353: Healing from Religious Abuse with Anna LeBaron

In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, host Andrea interviews Anna LeBaron, author and speaker, about her courageous journey of escaping the control and secrecy of her father's infamous polygamist cult. Anna shares the intense personal and spiritual challenges she endured, including abandonment, child labor, and sexual grooming.  She discusses her memoir, 'The Polygamist's Daughter,' and her participation in the Hulu docuseries 'Daughters of the Cult.' Anna recounts her ongoing healing journey facilitated by therapy and trauma-informed practices. She talks about the importance of confronting one's past, repairing relationships, and the complexities of religious trauma. Anna also reveals her current academic pursuits and her hopes to teach seminary, writing her dissertation on spiritual formation intersected with religious trauma. This episode dives deep into personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of sharing one's story.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:19 Anna's Background and Early Struggles 01:51 Journey of Healing and Overcoming Trauma 03:17 Writing the Memoir and Family Dynamics 08:03 Therapy and Personal Growth 17:48 Physical and Educational Transitions 19:35 Future Aspirations and Spiritual Formation 31:18 Leaving the Cult and Finding Agency 38:22 Family Relationships and Public Storytelling 45:52 Introduction to the Docu-Series 47:25 Dispelling Myths About Ervel's Children 49:12 Psychological Impact of Cult Life 52:14 Personal Struggles and Mental Health 56:09 Overcoming Agoraphobia 01:06:34 Spiritual Abuse and Healing 01:16:02 Deconstruction and Faith 01:21:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Read the show notes here:   https://www.voiceofinfluence.net/353 Give and receive feedback that makes a difference! Register for our 20 minute Deep Impact Method video course here:  www.voiceofinfluence.net/deepimpact