Meet The Team
Our Team
Jane Kennedy
“I’m a Sydney based Counsellor working on Wan-Gal land.
I have lived experience of religious trauma and work with people as they go through faith transitions, leave church and/or God. This experience, still frequently misunderstood, can be life-altering. I work with language and framing for the complexities of religious trauma in the counselling space and work with other Australian therapists to broaden knowledge among those working with affected clients.
I’ve written my story, an e-book, The Sentimental Non-Believer, on Loving & Leaving God. My mini-course, What I Wish My Therapist Knew About Religious Trauma, is a resource for therapists. A new course, Freedom from Religious Trauma, for those with lived experience will be available in 2024.
With much of my career spent in the International Aid & Development sector, I also have a special interest in trauma-informed programming and the mental health of practitioners.
I have two completely delightful adult kids and live with a couple of demanding rescue cats and a cyclist who all wake me before 5 most mornings.”
Samantha Sellers
“I am a Therapist working on Gundungarra Land in Southern NSW.
Creating a space where people feel seen, heard and valued for their authentic self is always my main focus. You are good and you always have been.
Creating this space for the LGBTQIA+ community is incredibly important to me, I understand the complex learning and unlearning that comes with being a Queer person who has been a part of a religious community/family.
I approach religious trauma from both a professional and personal lens, I understand the overwhelming pain, the grief and confusion; but I also know the healing, the freedom and the growth.
I provide trauma-informed support for survivors of religious trauma, adverse religious experiences (AREs), faith deconstruction, cults, spiritual abuse, conversion practice survivors and leaving high demand/high control systems.
Whilst I may have expertise, I am not an expert in anyones life. I’m a guide, companion, and advocate. My aim is to empower people to reclaim control over their story and rediscover a life aligned with their true self.
I am a lover of stories and amplify them on my podcast Beyond the Surface – Stories of Religious Trauma & Deconstruction. Interviewing people from around the world about their story, experiences and healing. My hope is that by hearing their stories, you feel less alone.
You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you get your podcasts.
Elise Heerde
“I'm deeply passionate about supporting people who have experienced religious trauma, drawing from both personal and professional insights. My own journey through the tangled web of religious trauma means that I have a strong understanding of the challenges, fears, pain, and complexities involved.
With a background in professional counselling and a specialised focus on religious trauma, I'm dedicated to providing a safe and empathetic space for people to navigate the complexities of their experiences and work towards healing, growth, and empowerment. I believe that everyone deserves to reclaim their sense of self and find peace after experiencing religious trauma.
I'm also committed to education and advocacy surrounding high-control systems. I believe that by raising awareness and fostering understanding, we can empower people to recognise the difference between safe and healthy systems and those that are positioned to do great harm.
All of my work is built on the foundation that we are already good, whole and worthy.”
“LOVE… *without the fine print”
— David Hayward (TheNakedPastor)