Religious Trauma Therapy

Recovery From Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse

In The New Guide to Crisis and Trauma Counseling, Norman Wright (2003) describes trauma in more general terms as “any event that shatters your safe world so that it is no longer a place of refuge”.

Religious Trauma Syndrome, or RTS, specifically refers to psychological damage that is the result of religious experiences, messages, doctrines, and teachings. RTS can often leave individuals feeling lost, isolated, alienated, violated, uncertain and unsafe.

Goals of Religious Trauma Therapy

Religious trauma therapy is based on the idea that some people develop unhealthy beliefs about God (or other higher power) because of traumatic events that occurred during childhood. These beliefs can cause them to feel guilty, ashamed, angry, depressed, and suicidal. This therapy aims to help people overcome these feelings by teaching them new ways of thinking about themselves and their faith.

For many, religion and spirituality can be a way to find meaning, connection with a higher power, a sense of belonging within a community, and an instruction manual for how to live. For others, however, religious beliefs and practices can contribute to a great deal of psychological distress, painful experiences, internal conflict, guilt, shame, and trauma.

From the Blog: Recovering from Religious Trauma & Spiritual Harm

Understanding Religious Trauma: Unveiling the Impact and Its Effects

Religion follows certain dogmas, which are doctrines of faith and morals authoritatively proclaimed by a church to be true without a doubt. These religious doctrines can therefore often be understood in terms of good or bad and right or wrong.

Individuals who find themselves in areas that are considered outside the norm, or what is considered “good” and “right” by the religious framework can face a challenge to their overall sense of security and being.

A great deal of distress can arise when one finds themselves outside of or in conflict with the religious belief that has been taught or is one’s current community. This distress can result in injury to self-esteem, self-worth, self-confidence, and overall sense of self. 

Additionally, some individuals who find great contentment, comfort and safety in their religious practices may experience abuse at the hands of a trusted religious authority figure. These individuals can be left reeling, feeling unsafe and questioning their beliefs.

Who Can Benefit from Religious Trauma Therapy?

Anyone who has been affected by religious abuse or trauma can benefit from this therapy. It is especially helpful for children who were abused (emotionally, verbally, physically, or sexually) by a parent or other adult caregiver / authority figure. Acknowledging religious trauma does not equal rejecting or opposing all religion or spirituality.

Examples of Religious Trauma and Adverse Religious Experiences:

• A teenager discovers he is attracted to peers of the same sex and is told his desires are sinful and if acted upon will result in his eternal damnation.

• A college student finds out she is pregnant outside of marriage and is forced into marriage by her family and ostracized and belittled by her religious community.

• A trusted clergyperson uses manipulation to coerce a faithful parishioner into participating in unwanted sexual behavior.

• A couple has to hand over their pay stubs to their Elders each month to ensure they are giving ample money to the church. As a result of their required tithe, they struggle to pay bills and meet the needs of their children.

How Does Religious Trauma Therapy Work?

This therapy works by helping people understand how religion affects them emotionally and physically. They learn to recognize signs of religious abuse and trauma so they can seek help when needed.

At Perspectives, our trauma informed psychotherapists provide a safe and confidential space to acknowledge, process, and more deeply understand the effects of religious trauma. Clients are provided autonomy to move through their healing journey at a non-threatening pace.

Our psychotherapists assist by creating a nonjudgmental, strengths-based environment which empowers the client to discover false beliefs and connect with inner truths. Clients then have the option of either reframing and reclaiming their spirituality in a way that feels authentic and beneficial to them or choosing to walk away.

Find a Religious Trauma Therapist Near Me

Religious trauma is an emotional response that occurs when someone experiences something traumatic while believing that God has ordered it. It can include feelings of guilt, shame, anger, fear, and confusion. With support, you can develop a new sense of self that feels empowered and free of shame, guilt, and inner turmoil.

If you think you might be suffering from religious trauma, talk with a therapist who has expertise in treating such issues. A therapist who specializes in treating religion trauma will understand how to help you cope with these feelings and find ways to move forward.

Holistic Therapy for Religious Trauma

At Perspectives, we specialize in religious trauma therapy, offering compassionate and specialized support to individuals who have experienced adverse religious experiences. Our highly trained therapists understand the unique challenges faced by those who have endured religious trauma, and we provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their experiences, heal from their past, and rediscover their authentic selves.

Through a holistic approach to therapy, we integrate evidence-based techniques with a deep respect for your individual spiritual journey. Our goal is to assist you in processing the emotional wounds caused by adverse religious experiences, finding meaning and purpose beyond the trauma, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. We will work collaboratively with you to rebuild a foundation of self-empowerment, personal autonomy, and spiritual growth.

Religious Trauma Therapy in Atlanta

Whether you are questioning your faith, seeking to reconcile your spiritual beliefs, or simply looking to address the psychological impact of adverse religious experiences, our dedicated team is here to support you on your healing journey.

Together, we can navigate the complex terrain of religious trauma, helping you find wholeness, restoration, and a renewed sense of well-being. Our holistic therapists offer sessions in-person in Roswell or Tucker.

Online Religious Trauma Therapy

Online therapy appointments are also available for clients located in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida.

Start by reaching out to schedule a consultation online or contacting one of our religious trauma therapists directly.