In Pensacola and throughout Florida and Alabama
Religious Trauma Therapy
Looking for a safe space to unpack Some painful religious experiences?
I’m here to help.Maybe you’re experiencing…
Disconnection: from the community that gave you meaning and belonging previously.
Confused: Trying to figure out how to make sense of having both positive and painful experiences from the same people or place.
Unsure: Without your previous religion or level of belief, what is your purpose or place in the world?
Shamed: Embarrassed or ashamed of your experiences, feeling like the “black sheep” or that you just didn’t belong or have a place and maybe you “did something wrong”.
Regretful: About your involvement, or that you showed up and believed at all.
Disillusioned: The people who were supposed to be safe and provide care were actually dangerous and caused you harm.
Panicked: Maybe the thought of setting foot in a church again or discussing religion/beliefs with others instantly evokes fear and panic.
Conflicted: wondering if what you experienced is “normal”.
Healing from religious trauma is essential for reclaiming your sense of self and finding inner peace. Many people carry the burdens of past experiences that can impact their well-being and relationships. By addressing these traumas, you can break free from the constraints they impose and create a life aligned with your true values. EMDR intensives provide a powerful tool for processing these memories and emotions, helping you to transform pain into resilience. Remember, healing is not just about overcoming the past; it’s about embracing a brighter future. You deserve this journey toward freedom and fulfillment.
You don’t have to hold on to these negative beliefs any longer.What you’ll gain from working on religious trauma:
Understanding Trauma Triggers: Identifying and managing triggers related to past religious experiences.
Processing Painful Memories: Using EMDR to process and reframe distressing memories.
Building Self-Compassion: Cultivating a kinder relationship with yourself and your beliefs.
Exploring Faith and Identity: Navigating your spiritual identity and beliefs in a safe environment.
Developing Coping Strategies: Learning effective techniques to cope with anxiety and stress.
Reconnecting with Values: Rediscovering and aligning with your personal values and beliefs.
Enhancing Emotional Regulation: Developing skills to manage emotions related to trauma.
Improving Relationships: Addressing how trauma impacts your connections with others.
Finding Meaning and Purpose: Exploring how to create a fulfilling life post-trauma.
FAQs about religious trauma
-
Religious trauma refers to the emotional and psychological pain resulting from negative experiences within a religious context, such as abuse, shaming, or harmful teachings.
-
Signs may include feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, difficulty trusting others, or conflict about your beliefs. If these feelings are impacting your daily life, it might be helpful to explore them further.
-
Any experience of a religious belief, practice, or structure that undermines an individual’s sense of safety or autonomy, and/or negatively impacts their physical, social, emotional, relational, or psychological well-being. (Reclamation Collective, Religious Trauma Institute)
Certain communities are at a higher risk of Adverse Religious Experiences including: women and children (Men holding power/patriarchy/ageism); LGBTQIA community (Condemning messages about LGBTQ persons/homophobia), BIPOC (white supremacy), anyone living with chronic health conditions, mental health, or neurodiverse individuals (ableism). -
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps individuals process distressing memories. It can be particularly effective for trauma, allowing you to reframe and integrate painful experiences.
-
It's common to feel conflicted. Therapy can help you navigate your feelings about your community and develop strategies to protect your well-being.
-
The conscious or unconscious use of power to direct, control, or manipulate another’s body, thoughts, emotions, actions, or capacity for choice, freedom, or autonomy within a spiritual of religious context (Reclamation Collective & Religious Trauma Institute).