Healing from Religious Trauma or Spiritual Abuse

As a therapist, I understand that religious or spiritual trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. If you’ve experienced harm from a religious institution, a spiritual authority, or have struggled with the fallout from a faith system that no longer serves you, I offer compassionate, non-judgmental support as you work through the pain and confusion that can arise from such experiences.

Whether you're grappling with the emotional aftermath of religious abuse, questioning long-held beliefs, or trying to make sense of a crisis of faith, I’m here to walk alongside you in your healing journey. My approach is individualized, trauma-informed, and sensitive to your unique needs and experiences. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can explore your feelings, rediscover your sense of self, and move forward with greater clarity and strength.

Areas of Focus in Therapy

Religious or Spiritual Abuse: Healing from experiences where a faith community or spiritual leader has caused harm, including emotional, physical, or spiritual abuse.
Faith Deconstruction: Navigating the often complex process of questioning or leaving a belief system, and finding a path that aligns with your true self and values.
Guilt and Shame: Addressing the feelings of guilt, shame, or fear that can arise from religious teachings, and supporting you in reclaiming your sense of self-worth.
Spiritual Crisis: Coping with a spiritual or existential crisis, and exploring how to move forward in a way that honors your beliefs and identity—whatever they may be.
Reclaiming Personal Boundaries: Learning how to establish healthy boundaries with religious institutions or individuals who may have overstepped or caused harm.

My Approach to Therapy

I use an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based practices and trauma-informed modalities to meet you where you are. Some of the techniques I may use include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To help you identify and shift harmful thought patterns associated with guilt, shame, or fear tied to religious teachings.
Trauma-Focused Therapy: To address the specific emotional pain caused by religious or spiritual trauma and support you in processing your experiences in a safe environment.
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: To help you develop a kind, non-judgmental relationship with yourself as you navigate your healing journey, and to rebuild your connection to your own spiritual beliefs (or create new ones, if that’s your choice).
Narrative Therapy: To help you rewrite your personal narrative, empowering you to take ownership of your story and reshape your future according to your own values and needs.
Attachment-Focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): EMDR is a highly effective, trauma-focused therapy that helps you process and heal from past wounds. Attachment-Focused EMDR specifically works to repair attachment wounds that can stem from religious or spiritual abuse, offering relief from emotional pain and helping you create healthier relationships with yourself and others.

Why Work with Me?

I believe in providing a space where you can heal at your own pace, free from judgment. My goal is to honor your personal journey and give you the tools and support you need to reclaim your autonomy and move forward in a way that feels right for you—whether that means reconnecting with your faith, redefining your spirituality, or exploring new avenues of self-discovery.

If you're ready to take the first step in your healing process, please reach out to schedule a consultation. I’m here to support you with empathy, respect, and understanding every step of the way.