Welcome to Flourishing Exvangelical! 🌿
Translating High Control Systems with Stories, Insights, and Tools for Nourishing Growth
Why did you start this column?
I started this column because healing from high-control environments, such as authoritarian religious systems, is absolutely vital for reclaiming one’s sense of self and living a life of authenticity. These systems often leave people feeling trapped in rigid beliefs, stripped of their agency, and disconnected from their true identities. For me, this journey is deeply personal. I’ve witnessed the power of healing firsthand—both in my own life and in the lives of those I’ve supported as a counselor. The process of untangling from these harmful systems is not just about leaving behind oppressive beliefs; it’s about rebuilding trust in oneself, reconnecting with a deeper sense of purpose, and reclaiming the freedom to live authentically. That’s why I’m committed to sharing insights, tools, and stories that help others navigate this challenging path and emerge stronger, empowered, and more self-aware.
The content you’ll find here:
Personal Essays that explore the intersection of religious trauma, healing, and self-discovery
Tools for Healing including guided meditations, reflective questions, and verbal journal prompts
Stories of Growth and Resilience from my own journey and from others navigating high-control systems
Insights on Deconstructing from Authoritarian Beliefs and building a new, self-attuned identity
Practical Resources to support you in nurturing growth and reclaiming your power
Weekly Inspiration to help you stay grounded in your healing journey
as well as what my personal deconstruction, healing practice, and flourishing looks like.
Here are a few examples of the content you can find here:
Where I Stand: An Open Letter on Values, Integrity, and Flourishing
The Grief of Emotional Estrangement After Leaving a High-Control Religion
Subscribing includes access to the archives and there will be a lot more like this in there.
Who Is Jillian Houghton?
Jillian Houghton is a licensed professional counselor and coach dedicated to helping people recover from religious trauma, spiritual abuse, cult influences, family estrangement, and political anxiety. With a deep understanding of the complexities involved in healing from high-control systems, Jillian uses her personal and professional experiences to guide others through the process of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal growth. Her work focuses on nurturing self attunement, rebuilding trust in oneself, and reclaiming personal identity in the wake of religious harm.
Where Can I Find Jillian?
I invest in conversations on:
Why subscribe?
Whether you’re a free subscriber or a paid member, I’m so glad you’re here. This space is designed to support you as you move through the journey of healing from religious trauma and cultivating a renewed sense of self.
Here’s how to navigate your experience, no matter what level of membership you have:
For All Subscribers:
Look for weekly posts with personal stories, psychological commentary, and insights on systemic trauma in our current culture. These pieces are designed to encourage your healing and spark new ways of thinking about your past, present, and future through the lens of religious trauma, deconstruction, and personal growth.
Paid Subscribers:
As a paid subscriber, you gain exclusive access to deeper content designed to foster more intentional growth and healing. You’ll find:
Personal Essays that dive into my own experiences, offering vulnerability and connection.
Structured Healing Tools like reflective questions to help you process and reflect on your own journey.
Guided Audio Pieces in the form of meditations and guided reflections that offer a passive listening experience for mindfulness and self-awareness.
Verbal Journal Prompts to encourage introspection and action steps for your healing process.
You can expect to see new tools released weekly, designed to support your healing journey.
Community Engagement:
I value your thoughts and insights! As a paid subscriber, you’ll have the ability to comment and interact with others in the community. Feel free to share your reflections and ask questions to further enrich your healing process.
I’m here to reflect with you in each step of the healing journey, whether you're just starting to heal or you’ve been on the path for a while. This space is one of support, understanding, and empowerment.
Thank you again for joining me on this journey. I’m excited to support you as you reclaim your sense of self and begin to flourish in ways that are true to who you are.
Feel free to explore, engage, and reach out if you ever need support!
With love and encouragement,
Jillian Houghton