EP007 — Overcoming Strict Religious Beliefs with Michela Giordano Castro

What happens when the faith you were raised in no longer feels like home? In this episode of Overcoming Anything, I sit down with Michela Giordano Castro, a licensed clinical social worker and non-religious spirituality coach who bravely shares her journey of leaving fundamentalist Christianity. From grief and anger to finding a new path in spirituality and mental health, Michela’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and learning to love yourself through the process of transformation.

Michela Giordano Castro, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, trauma-informed therapist, and spirituality coach for women building authentic spirituality beyond religion. In her spirituality coaching, Michela combines trauma and Internal Family Systems therapy expertise with her own transformative experience to guide others in healing from religious trauma, navigating family dynamics, processing doubt, and discovering authentic spirituality beyond traditional doctrines.

Key Takeaways

1. Authenticity matters. Leaving a belief system that no longer serves you is not failure—it’s growth.

2. Feel your feelings. Grieving, anger, and doubt are all part of the healing journey.

3. Spirituality can be reclaimed. Losing religion doesn’t mean losing connection—new forms of spirituality can enrich life.

Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome & introduction
04:05 — Michela’s mantra and Gandhi’s wisdom
10:20 — Wrestling with faith and the moment of letting go
18:45 — Grieving the loss of religion
26:00 — Turning to mental health and social work as a new path
35:20 — Lessons from deconstruction and family influences
44:00 — Reconnecting with spirituality after 10 years
52:15 — Advice for those questioning their faith
01:00:00 — Recommended resources and books
01:05:00 — Where to connect with Michela

Connect with Michela Giordano Castro:

Website/Email: michela@michelasmindmunchies.com

Social: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Facebook Group: Unbound Faith: Post-Christianity Spirituality

Books & Resources Michela Recommends

• Autobiography of a Yogi — Paramahansa Yogananda https://a.co/d/99gZZVj
• How to Change Your Mind (Netflix docuseries)
• Surviving Death (Netflix docuseries)

Credits

Host: Anne Vryonides
Guest: Michela Giordano Castro

Disclaimer

The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, therapy, or coaching.

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Thank you!

❤️ Anne