Compassionately Liberated
Empowerment
Freedom
Resilience
FAQs
Compassionately Liberated offers a safe space to heal, grow, and thrive. Below are questions and answers regarding ESS.
Empowered Spirit System FAQs
ESS is a 20 week transformative religious trauma recovery program for women who are ready to put the pain and shame from their religious trauma behind them and begin living lives of peace and fulfillment.
Am I a good fit for ESS?
You are a good fit for ESS if: ~You grew up in a highly controlled/cult like religious home and continue to feel the impact with ongoing feelings of shame, anxiety, self-loathing, and fear. ~You joined a highly controlled religion as as an adult and you are dealing with the impact of leaving the church or you are currently in the process of leaving a church. ~You have tried traditional therapy methods with minimal progress ~You are ready to break out of the 50 min/week therapy model and join a program that provides both individual and group therapy ~You are ready to commit your time and resources to releasing the pain and trauma from your religious trauma and move into living your fullest and most abundant life.
Do I have to share the details of my trauma with the group?
~ESS is about creating a greater sense of voice and choice. ~Being able to benefit from the support of others who have walked the same path and felt the similar pain can be extremely beneficial. ~At the time, you need to feel safe with being vulnerable and accessing your personal power. ~ESS will NEVER force you to share your story or any information that you are uncomfortable sharing. ~Challenge by choice! NOT challenge by force.
Why not just do weekly therapy or read a book on religious trauma, won't that be enough?
~While weekly therapy, books, and podcasts offer valuable insights into religious trauma, they often lack the vital support system of others who truly understand your experience. ~Without the structure and accountability of a dedicated program, it can be difficult to make lasting progress. ~ESS goes beyond information; it provides a holistic approach to healing. With ESS, you’ll regulate your nervous system using evidence-based techniques, undergo transformative EMDR intensives to heal deep-rooted trauma, and form genuine connections through group activities. ~You won’t just learn—you’ll experience liberation, healing, and the strength that comes from a community walking the same path.
Who is not a good fit for ESS?
ESS could potentially not be a good fit for you if: ~You prefer the traditional format of weekly therapy and prefer to use your time in therapy to check in about the events of the week (there can be value in this, but this is not what ESS is about) ~You are not experiencing any adverse effects from your religious abuse/trauma and feel it is fully in the past ~You don't have time/financial resources to commit to the program at this time ~You feel you are benefiting from podcasts, books, etc and don't feel a need to dig deeper and create a community of acceptance and connection.
Do I have to be an atheist or disconnected from all religions to participate in ESS?
~Compassionately Liberated provides services to people of all backgrounds in a religiously neutral, shame free, and a compassionate filled space. ~The goal of ESS is to highlight the negative impacts of controlling and manipulative religious environments while maintaining a neutral stance toward individuals' personal religious beliefs without challenging anyone’s current faith or practices. ~Participants in groups will respect each person's journey and the current stage in their faith.
Why would I pay for an ESS or an Intensive when I can just use my insurance for a nominal fee?
~Paying out of pocket for the ESS program is a powerful investment in faster, deeper healing. ~ You might want to ask yourself what is the value of your well-being - what is the price of the peace and freedom that you've been longing for? ~Unlike weekly therapy through insurance, which can be slow and restricted, ESS provides much more support and resources than you could ever obtain in weekly individual sessions. ~Investing in ESS allows for uninterrupted progress with the support of a like minded community and a customized approach tailored to your needs. ~This immersive experience often leads to quicker, more lasting relief, freeing you to move forward without the burden of your traumatic past. ~ In short, ESS offers you the focused, unrestricted healing path that weekly sessions can’t provide—making it a worthy, life-changing investment.
"Anything that is "wrong" with you began
as a survival mechanism in childhood." ...Gabor Maté
How doe the ESS program help me heal from religious trauma?
The ESS program takes place over the course of 5 consecutive months including 3 transformative phases--REGULATE, HEAL, and LIBERATE.*
Phase 1: REGULATE
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu is know for his famous quote, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
In Phase 1, you will begin your "1000 mile journey" by learning the importance of nervous system regulation as the foundation to healing your trauma.
You will map your nervous system and learn specific skills to help build resilience so you can manage whatever life stressors come your way.
You will participate in both individual check ins and group therapy throughout Phase 1.
Phase 2: HEAL
In Phase 2 , you will go deep to finally heal and release the trauma that is holding you back from living your dream life. In this phase you will participate in EMDR intensives in your individual sessions and continue to connect with your group.
Group work will empower you to break free from people-pleasing patterns by confidently asserting and honoring your own needs. You'll learn how to set healthy boundaries and gain a clear sense of who you are—unburdened by the weight of religious trauma.
Phase 3: LIBERATE
For Phase 3, after healing the wounds of your religious trauma, you are now ready to embrace true liberation and step into a life marked by post-traumatic growth and empowered, authentic relationships.
This phase is about reclaiming your freedom and celebrating the person you’ve become.
You’ll have individual check-ins to support your continued transformation, and you’ll culminate this journey with your group in a momentous "graduation" celebration—honoring your strength, resilience, and newfound sense of empowerment.
*Disclaimer:
Results from this program will vary and are largely dependent on each individual's level of participation and commitment. The more fully you engage with the process, the more likely you are to experience meaningful outcomes. While we are here to provide guidance, tools, and support, your active involvement plays a crucial role in your healing journey.
“A marker of healing from religious trauma is not simply the process of deconstructing one’s worldview and identity and rebuilding a new one; it is also the willingness to remain open to shifting and changing over the course of one’s life.”
Laura Anderson