Healing from Religious Trauma: A Path to Wholeness

Religious trauma can deeply impact one's mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It often stems from harmful religious experiences, whether from strict doctrines, abusive leaders, or oppressive communities. Healing from such trauma is not only possible but also a profoundly transformative journey. At Fig Holistic Psychotherapy in Charlotte, NC, religious and spiritual trauma is something we know well. It can often be a confusing and disorienting experience to begin unpacking your own story with church and religion especially if harm and abuse is tethered in. Having someone who gets it, who can be present with you as you grieve and ask hard questions so you make sense of your story is so, so important.

Understanding Religious Trauma

Religious trauma is the psychological distress resulting from harmful religious experiences. This can include emotional, physical, and sexual abuse within religious contexts, as well as manipulation, coercion, and control exerted by religious leaders or groups. Often, these experiences lead to significant psychological harm, manifesting as deep-seated guilt, shame, anxiety, or fear. For some, it involves indoctrination with rigid beliefs that create internal conflicts and hinder personal growth. Others may experience community ostracism for questioning or leaving the faith, which can lead to isolation and identity crises.

The Journey of Healing

1. Acknowledging Your Experience: - The first step in healing is acknowledging that your experiences were traumatic. This validation can be powerful and affirming. Remember, your feelings are valid, and your experiences are real. 

A podcast I often recommend clients listen to is Holy/Hurt by Dr. Hillary McBride that explores spiritual trauma and healing. This is an incredible resource that serves as a gentle companion whether you’re just beginning you’re journey of naming and exploring your own story with religious trauma and abuse or if you’ve been on this road for some time. There are also some robust and lovely journaling and discussion questions that can be downloaded here to serve as an additional resource in your religious trauma healing. 

2. Seeking Professional Support: - Finding a therapist who understands religious trauma is immensely helpful. The good news is that at Fig Therapy in Charlotte, NC, we have a deep understanding of this. Trauma-informed therapy provides you with a safe space for you to explore your feelings and begin the healing process. Something that might feel different and maybe even scary is that you are the expert on you. When you come from high-control religions, it can be a familiar experience to offset your knowing onto the experts in the room (ie the therapist.) When you engage in trauma-informed therapy, a deep knowing and respect is held that you know the most about what it is to be you. My job as a therapist isn’t to tell you what to do, it’s actually to help you be with yourself in a new, curious, and compassionate way as you explore and care for the terrain of your life and story and decide what steps and pathways you want to go down. 

3. Building a Support System: - Surrounding yourself with supportive and understanding people is crucial. Whether through support groups, online communities, or close friends and family, having a network of people who believe and support you can make a significant difference. One of the biggest fears folks often have when it comes to religious trauma is being rejected, ostracized, and judged by their religious community. I want to validate that this is a terrifying place to be and that support, therapy, and care help you to move through this is essential so you can choose for yourself what is best for you and your continued healing. 

4. Reconnecting with Your Body: - Trauma disconnects you from your body. When it comes to places like the Church where purity culture is often taught and encouraged, this is especially true. Often it’s not only that you are disconnected from your body, you are also taught that your body is bad and dangerous. Engaging in somatic therapy can help you slowly and safely reconnect with and heal your body. Outside of therapy, practices like yoga, breathwork, and body work may be encouraged for more support and deeper healing.

5. Redefining Spirituality: - For many, part of healing involves redefining their spiritual beliefs. This might mean exploring new spiritual paths, finding new meaning in old practices, or even stepping away from spirituality altogether. The key is to find what feels right and true for you.

Tools for Healing

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: - Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help ground you in the present moment and reduce the anxiety and stress associated with trauma. These practices can also help you develop a compassionate relationship with yourself. Here’s a meditation practice from the Holy/Hurt podcast that I shared earlier that you might find helpful and nourishing. Another meditation “Safe Place Meditation” from a dear therapist friend of ours Jessica Martindale, LMFT is also a lovely option.

2. Journaling: - Writing about your experiences and feelings can be a powerful tool for processing trauma. Journaling allows you to express emotions, gain insights, and track your healing progress.

3. Creative Expression: - Engaging in creative activities, such as art, music, or dance, can provide a non-verbal outlet for expressing and processing emotions. These activities can also bring joy and a sense of play.

4. Self-Compassion: - Practicing self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. This can be particularly challenging but is essential for healing. This is a lot of the work that we do in therapy. Remember that healing is a journey, and the fact that it will likely take you awhile to learn how to use a kind and compassionate voice towards yourself isn’t a sign that anything is wrong with you, rather it’s a sign that in order to stay in those strict and rigid communities, you had to turn against yourself. Inner child healing is some of the most beautiful work you can do to help bring a more compassionate and tender internal voice online.

Moving Forward

Healing from religious trauma is a deeply personal and unique journey. It involves reclaiming your sense of self, finding your voice, and creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. Be patient with yourself, seek support when needed, and remember you aren’t alone and healing is possible.

Fig Holistic Psychotherapy: Your Partner in Healing

At Fig Holistic Psychotherapy, we specialize in trauma-informed care, offering a safe and supportive space for your healing journey. Whether you're dealing with religious trauma or other forms of trauma, we are here to help you explore, understand, and heal from your experiences.

Our approach is holistic, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. We utilize a range of therapeutic techniques, including talk therapy, somatic therapy, and mindfulness practices, to support your healing process.

If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, reach out to us. In-person sessions are available in Charlotte, NC and virtual counseling sessions for folks living in NC, SC, and TX are available. Remember, you don't have to do this alone—help is available and healing is possible.

Learn more about holistic psychotherapy and schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to see if working together feels like a good fit. Let's walk this path to healing together.