Steps to Start healing Religious/Spiritual trauma

Religious trauma is a real issue that can be caused by the weaponization or control of religious beliefs. If you have experienced religious trauma, there are steps you can take to begin the healing process.

Step one: Acknowlege what has happened

The first step is to acknowledge what is happening. Certain religions create a highly-controlled environment where you are made to believe that safety and protection can only be found within the community. The outside world is viewed as a place of danger that seeks to lead you away from your higher power. If you begin to question the intentions of those in power, you risk being labeled as an outsider. This can be a daunting experience, especially if it is your first time stepping outside of the organization's boundaries and confronting doubts. It is normal to question your beliefs and practices and you are not a bad person for doing so.

Step 2: Distancing

While there can be many benefits and positive intentions related to your religious and spiritual involvement, there may also be harm. Now may be a good time to take stock of what your personal values truly are and to decide if they are in alignment with the spiritual practices you are experiencing. Separation from the religious or spiritual community may be necessary to avoid further harm, as it is important to align your personal values with your beliefs.

Step 3: Boundaries

When you're distancing yourself from your religious or spiritual community, it may be necessary to establish boundaries with those who still belong to the system. Some individuals may try to persuade you to come back or make you feel guilty about your new decisions. If you no longer find the religious guidance helpful, you don't have to engage in repeated discussions about your choices or, in more severe cases, endure lines of questioning. These situations can be mentally exhausting and overwhelming, and you are not obligated to justify your choices to anyone.

Step 4: Grieving

Even if you've decided to leave, it's important to acknowledge that there may have been some good things that came from your involvement. Being part of a religious organization can be a positive and fulfilling experience, just like any other relationship. It's normal to feel a sense of loss and sadness, even if you have no intention of returning to the harmful environment.

This loss could be related to the community you were a part of, the relationships you formed, or the sense of security it provided. It could also involve deeper aspects, such as losing a sense of purpose or grappling with the fear of the unknown regarding your existential beliefs. Whatever your feelings may be, it's okay to experience them and take the time to process your emotions.

You don’t have to do it alone – Seeking help

Seeking help from a therapist may feel overwhelming and may also carry negative associations in some cases. However, trauma typically doesn't resolve by itself and can have significant impacts on various areas of life, including social and physical functioning. Consulting with a mental health professional can be an essential step towards addressing your symptoms and facilitating your healing process. We offer a free consultation, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

If the burden of trauma feels heavy, you don't have to carry it alone. Reach out today for a free 15-minute consultation with a psychotherapist. Let's explore how we can provide the support and guidance you need on your journey to healing. Contact us now because your well-being matters to us.