What is Spiritual Abuse & Religious Trauma

Person holding a book in a field during sunset

Spiritual and religious trauma can often arise from church or other faith-based environments where one experiences coercion, manipulation, or indoctrination into a certain set of beliefs. Spiritual and religious trauma can affect all dimensions of a person: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It can lead to feelings of lack of safety, an inability to trust people or God, fear, shame, guilt, and flashbacks. While spiritual and religious trauma is not a formal diagnosis, it can lead to a variety of other mental health issues and needs to be taken seriously.

  • Provides a safe space to explore painful spiritual experiences without judgment

  • Helps process feelings of guilt, shame, or fear associated with past religious experiences

  • Explores unhealthy or harmful beliefs that may have been instilled in religious settings

  • Supports healing from spiritual abuse or experiences of manipulation within religious communities

  • Rebuilds a healthy and personal connection with spirituality or faith

  • Teaches tools for emotional regulation when navigating conflict or confusion about faith

  • Helps rebuild trust in God or a higher power, if it’s been shaken

  • Supports creating a new, positive spiritual path that aligns with personal beliefs and values

  • Helps address feelings of loss or grief from leaving a religious community or belief system

Religious Trauma Counselling:

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