Recently, as I pulled into the Target parking lot, a bold bumper sticker caught my eye. It made me do a double take for two reasons: the courage of the car owner displaying it (in the heart of the Bible belt), and the powerful message it conveyed. It read, “Don’t be a jerk in the name of Jesus.” Whoa. I couldn’t help but smile and nod politely at the driver in the front seat before heading off to browse the summer clearance, all while reflecting on the profound insight that witty sticker offered. It reminded me of my own harmful experiences, and reinforced why I’m passionate about my work as a therapist specializing in religious trauma recovery. Oh, and I also grabbed a bag of popsicles for $3.99 on the way out.

What Is Religious Trauma? Where Does It Come From?

Religious trauma (RT), though often overlooked, is a significant psychological and emotional challenge for many individuals. It stems from harmful experiences within religious contexts, such as oppressive teachings, guilt-inducing practices, indoctrination or ostracization for questioning beliefs. These experiences can leave lasting scars on one’s mental health and sense of identity.

Having been raised Catholic amidst various Protestant communities, I’ve come to understand that RT transcends denominational boundaries. Some churches exhibit overt forms of prejudice, while others subtly exert control and perpetuate bias under the guise of longstanding biblical traditions, often camouflaged by modern aesthetics like rock bands and tattooed pastors. For me, it was a series of encounters with well-educated and trusted leaders who taught me that I was inherently flawed, my body was a source of temptation, the world was a dangerous place, and my intuition was untrustworthy.

In recent years, some churches have begun acknowledging the pain caused by RT and taking steps to rectify the harm, becoming safe spaces for those affected. However, others, in the name of neutrality, refrain from taking clear stances on issues such as sexism, homophobia, racism, and classism deeply ingrained within religious systems. This neutrality perpetuates cycles of harm within church environments and beyond.

What Does Religious Trauma Look Like?

A 2023 study by The Global Center for Religious Research (GCRR) estimated that approximately one-third of adults experience religious trauma, with symptoms including nightmares, shame, depression, fear, stress, and anxiety. Furthermore, the study identified indicators such as perfectionism, black-and-white thinking, diminished personal autonomy, difficulty experiencing pleasure, and denial of identity among those affected. While mental health symptoms are multifaceted and stem from various stressors, RT often serves as a significant underlying factor.

How Does Therapy Help?

Therapy can serve as a healing tool in addressing and overcoming religious trauma. A trained therapist, one who understands the systems behind RT,  provides a supportive environment where individuals can safely unpack complex emotions, confront deeply ingrained beliefs, and navigate the impact of their religious upbringing or experiences.

One of the fundamental benefits of therapy in this context is validation. By affirming that the survivor’s feelings of distress or confusion are legitimate and worthy of attention, a therapist can counter the invalidation often experienced in religious settings. Therapy can also facilitate the process of rebuilding a healthier relationship with spirituality. Whether an individual chooses to continue practicing their faith, explore alternative spiritual paths, or adopt a new worldview, a good therapist will bolster this journey by fostering self-reflection, autonomy, and empowerment.

It’s essential to emphasize the importance of finding a therapist who understands religious trauma and respects diverse spiritual backgrounds. Many therapists offer initial consultations to ensure a good fit and discuss treatment goals before committing to therapy. Here are some good questions to ask before booking:

• Why do you specialize in supporting survivors of RT?
• What is your experience in this area?
• What are your perspectives on reproductive health, the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, and other social justice movements often contentious within religious contexts?
• How do you envision supporting my recovery journey?

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Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional therapy. If you or someone you know could benefit from religious trauma therapy, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional.

To explore how I integrate RT recovery into my practice, or to schedule a free 15-minute consultation, visit Whippoorwill Counseling.