Disclaimer

This podcast represents the opinions of myself, Jacqui Cousins, and each interviewed guest. Our opinions do not represent organisations we are affiliated with. The content here should not be taken as health advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult your local health professional for advice specific to your needs.

Acknowledgement of Country

I'd like to begin by acknowledging the Bunurong people, who are the traditional owners of the land of which I sit and record this podcast. I pay my respects to elders past, present, and emerging who are helping their community recover from religious trauma due to the forced removal of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children, often facilitated by religious leaders of the day. I also want to thank my Aboriginal clients for sharing your stories with me. Each of you has reminded me how freedom is fundamental for people to thrive in this life. Your stories have helped shape my practice.

In this episode:

Anne Altamore shares her lived experience of disembarking from the fertility treatment roller coaster to becoming a lived experience counsellor who delivers the care she desperately needed. We discuss themes including the negative impact of insensitive, one-size-fits-all health and church practice and the importance of communication in caring for people who are in distress. We also discuss the value of shifting from a family centric mindset to a village principle where all people's needs are considered and catered for. If you would like to contact Anne, please contact her via her website Life After IVF.

Resources discussed in today's episode:

• Website: World Childless Week
• Article: Hello God, are you there? Your secretary won’t put me through.
• Book: Listen with the Third Ear - The Inner Experience of a Psychoanalyst by Theodor Reik

Need support?

If you want to connect with me, contact me here.

If you are looking for a religious trauma therapist in your local area, see The Religious Trauma Collective website.

For urgent care support in Australia, you can contact:

• Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Or 000.

A BIG thank you!

Thank you to Leng Te for permission to use music from your song Safety House. It is from her album Garden of Delights which is available here.

Thank you to Jarred Doueal from Four4ty Recording Studio for editing the podcast.

Thanks to Jo Adams Creative for What The Church's artwork.

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