The One Who Walked The Tightrope Of Belief And Resistance

Beyond The Surface

Josie’s journey from devout Anglican to questioning her faith is one of courage and introspection, a path familiar to many who’ve walked the tightrope between belief and doubt. Embraced by the Church at just 10 years old, her decades-long relationship with faith shaped her identity in profound ways. In this episode, Josie opens up about navigating evangelism, rigid gender roles during her college years, and the inner conflict between personal desires and religious conditioning. We also explore the church’s treatment of marginalised people and the tension this created within her own family. Her story is a powerful reminder that deconstruction is not about rejection. It’s about growth, agency, and learning to live with questions.

Who Is Josie?

Dr. Josie McSkimming is a psychotherapist, academic, author and consultant who has long explored the intersections of identity, belief, and relational dynamics. Specialising in the fallout from fundamentalist religious communities, she works with clients to make sense of fear, shame, and confusion that often linger long after departure. Josie’s therapeutic style is warm, inclusive, and attuned to cultural nuances. Through research, training, and clinical practice, she assists individuals in examining old narratives, building healthier relationships, and forging more authentic understandings of faith, spirituality, and their own inner lives.

Connect With Us

• You can connect with Josie via her Website, Instagram or LinkedIn
• You can find Josie's 2 books here - Gutsy Girls & Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
• Also check out The Religious Trauma Collective