Leaving the Fold is a self-help book for people who have rejected rigid religious upbringing and now must cope with the resultant guilt, fear, anger, loneliness, and depression. Building on her own story, Dr. Winell shows how survivors of rigid religions can find new independence and self-love, accept previously unacceptable feelings, choose their own reality, and learn to live in the here-and-now. Leaving the Fold is a compassionate blueprint for healing.

During her college years, Marlene Winell felt increasing confusion and doubt about the psychological effects of her fundamentalist religion. After getting her Ph.D., she began specializing in helping people cope with the sometimes toxic legacy of rigid religions.