Therapy for religious trauma
Weaving Rhythms is proud to offer therapy for women, femmes, and non-binary adults in Washington and Colorado who have been impacted by regious trauma or spiritual abuse
What is religious trauma?
Religious trauma can affect every human differently, however what creates commonality in how we define religious trauma is the conflict between what we are taught in our religious communities and our lived experience. This conflict can result in post-traumatic stress symptoms such as anxiety, depression, confusion, doubt, low self-esteem, dissociation, flashbacks in memory or body to times of emotional, mental, or physical harm or abuse, nightmares, difficulty maintaining relationships, black and white thinking, and more.
Religion can be a source of comfort, connection, and community. When tenants of religion are abused to coerce and control, our brain and body may internalize that as trauma - manifesting as post-traumatic stress symptoms. Religious trauma is unique in that not only is the brain and body experiencing symptoms related to the impacts of trauma, but the added layer of religion contributes an additional impact to one’s identity, community connections, and meaning-making system.
If you are wondering about how to deal with religious trauma, feel free to reach out for a free consultation to learn more.
What does religious trauma look like?
If you have experienced religious trauma or spiritual abuse you may be left feeling anxious, overwhelmed, lonely, confused, angry, hurt, and lost.
You are not alone.
this list is by no means exhaustive, but If you are a survivor of religious trauma, here are some things that you might be struggling with
Interruptions to intimacy in relationships due to purity culture standards
Feeling guilty for thoughts, feelings, or impulses that are “against the rules”
A sexual or gender identity not accepted in your faith of origin
Misalignment between your experience of a Higher Power and formal teachings
Sexism and internalized shame
Difficulty trusting others for fear of coercion or judgement
Fractured or strained relationships with family and community
Loss of meaning and low self worth
Inability to leave a controlling religious community
Fear of asking questions or speaking out
How our work together Can help
Religious trauma therapy is collaborative and values you as the expert of your own life. We will work together to deconstruct limiting beliefs from harmful religious narratives and get to know the protective parts contributing to post-traumatic stress symptoms. We will identify and build a preferred narrative that helps you connect with your sense of Self and reclaim your spiritual agency - keeping you in connection with desired relationships and your desired Higher Power (even if that is no Higher Power). I won’t tell you how to live or who to be - you have already had enough of that. Here you will find a nonjudgemental place to share and re-write your story.
Imagine living your your life free of guilt and shame.
Imagine having fulfilling, intimate, trusting relationships.
Imagine communicating your needs effectively.
Imagine finding communities that accept you for who you are.
Imagine the freedom to remove the mask and love who you are.
Imagine trusting the connection to your Higher Power is consistent, and doesn’t rely on you walking the “right path”.
Imagine having a space to finally grieve what you have lost, so you can move forward creating a new life.
This is just some of what our work together can accomplish. If you are ready to feel confident in your identity and connected in your relationships, reach out for a free consultation. No pressure, just information - I look forward to connecting with you!
Hi, I’m Elizabeth! I am a religious trauma therapist, working with clients in Washington and Colorado, who has been where you are. I grew up in a conservative religious community - family, school, church - my whole childhood and teen years a carefully constructed framework on how to live the “correct way”.
When I began to have doubts and conflict with what my community was saying and how it was acting I decided I needed to explore what it meant to chose my own spiritual path - without the input of others.
Beginning the deconstruction process was painful, but also relieving. I could share stories that had been in my heart for years, but never felt allowed to share. My pain became seen. My protective parts could start to relax and make room for me to trust my own spirituality and live my preferred narrative, including bringing the values of my community forward while leaving behind that which was harmful or no longer served me.
I am honored to witness your story and walk beside you in your healing journey.