In episode 33 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, "When Religion Hurts You: with Dr. Laura E. Anderson", hosts Mattie and Ashleigh welcome first time guest Dr. Laura Anderson to the CND conversation. Dr. Anderson is a psychotherapist, trauma resolution and recovery coach, educator, and creator who specializes in complex trauma with a focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence and religious trauma. 

She is the founder and director of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery, an online coaching company where she and the other practitioners work with clients who have experienced high demand/high control religions, adverse religious experiences, cults, and religious trauma. And, she is co-founder of the Religious Trauma Institute and the author of the book When Religion Hurts You: Healing from Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion, a book we cannot recommend enough!

In this episode, Dr. Anderson shares her own story of growing up in fundamentalism and what eventually led to her exit. We discuss high control religion, Adverse Religious Experiences, and the impact trauma has on the nervous system. Dr. Anderson also gives listeners some tips on ways to regulate the nervous system and begin to heal.  

Resources: 
You can find Dr. Anderson on Instagram @drlauraanderson where she provides daily content offering wisdom and encouragement for those healing from religious trauma. 

You can also schedule an appointment with a counselor who specializes in high demand/high control religions, adverse religious experiences, cults, and religious trauma through the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery:https://www.traumaresolutionandrecovery.com/

Listen to Dr. Anderson’s podcast, Sunday School Dropouts on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more information about the Religious Trauma Institute, check out the website. https://www.religioustraumainstitute.com/