How to Know if You’re Suffering from Religious Trauma
Religious Trauma Therapy in Providence, RI. Serving all of MA, VT, and RI.
Do I Have Religious Trauma?
Religious trauma can be a deeply personal and complex experience, often affecting people in ways they may not initially recognize.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or numb because of your involvement with a religious or spiritual group, you may be experiencing what is known as religious trauma. But how can you be sure, and what does religious trauma actually look like?
Let’s break down what religious trauma is and explore how to determine whether you might be experiencing it.
What Is Religious Trauma?
Reclamation Collective says, “Religious Trauma is the physical, emotional, or psychological response to religious beliefs, practices, or structures that overwhelm and individuals ability to cope and return to a sense of safety." It’s not just about disagreeing with a belief system—it’s about feeling trapped, harmed, or unable to regain a sense of emotional balance after your religious experiences.
Dr. Marlene Winell was one of the first to use the term "Religious Trauma Syndrome" to “describe the wide array of emotional issues people face as they leave authoritarian religions.” She describes it as a form of “psychological harm including fear, anger, depression, loss of self, agency, and decision-making.”
Recognizing Religious Trauma in Your Life
You might be wondering “Do I have religious trauma?” Here are a few key questions to consider:
How do you feel when you think about your religious experiences?
When you reflect on your time in a religious or spiritual group, do you feel peace, fondness, or support? Or do you feel guilt, shame, or anxiety? If thoughts of your religious past evoke feelings of depression, overwhelm, or numbness, this could indicate trauma.
Do you experience physical reactions when recalling religious experiences?
Trauma often manifests in the body. When thinking about or discussing past religious experiences, do you notice tightness in your chest, difficulty breathing, a racing heart, or a sense of dread? These reactions can be signs that your nervous system is responding to unresolved trauma.
Do you feel stuck or unable to move forward from your religious past?
If your involvement with a religious group left you feeling lost or disconnected from your own sense of identity, you may be experiencing the long-term effects of religious trauma. Feelings of being stuck, numb, or unable to trust yourself or others can often trace back to these early experiences.
How the Pandemic Changed the Conversation Around Religious Trauma
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people have begun sharing their experiences with religious trauma on platforms like TikTok, Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram. These communities provide space for individuals to express their struggles, find validation, and learn more about the psychological impact of religious environments.
While many of these individuals come from Evangelical or conservative Christian backgrounds, it's important to remember that religious trauma can happen in any community, regardless of specific faith or spiritual practice.
Seeking Support for Religious Trauma
If you suspect that you’ve experienced religious trauma, it’s important to reach out for support. Working with a therapist who understands the complexities of religious trauma can help you process your experiences, regain a sense of agency, and move toward healing.
If you’re seeking help in this area, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Trauma can feel isolating, but with the right support, you can begin to reclaim your sense of self and find peace.
You can contact me for a one-time 90-minute consultation to help determine if my expert experience can help you heal from your religious trauma. Book a call today!
I provide religious trauma therapy for individuals in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Visit my page to learn more.
