Religious Trauma Therapist On Identity, Self Sabotage, and Queer Identity After Religion (SC Nealy)

Intrinsically Ordered

On this episode of The Intrinsically Ordered Podcast, I sit down with SC Neely—therapist, author of 30+ books, and specialist in religious trauma and queer/trans identity. We explore the real signs of religious trauma, how it overlaps with complex PTSD, and the unique challenges queer people face when deconstructing from high-control religious environments.
We cover the roadmap from questioning to deconstruction to rebuilding identity, how trauma shows up in the body, why labels can feel overwhelming, and practical steps for reclaiming identity, sexuality, and community outside of religion.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your religious past still affects your identity today, this conversation will give you clarity, compassion, and tools for healing.
00:00 Understanding Religious Trauma
08:28 Navigating Identity After Leaving Religion
29:15 Practical Steps for Rebuilding Life Post-Religion
41:47 Recognizing Self-Sabotage from Religious Trauma
46:47 Dealing with Feeling Behind in Life
51:01 Managing Anger After Leaving Religion
54:54 Exploring Queer Spaces and Identities
01:10:49 The Lifelong Journey of Healing from Trauma

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