By: Nathan Bell

“I feel very secure in myself, so I can’t be convinced that I’m going to go to hell.”

That single sentence from psychotherapist Ann Russo reflects her mission—supporting LGBTQIA+ clients from religious backgrounds through inclusive, identity-affirming mental health care. She shared her personal story and clinical insights during an in-depth conversation on the Mindful Elevation Podcast with host Rachel Thalheimer.

As the Founder and Clinical Director of AMR Therapy, Ann specializes in affirming care for LGBTQIA+ clients and those from underrepresented communities, with a strong focus on trauma and culturally responsive mental health practices.

A Childhood Shaped by Silence and Stigma

Ann grew up in a queer household where secrecy was often necessary for safety. “We were very marginalized, and we had to keep our life a secret,” she shared. It wasn’t until her teenage years, after moving, that the family could finally live more openly.

That early experience of feeling othered planted seeds that would later shape her work and advocacy.

Her journey led her through activism, academic exploration, and eventually clinical training. “I really wanted to talk about the intersection of queerness and Christianity,” Ann said. What started as curiosity about deeply held religious beliefs turned into years of study—first in Southeast Asian religion, then in theology, and ultimately in social work. Today, she brings elements of all three disciplines into her therapy practice.

When Faith Meets Identity

Ann speaks openly about her experience joining a fundamentalist church at 18: “I spent a few years in that church really understanding who these people were, what they thought, what they believed.” Through this direct experience, she came to see how religious communities can influence—and sometimes challenge—a person’s sense of identity.

“I learned that it wasn’t always about this idea that I had that they hated gay people… They truly thought that that was a sinful life experience,” she explained. “They really thought they were protecting you or saving you from damnation.”

For some, these convictions can be deeply embedded. Ann doesn’t try to change those beliefs outright. Instead, she focuses on relational transformation: “If I show up as myself, that’s what gets people to sometimes change their minds.”

Understanding How Beliefs Shape Mental Health

Ann’s clinical work and research suggest that exposure to strict or high-control religious environments can be associated with negative psychological outcomes for LGBTQIA+ individuals. “More exposure to [high-control religion], lower self-esteem,” she reported, referencing her own research on queer mental health.

But the effects don’t stop at self-worth. She described a range of areas that can be influenced: “Guilt and shame, existential fear, values and morals, community… every part of you is potentially shaped by this.”

Even leaving those communities can carry a psychological toll. “You’re likely going to lose your entire support system,” she cautioned. But staying can also be difficult, especially when identity and doctrine feel fundamentally at odds.

Rebuilding Belief Without Losing Yourself

Despite the potential harm, Ann believes faith and queerness are not mutually exclusive. “Many people have some kind of belief system or spiritual practice or are part of a religious organization, and they actually find that it provides a lot of hope and love and healing.”

For those in high-control systems, she encourages thoughtful questioning. “Who told you that? Where did that come from?” she’ll ask. With some clients, she even suggests re-engaging with scripture through a new lens.

The goal isn’t to dismantle belief entirely—it’s to help people release shame. “I see a space where they can exist together,” she said. “It doesn’t have to fall apart.”

Bringing Cultural and Spiritual Awareness to Clinical Work

Ann is currently writing a book on religious trauma, which outlines her developing treatment model for therapists working with clients affected by spiritual and religious shame.

“It focuses on different things that people experience… existential crisis, self-esteem, identity, community,” she explained. The model incorporates aspects of behavioral therapy and case examples to offer mental health providers tools that may help support more inclusive care.

She highlighted the importance of cultural awareness in therapy. “You have to know the full situation of the client who’s in front of you,” she said. That includes religion—even when the topic is challenging or unfamiliar.

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.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice. Individuals experiencing psychological distress or religious trauma are encouraged to seek support from licensed mental health professionals. The views expressed are those of Ann Russo and reflect her clinical experience and personal perspectives.

Published by Mark V.