Soul & Centre
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Small "t" Religious Trauma
When we think of religious trauma we often think of the major traumatic events that we hear about - sexual abuse, violence, financial abuse, cult brainwashing... but many of us have experienced what I call small "t" traumas connected with religion; things we may not have thought of as traumatic before, but that can leave a profound mark on us, and affect the way we engage with life in profound ways. Below are some examples of ways in which you may have been affected; these are all things worthy of therapeutic exploration. Life can be fuller and richer after dealing with these kinds of "minor injuries," you don't have to keep limping through life.
Things that might bring you to religous trauma therapy
Purity Culture
Now being rebranded as Modesty Culture on social media, Purity Culture is a very aggressive movement with strict ideas about sexual purity, how courtship should be conducted, personal dress and behaviour, and gendered roles in relationships and life. These demands can be extremely guilt inducing, and impact healthy function in your romantic and sexual relationships.
Missionary/Pastor's Kids
People who grew up in a foreign country or in an expat mission community can face unique challenges around identity, culture, and finding their place in the world.
Living in the spotlight and feeling like you’re expected to be a perfect role model can be a heavy burden.
Religious marriage and parenting
The Christian church has historically preached a very precise definition of what constitutes valid marriage, and has had a lot to say about how spouses should relate to one another.
It can be traumatic for both parents and children to be pushed into parenting styles that are not scientifically supported, or based on assumptions that are deeply distressing for both parents and children (who wants to believe that their child is, or that they as the child are, fundamentally wicked and therefore in need of punishment?)
Lifestyle religion
Some families weave their religious content through every aspect of daily life. This in itself is not necessarily bad, but some take it to extreme lengths, seeking to govern every aspect of their lives by Biblical teachings and verses. This can become extremely restrictive and guilt inducing if common sense for living today does not line up with teachings proposed by communities from hundreds or even thousands of years ago.
Medical/Healthcare control
Some church denominations and communities feel it is their responsibility and right to mandate what healthcare is acceptable for their members to access. We are used to hearing about religious control in reproductive healthcare such as contraception, IVF, and abortion, but it can also be exerted over elective surgeries, cosmetic procedures, lifesaving procedures like blood transfusions, and even dietary supplements and complementary therapies.
Navigating relationships after a faith change
If your spiritual journey has led you in a different direction than the one you originated from it can be challenging and triggering to deal with family and friends who refuse to acknowledge your growth, or who outright reject your choices.
My approach
Therapy is a safe space. I work with all genders and identities without judgement. My practice is not faith based, and I am not involved in any religious group, and my aim is offer you a neutral space where you can explore every facet of your thoughts and feelings without fear of censorship or that there is any expectation about which conclusions you will come to about your journey's direction. I approach religious trauma work as someone who has experienced it myself.