Religious Trauma

Religious trauma refers to the psychological and emotional harm that can arise from experiences within religious or faith-based environments. This may occur when beliefs, teachings, or practices are rigid, fear-based, or controlling, or when religious systems are used to justify shame, exclusion, or harm. 

Religious trauma is a form of complex or relational trauma that can impact a person’s sense of self, safety, and meaning, particularly when faith has been intertwined with identity, family, and community.

People may carry the effects of religious trauma long after leaving (or even while remaining within) a faith community. These experiences can shape how someone relates to authority, morality, relationships, and their own inner world. Therapy offers a space to unpack these experiences gently and without judgement, recognising both the personal and systemic impact of religious harm.

I am most familiar with the Catholic faith due to my own background and training, but I do not pretend to be an expert in your lived experience or religious context. I approach all faiths and belief systems with curiosity, respect, and humility, and I am open about the limits of my knowledge, prioritising learning, reflection, and supervision.

Common Ways Religious Trauma Can Show Up

  • Fear, guilt, or shame related to religious beliefs or teachings

  • Anxiety around morality, punishment, or “being wrong”

  • Internal conflict after leaving or questioning a faith community

  • Difficulty trusting authority figures or institutions

  • Suppression or rejection of identity (e.g. gender, sexuality, values)

  • Family or community rupture following faith transitions

  • Religious-based control, coercion, or emotional abuse

  • Perfectionism, hypervigilance, or chronic self-criticism

  • Grief, loss, or confusion around meaning, purpose, or spirituality

How We Can Work Together

  • Provide a respectful, trauma-informed space to explore the impact of religious experiences

  • Explore how religious trauma has shaped your beliefs, emotions, relationships, and sense of self

  • Support unpacking internalised messages, fear, shame, or guilt

  • Provide space to process grief, anger, loss, or betrayal connected to faith

  • Help rebuild trust in yourself, your intuition, and your inner voice

  • Support you to clarify values that feel authentic and meaningful to you now

  • Respect your relationship with spirituality 

  • Focus on healing, autonomy, and choice in how you relate to faith, belief, and identity

Looking for an Online Psychologist for Religious Trauma?

If you’re considering therapy for religious trauma and are wondering whether we’d be a good fit, you’re welcome to book a session or arrange a complimentary 10-minute phone call to ask questions and learn more about how I work.

You can contact me, visit the FAQs page if you’d like further information, or book a call when you feel ready.