By: Sarah Moore

“Purity culture, when forced on someone, can impact their view of their own femininity and self-worth.”

This thoughtful observation from Ann Russo, founder of AMR Therapy, highlights how early belief systems may shape a person’s relationship with themselves well into adulthood. In a recent conversation on Sex, Drugs, & Soul, Ann shared insights into how mental health, identity, and belief systems are deeply connected—and how healing can begin with asking new, more compassionate questions.

With a Master’s in Theology and a clinical background rooted in trauma-informed care, Ann’s work focuses on helping people explore their values in ways that feel more authentic and affirming. She supports clients—particularly those from marginalized backgrounds—in gradually building healthier relationships with themselves, their communities, and their belief systems.

Religious Trauma as an Existential Wound

“Religious trauma is a little bit different than other kinds of trauma because it really does impact your entire worldview,” Ann explained. “There’s an existential crisis that takes place within self—the idea of heaven or hell… and it affects your support systems, it affects your relationships, your work, how you view yourself.”

Even when someone chooses to move away from a belief system intellectually, emotional and psychological ties can still remain. As Ann put it, “You’re having a trauma reaction—it impacts depression, anxiety, your body, your nervous system, and again, that self-worth. That’s something that often gets overlooked.”

She encourages people to begin by gently questioning the origins of their beliefs about identity, relationships, and personal value—and exploring whether those beliefs still hold meaning or contribute to their well-being.

Beyond Rebellion or Obedience: Finding Your Center

Ann has observed that people raised in rigid environments sometimes respond by swinging to extremes—either rebelling against or tightly adhering to what they were taught.

“These patterns can sometimes feel like a reaction, rather than a choice,” she said. Her work aims to support clients in moving toward clarity—understanding who they are beyond inherited expectations.

That process often includes revisiting early assumptions, especially those related to identity, gender roles, and worth. Ann works with clients to consider whether the values they live by reflect their personal truths or stem from systems they may not have fully examined before.

Rethinking Traditional Relationships: Communication and Consent

“There’s a pattern of how we relate to others that doesn’t always work for a lot of people,” Ann said, “but no one’s discussing it. And that’s something worth paying attention to.”

One of the key practices Ann emphasizes is intentional communication. “The only thing that I would suggest being able to do is understand your needs and wants and be able to communicate those things clearly.”

She also noted the potential risks of relying on unspoken expectations: “There’s an assumption that the other person might change their mind about something. If you’re feeling that way internally, it could be a sign to pause and reflect.”

By promoting open dialogue and mutual understanding, she believes people may begin to co-create relationships that feel more balanced and respectful.

Listening to the Body, Rebuilding Self-Worth

According to Ann, emotional wounds often show up in the body—especially for individuals carrying shame or long-term self-doubt. “That shame can say, ‘There’s something actually wrong with me.’ And you feel it—maybe you tense up, feel anxious, or overwhelmed.”

Healing, she explained, can begin with paying attention to the body’s signals and gradually releasing tension connected to earlier emotional experiences. This mind-body awareness is one part of the broader process toward self-acceptance and emotional regulation.

At the center of her practice is a guiding belief: “I really believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.” This foundational principle informs how she approaches therapy, communication, and healing.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Ann encourages people to remain curious about their internal narratives and to explore healing paths that align with their lived experiences.

You can listen to Ann’s full episode on the podcast here. Feel free to reach out to her via the links on her website or click here to subscribe to her newsletter. 

Published by Joseph T.