The Affirming Minds Podcast

Episode 81 | The Psychology of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives with Mellissa Perry Hill, LPC

June 23, 2026·55 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

What can a reality television show teach us about trauma, belonging, faith, and identity? In this Mental Health Edit episode, I’m joined by Mellissa Perry Hill, LPC, owner of Inner Compass Counseling & Consulting. Using The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives as a starting point, we explore religious trauma, high-control belief systems, gender roles, childhood trauma, mental health stigma, public shaming, and the challenges of healing while living in the public eye. In This Episode, We Discuss: Religious trauma and faith transitions High-control religious systems Shame, belonging, and community pressure Gender roles and patriarchy Childhood trauma and sexual abuse Mental health stigma Public accountability vs. public shaming Reality TV, social media, and culture Healing and reclaiming personal autonomy About Today's Guest Mellissa Perry Hill, MS, LPC, is the owner of Inner Compass Counseling & Consulting and specializes in religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and faith transitions. She works with individuals, couples, and families throughout Arizona and Utah. Connect with Mellissa Website: https://inner-compass-counseling.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mellissaperrytherapy/ Related Episode 🎙️ Episode 40: Healing After High-Control Religion and Religious Trauma For a deeper clinical discussion of religious trauma and faith transitions, be sure to check out Mellissa's previous CE-eligible appearance on The Affirming Minds Podcast Learn more about Affirm Mental Health

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