially for those seeking a non-religious path to spirituality.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout the episode, Laurie provides insight into the complexity of navigating religious trauma and finding solace on a non-religious spiritual path. Her story is a testament to the idea that it is possible to find peace, authenticity, and a sense of belonging outside the structure of organized religion.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>We discussed:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li>Laurie’s experience of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian community and the challenges she faced in reconciling her queer identity with her spiritual beliefs.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>The practice of spiritual direction, where Laurie uses rituals, intuitive listening and heart centered questions to help individuals reconnect with their true selves after leaving structured faith systems.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Fear and isolation one may feel when stepping away from a religious belief system.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Concept of freefall and the courage it takes to trust in oneself or the universe during this transition.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Laurie’s personal struggle with coming out later in life and the subsequent estrangement from family.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Importance of boundaries, the value of a chosen family, and the transformative power of hope and love in embracing one’s true self.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>How language can be triggering for those healing from spiritual trauma and the importance of creating supportive spaces that allow for healing without re-traumatization.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Learn more about Laurie Wevers:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"https://laurie-wevers.clientsecure.me/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://laurie-wevers.clientsecure.me/</a>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Learn more about the Unburdened podcast:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Instagram<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/theunburdenedpodcast/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">: @theunburdenedpodcast</a></p><p>Patreon: <a href=\"https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened</a></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Trevor Little & Carey Milne"}