We Don't Talk About Religious Trauma

Healing through speaking about Religious Trauma

Hush. Hush. We don't talk about religious trauma up in here… wait, this is the perfect platform for that. In my many years of experience working with all people, but particularly young adults, I have found that religious trauma is not uncommon in many cases, cultures, and churches.

As a follower of Jesus, I know He would be disappointed but not surprised by it; after all, He called out the Pharisees on their gross misuse of power all those centuries ago. I want people to know that other humans have caused this trauma, but there is still hope for connecting personally to their spiritual center. Their whole self includes the spirit, and this part may need some tending to and repairing after scarring experiences.

Whether people have been pressured to turn off, suppress, or ignore their spiritual self, have never been properly introduced to this part of themselves, or have been shamed by the misuse of scriptures or religious authority, this part of the self must not be ignored. Remaining estranged from, ashamed of, scared of, or angry at one's spiritual self—or this topic or area in general—will cause a segregation or separation from part of oneself, which needs to be reconciled for healing. To be whole is to be seen and healed.

Do not be afraid to bring up this sensitive area with your counselor. We are trained and ready to respect, guide, and nurture the spiritual parts of people and encourage them as part of their journey to self-healing. Whether it is simply negative cognitive distortions rooted in a religious upbringing holding your mind and self back, or it is much deeper, manifesting in crippling self-hatred or relentless overactive guilt patterns, counseling is a safe space to explore this.

#stress #work