Jessica Brazeal is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and serves as the Chief Programs
Officer at New Friends New Life as well as being co-owner of The Haven Wellness Center in
Dallas.

In this episode Jessica graciously talks with Jenny and Phil about the topic of Religious Trama: what it is, what are some of the signs of trauma, and how we can begin to leave religious spaces that are harmful to us.

Jessica asks the beautifully haunting question, "How do we begin to create our own spiritual path after religious trauma?"

She also shares about the guidance and impact of Rachel Held Evans and her writings. She credits Rachel for the spiritual freedom that came from reading her books and the invitation to be herself from Rachel's gorgeous and inclusive faith.

Jessica asks:

• Who gives you permission to engage with God in ways that feel free and true to you?
• How does religious trauma affect us as individuals and as a collective?

She also suggested this authors as you "unlearn harmful religious ideals":
Sarah Bessey, Glennon Doyle, Jen Hatmaker, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Rob Bell, Richard Rohr, Krista Tippett, Padraig O' Tuama, The Bible for Normal People, Pete Holmes, and Brian McLaren.

Her "best book ever," A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

You can also find out more about EMDR here.