Religious Trauma Therapy
Religious Trauma Therapy
Religious trauma isn’t “just in your head.” It's the lasting impact of being controlled, shamed, or harmed by religious systems, often from a very young age. It can create deep wounds around identity, sexuality, gender, self-worth, and relationships.
Whether you’re deconstructing harmful teachings, grieving a lost community, or rebuilding a sense of yourself outside religious expectations, you deserve a place where you are fully seen and supported.
I understand the unique intersections between religious trauma and sexual or gender identity. This is a safe space to explore the parts of your story that still hurt — and the parts you want to reclaim.
What Is Religious Trauma?
Religious trauma is a deep sense of mental and emotional suffering that flows from a religious belief system, often rooted in high-control or high-demand institutions. It can affect every part of life, from how you see yourself to how you relate to others and the world around you.
How Religious Trauma Can Affect Identity, Sexuality, and Self-Worth
Many people who experience religious trauma find that their sense of identity was shaped — and sometimes distorted — by the fear, shame, and rigid expectations of their faith communities. This is especially true for LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and anyone who didn’t fit neatly into prescribed roles.
Religious trauma can make it hard to trust yourself, to feel worthy of love and acceptance, or to express your authentic sexuality or gender identity without fear.
Purity Culture and Its Lasting Impact
Purity culture taught many of us that our worth was tied to our sexual behavior — or even just to our bodies and thoughts. These messages often created shame, fear, and disconnection from ourselves and others.
In therapy, we can work together to untangle those harmful beliefs, reclaim your right to pleasure and connection, and help you build a relationship with your body and identity that is grounded in compassion, not control.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Religious Trauma
Ongoing shame or fear related to sexuality, identity, or "being good enough"
Anxiety about punishment, hell, or being "bad" without clear cause
Difficulty trusting yourself or making decisions
Feeling isolated after leaving a faith community
Struggling with guilt or grief related to your past beliefs
Internalized homophobia, transphobia, or self-criticism rooted in religious teachings
Healing From Religious Trauma
Healing doesn’t mean rejecting everything about your past — unless you want to. It means giving yourself permission to choose what still fits, and gently releasing what no longer serves your growth.
Through therapy, you can learn to reconnect with your intuition, rebuild your sense of self, and create a new framework for meaning, belonging, and worth.
My Approach to Religious Trauma Therapy
My approach is affirming, trauma-informed, and guided by deep respect for your individual story. I will never impose my own beliefs or agenda onto your healing.
I am comfortable working with clients navigating the complicated intersections of faith, sexuality, gender, and identity — and I am here to support your autonomy every step of the way.
You Are Not Alone
Religious trauma can feel incredibly isolating. But you don’t have to carry it alone anymore. Healing is possible, and you deserve to find peace and connection on your own terms.
If you're ready to start, or even if you're just curious what healing might look like for you, I invite you to reach out.
Contact me with your questions.
