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What Is Religious Trauma?
Religious trauma refers to the negative psychological and emotional harm that comes from involvement with a religious institution. These negative impacts may come from abuse, coercion, manipulation, or the imposition of strict religious rules and norms. Religious trauma can manifest as guilt, shame, fear, anxiety, depression, confusion, or a loss of identity. Not everyone who believes in a certain religion will experience religious trauma. Each person experiences religion differently, as well as negative experiences related to religion. Individual and group therapy can help those who have experienced religious trauma and are currently experiencing PTSD symptoms.
How to Heal From Religious Trauma?
In my experience, the most important aspect of healing religious trauma is the therapeutic relationship. I believe it is important to trust your therapist, relate to them, and feel comfortable sharing honestly.At the Trauma Therapy Center you will find a therapist who specializes in religious trauma therapy and will help you:
- Identify the source of your religious trauma
- Make sense of the feelings you are experiencing as a result of your religious trauma
- Identify your symptoms
- Change the negative beliefs you acquired as a result of your trauma to positive beliefs
What Are Symptoms of Having Queer Religious Trauma?
It is well known that most religious environments do not support the LGBTQIA+ community. Non-affirming religious environments have been proven to be a direct cause of internalized homophobia and mental health. Studies have shown that traditional Judeo-Christian religion has negative impacts when used as a tool of social injustice against the LGBTQIA+ community. Religious conversion practices have a significant negative, even traumatic, effect when attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Studies show these practices lead to increased abuse, mental health issues, and suicidality. There is a need for these individuals to find support services to help survivors recover from these traumatic experiences.Embrace Healing The Power of Trust in Therapeutic Relationships
“In my experience, the most effective aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Establishing trust between a client and clinician is the first step to healing.”
What Kind of Therapist Do I Need for Religious Trauma?
For trauma healing, you may want to find a therapist who specializes in the type of trauma you have experienced. Some types of therapists who can help you heal from religious trauma include:- Therapists who specialize in evidenced-based trauma therapies such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT).
- Therapists who themselves have experienced and healed from religious trauma.
- Culturally sensitive therapists who are knowledgeable and respectful of different cultural backgrounds.
How Often Do You See a Religious Trauma Therapist?
The frequency and duration at which you see your trauma therapist depends on factors such as:- The severity of your trauma and symptoms
- Your therapist’s recommendations
- Your individualized treatment plan
- Your availability