1808: Niece of 8 Passengers' Mormon "Therapist" Jodi Hildebrandt Speaks Out - Jessi Hildebrandt
Sep 7, 2023
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Jessi Hildebrandt, niece of Jodi Hildebrandt, speaks out about the disturbing history with their aunt. Topics include abuse, manipulation, escaping harmful relationships, the influence of religion, and the taboo of sex. They emphasize the importance of speaking out, healing from abuse, and creating a cultural change that empowers children to be heard.
Jodi Hildebrandt, a Mormon therapist, engaged in highly unethical practices, including promoting shame and guilt, rigid gender roles, and false accusations against clients.
The speaker endured intense psychological and emotional abuse at the hands of Jodi Hildebrandt, who believed mental health issues were a result of sin and shame.
Jodi's abusive behavior was fueled by a belief in high stakes, such as the salvation of souls, which allowed her to justify extreme actions.
After escaping Jodi's control, the speaker faced denial and avoidance from family members, highlighting the challenges of seeking acknowledgement and validation after abuse.
Jodi Hildebrandt, as a therapist, violated patient-client confidentiality and used accusations of abuse to manipulate and destroy relationships.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Eight Passengers Controversy
The Eight Passengers, a popular YouTube channel run by the Frankie family, faced criticism for potential mistreatment of their children. Concerns were raised about Ruby Frankie, the mother, and her parenting methods showcased on the channel. Eventually, the channel was shut down, and Ruby Frankie teamed up with Jodi Hildebrandt, a Mormon therapist, to create a new channel called Moms of Truth. They aimed to help Mormons improve their mental health and overcome issues like porn and masturbation. However, it was recently revealed that two of Ruby Frankie's children were found being held captive and tortured in Jodi Hildebrandt's basement, leading to their imprisonment.
Jesse's Sudden Change in Living Arrangements
At 15 years old, Jesse was dropped off by their parents at Jodi Hildebrandt's home without any prior notice. Jesse was abruptly separated from their family and placed under the care of Jodi and their grandparents. Initially, the restrictions were lighter, but everything revolved around Jesse's worth. Activities and personal expressions that brought them a sense of worth were taken away, and Jodi began exerting control over Jesse's life. The family's silence and Jodi's manipulation tactics perpetuated a cycle of abuse, leading to extreme measures like duct taping Jesse's mouth, isolating them, and convincing family and church members that Jesse was a master manipulator.
Jodi Hildebrandt, a therapist recommended by Mormon bishops, engaged in highly unethical practices. She utilized her position to persuade clients, often recommended by bishops, to follow her extreme therapeutic methods. Jodi's beliefs and practices included creating a sense of shame and guilt in clients, promoting rigid gender roles, combating perceived sins like porn and masturbation, and claiming to have direct connections with Mormon apostles. Her unethical conduct extended beyond her therapeutic role, as she manipulated and controlled Jesse, spreading false accusations against them.
Intense psychological and emotional abuse by Jodi Hildebrandt
The speaker describes the intense psychological and emotional abuse she endured at the hands of Jodi Hildebrandt, whom she lived with as a teenager. Jodi believed that mental health issues were a result of sin and shame, and she used extreme measures to try to "purify" the speaker and force her to confess sins. The abuse included isolation, sleep deprivation, and physical punishments. The speaker ran away multiple times, seeking help from neighbors, police, and shelters. The family dynamics after escaping Jodi's care were complicated, as some family members struggled to acknowledge the abuse and blamed the speaker for causing harm.
The high stakes and theological underpinnings that justified the abuse
The speaker explains how Jodi's abusive behavior was fueled by a belief in high stakes, such as the salvation of souls and the approaching second coming of Jesus. This theological conviction allowed Jodi to rationalize extreme actions and convinced others that the abuse was necessary for their spiritual well-being. The speaker highlights the damaging effects of labeling oneself as an addict for normal behaviors and the manipulation tactics used by Jodi to maintain control over her victims. The Mormon Church's teachings on purity, worthiness, and sin played a significant role in enabling and justifying Jodi's abusive behavior.
Post-escape dynamics with Jodi and the family
After escaping Jodi's control, the speaker had limited contact with Jodi at her brother's wedding, but remained desperate for her family's acceptance. However, most family members struggled to acknowledge the abuse or validate the speaker's experiences. Cognitive dissonance and fear of being talked about within the Mormon community led to denial and avoidance. The speaker expresses a desire for acknowledgement and validation from her family, rather than seeking apologies. The lack of validation has had a lasting impact on the speaker's mental health and relationships within the family.
Hope for acknowledgement and space to process
The speaker expresses a desire for acknowledgement and validation from her family in the wake of Jodi's arrest. She hopes for her family to see and acknowledge the abuse, without justifying or excusing it. The speaker emphasizes that acknowledgement and space to process her experiences are crucial, rather than seeking apologies. The validation of her experiences and the reality of the abuse are essential for her healing journey and personal growth.
Jody Hildebrandt's manipulation and abuse of power
Jesse discusses how Jody Hildebrandt, her aunt and a therapist, used her position of power to manipulate and control others. Jody violated patient-client confidentiality and used accusations of abuse to destroy relationships. Jesse shares her own experiences, including publicly speaking out against Jody and the repercussions she faced.
The impact of leaving an Orthodox religion
Jesse reflects on the challenges of leaving an Orthodox religion such as the Mormon Church. She discusses the impact on her beliefs, moral code, and the process of recalibrating oneself to the real world. Jesse highlights that leaving an Orthodox religion involves reevaluating one's values, developing critical thinking skills, and learning to trust oneself.
The healing journey and plans for the future
Jesse shares her personal healing journey and the importance of therapy and self-education in the process. She expresses her gratitude for the support and chosen family she has found along the way. Jesse also mentions her plans for the future, including attending school to study sociology and psychology, with the goal of helping others navigate the process of leaving orthodox religions and cults.
Mormon therapist Jodi Hildebrandt is in jail along with "8 Passengers" mother Ruby Franke under allegations of child abuse. Jodi Hildebrandt is the founder of ConneXions Classroom - a program created to help Mormon couples, parents, and families "transform your mental health and relationships."
Jessi Hildebrandt (they/them) is Jodi Hildebrandt's niece and outlines a deeply disturbing history with their aunt Jodi Hildebrandt.
