Religious Trauma

No matter what faith, religion, or spiritual orientation you grew up with, trauma stemming from spiritual abuse is unfortunately very common and not spoken about enough. And it can be very confusing navigating this particular kind of trauma because many times our abusers were in the role of “spiritual leader” – people who were supposed to be modeling morality to us.  

As survivors of spiritual abuse or religious trauma, much of our healing stems from naming and validating the harm done to us, allowing our bodies to finally process the experiences that we may not have been given space to before, and redefining our spirituality for ourselves. 

Victims of abuse are often taught to see their abuser as someone they had to look up to no matter what, as someone protected from criticism. But acknowledging the harm committed by your abuser as harm is so important. 

As your therapist, my goal in sessions surrounding spiritual abuse and religious trauma is to be the voice you never heard before that says, “that was wrong,” “you didn’t deserve that,” and “there is a life beyond this for you.” I’ll ask you questions that help you explore emotions you were never allowed to feel before, and support you in finding your unique path forward where emotional freedom, internal safety, self-defined spirituality, and relational trust are a reality again.

It can feel scary to face a past of overwhelming pain, and it may take time to heal, but with a gentle and patient approach your body can and will find peace. You may have shoved down the memories, the hurt, and the emotions surrounding your experience for most of your life – and this was your body’s brilliant way of ensuring you could still survive and function in the world. But now, you have the choice to give yourself and your body a sacred space to unpack what’s been buried, bring it to the light, and show it the attention and love it needs to soften. 

You deserve a life beyond this abuse, and it is absolutely possible for you. 

Some common themes I help my clients with who have experienced religious trauma and spiritual abuse are…