On-Demand CE Training
EP 360: Unpacking Shame: Non-Monogamy, LGBTQ+ Identity, & Religious Trauma
Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.
1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:
Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 Clinical Continuing Education Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work- 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners- 1 Contact Hour
Addiction Professionals
NAADAC – This course is not approved for NAADAC contact hours.
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – This course is not approved for nursing contact hours.
Case Managers
CCMC – This course is not approved for CCMC contact hours.
Important Notice: The podcast included in this continuing education course was originally published by Behavioral Health Today and is used with permission. Continuing education credit is available only through successful completion of the CEU Creations course requirements, including any required assessments or evaluations. Listening to the podcast through Behavioral Health Today or any other platform does not qualify for CE credit.
Created On: 9/23/26
Target Audience:
This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, and nurses.
Instructional Level:
Intermediate
Overview:
This continuing education course explores the complex intersections of religious trauma, LGBTQ+ identity, sexuality, and consensual non-monogamy through a clinical and affirming lens. Featuring licensed clinical social worker Ann Russo, the course examines how high-control religious environments and rigid belief systems can contribute to shame, identity conflict, and difficulty integrating sexual, relational, and spiritual aspects of the self. Russo draws on her background in theological studies and social work, as well as her development of the Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM), to discuss approaches for helping clients separate inherited doctrine from personal values and develop greater self-acceptance.
Participants will consider how clinicians can provide culturally responsive, nonjudgmental care to LGBTQ+ clients and individuals in non-traditional relationships while recognizing the impact that religious experiences may have on identity development, relationships, and mental health. The course emphasizes therapeutic strategies that support clients in processing shame, examining internalized beliefs, and reclaiming a more authentic sense of self.
Outline:
- Introduction to Ann Russo and Her Clinical Work
- Understanding Religious Trauma and High-Control Religious Systems
- How Shame Shapes Identity, Sexuality, and Relationships
- The Intersection of LGBTQ+ Identity and Religious Trauma
- Consensual Non-Monogamy and Challenges to Traditional Relationship Beliefs
- Reconciling Sexual, Relational, and Spiritual Identities
- Separating Religious Doctrine from Personal Values and Truth
- Therapeutic Approaches for Healing Religious Trauma and Reclaiming Authenticity
Course Objectives:
By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:
- Identify ways in which high-control religious environments and religious trauma can contribute to shame, identity conflict, and challenges related to sexuality, relationships, and self-acceptance.
- Describe the intersections among religious trauma, LGBTQ+ identity, and consensual non-monogamy and their potential implications for culturally responsive behavioral health treatment.
- Apply affirming therapeutic strategies that help clients examine internalized beliefs, distinguish religious doctrine from personally held values, and develop greater integration of their sexual, relational, spiritual, and personal identities.
Guest:
Ann Russo, LCSW
Raised in a diverse, non-traditional household, Ann has seen firsthand how identity, sexuality, and spirituality intersect in complex ways. This lived experience, combined with professional expertise, fuels her work in dismantling stigma and expanding inclusive mental health care. Whether working with clients or training providers, she creates space for healing, growth, and deeper understanding—helping others navigate these conversations with confidence and compassion.
Ann is currently working on her first book on religious trauma. This book introduces the Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM)—an evidence-based approach designed to help clinicians and individuals heal from the lasting effects of religious trauma.