Blue Hour
Blue Hour is a sacred listening space for creative visionaries, spiritual seekers, and sensitive souls. Here we explore the convergence of shadow and light, the mysteries of life, the inner and the infinite through a tapestry of personal stories, informed teaching, magical musings, and heartfelt conversations. Hosted by Adina Arden Cooper, Shadow Guide and Holistic Therapist, and Roberta Anderson, Home Witch and Astrologer. Whatever you’re experiencing in life, we offer companionship on the path. With compassion and care, we welcome you.
Blue Hour
Radical Healing: A Conversation About Religious Trauma, Identity, Sexuality, and Social Justice with Ann Russo
Episode Summary:
In this candid and illuminating conversation, Joshua and Adina sit down with Ann Russo, psychotherapist, educator, and founder of AMR Therapy, to explore the deep intersections of sexuality, spirituality, mental health, and social justice. Drawing from her own non-traditional upbringing and an MA in theology, Ann shares her pioneering work in religious trauma treatment and her passion for creating inclusive spaces for healing. Together, they unpack themes of liberation from spiritual abuse, embracing authentic identity, and navigating the complexities of intimacy and self-expression.
Topics Covered:
- Healing from religious trauma and spiritual abuse
- Queer identity, non-monogamy, and sexual empowerment
- Dismantling stigma at the intersection of sexuality and spirituality
- The importance of inclusive mental health care
- Creating space for authenticity and self-liberation
- How personal healing ripples into cultural transformation
- Building compassionate frameworks for clinicians and clients
- Reclaiming wholeness through education, advocacy, and community
Guest:
Ann Russo
Psychotherapist • Educator • Founder of AMR Therapy • Creator of the Religious Trauma Treatment Model
Ann Russo is a psychotherapist, educator, and founder of AMR Therapy. Raised in a diverse, non-traditional household, she brings lived expertise, radical compassion, and unapologetic education into every space she enters. With an MA in theology and deep roots in social justice, Ann specializes in religious trauma, queer identity, non-monogamy, sexual empowerment, and inclusive mental health. She developed the Religious Trauma Treatment Model to empower both clients and clinicians in the healing process.
Website: amrtherapy.com; annrusso.org
Resource Mentioned:
Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá
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Adina Arden Cooper is a Shadow Guide and Holistic Therapist. She helps highly sensitive creative visionaries heal trauma so they can not only survive this human experience but thrive in the expression of their greatest gifts. Adina has over 20 years of experience in education and mental health. She's also an artist, a seeker, a mother, and very curious person.
Visit Adina's website to find out more about her work
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Roberta Anderson is a Professional Home Organizer, Feng Shui Consultant, Home Witch, and Astrologer based in Asheville, NC. With a deep understanding of both practical organization and intuitive energy work, Roberta helps clients create spaces that nourish the mind, body, and spirit. By combining the art of home design with the wisdom of astrology, she guides individuals in aligning their environments with their personal goals and energetic needs. Her holistic approach helps clients clear clutter, improve energy flow, and cultivate a more peaceful and balanced environment.