Sometimes to really get to know someone, you need to get past the formalities, the assumptions, and the internet insanity, and just have a conversation. That’s what I found in talking with Brit Hartley, Religious Deconstruction Coach from No Nonsense Spirituality.
Brit’s dedication is to exploring the human experience without relying on dogmatism or authoritarian ideologies, and supporting people in their journeys for self-discovery. We talk about that need, and the antipathy some have, particularly in secular circles, to anything that smacks of religiosity, even as that fear cuts people off from the many nuances of human experience and the bonds we are all seeking to build.
As Brit notes on her site, in describing the service she provides:
No belief required - We can explore spirituality, meaning, ritual, and connection without asking you to believe things you do not believe.
Deconstruction without demolition - We look honestly at what religion harmed, what it gave you, and what you want to carry forward.
Psychology before Theology - We explore the human needs beneath belief: belonging, identity, certainty, purpose, morality, and connection.
Meaning that fits your actual life - Rather than replacing one rigid system with another, we build a framework that reflects your values, personality, relationships, and lived experience.
As the conversation shows, I could not agree more and find that what is important in creating a life of active meaning-making is to move forward with what you’re for, what I refer to as values, rather than losing yourself in the destructive battle of what you’re against.
I hope you enjoy the free-flowing chat as much as I did, and definitely check out Brit’s work.
Follow me on Threads or Instagram for more psychology, humor, and photography.
Schedule a Consultation
Reach out to schedule a mental health session regarding issues related to identity and decision-making, emotional regulation, religious trauma, meaning/purpose, and the struggles of communication.
How You Can Support the Newsletter
This post was free to read for all. If you like what I’m doing with Humanity’s Values and want to support my work, there are several ways to do so.
Like and Restack: Click the buttons at the top or bottom of the page to boost the post’s visibility on Substack.
Share: Send the post to friends or share it on social media.
Upgrade to Paid: A paid subscription gets you:
Full access to all new posts and the archive
Full access to all online classes
Full access to weekly presentations on various topics of psychology
The ability to post comments and engage in chat with the growing Humanity’s Values community
If you could do any of the above, I’d be very grateful. Readers like you help keep this newsletter going and growing.
Thanks!
David












