Introduction to Religious Trauma
Religious trauma can include widely varied experiences. To illustrate these we're going to use two fictional characters: Jenessa and Jaime.
Jenessa grew up in an evangelical church and it was central to her life throughout her childhood and young adulthood. She attended an evangelical college and her friends and family were also members of the church.
Jaime's childhood and young adult years were different than Jenessa's. Jaime's parents would have described themselves as "spiritual, but not religious" and Jaime grew up encouraged by their self-described "hippy" parents to "question authority" which contributed to Jaime feeling like an outsider in the religious conservative town they grew up in. Most of the people Jaime would encounter in the town they lived in were religious and made it known that they did not understand, and in some cases were outwardly hostile towards, Jaime.
If Jenessa leaves the church and loses the support of her family, friends, and sense of identity in that process: that is a common religious trauma experience. If Jenessa were to have a traumatic experience, such as an abuse of power at the hands of a religious leader or religious community: that too is religious trauma.
The ongoing othering, microaggressions and macroaggressions, and absence of affirmation and security in community relates to the religious trauma that may be experienced by Jaime.
In this post, we'll dive in to what people mean (it's different depending on who's speaking) when they say "religious trauma" and how it might relate to your experience.
Overview of Religious Trauma Syndrome
Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) specifically refers to the psychological and emotional distress experienced by individuals who come from a religious background. The term was coined by psychologist Marlene Winell in her book Leaving the Fold, which explores the challenges of leaving a high-control religious environment.
What is Religious Trauma Syndrome?
RTS describes the symptoms and experiences of individuals who struggle with the aftermath of leaving or questioning their religious upbringing. It often includes feelings of guilt, fear, and isolation, alongside difficulties navigating life outside of a religious framework.
Common Experiences associated with Religious Trauma:
Emotional Symptoms:Â Anxiety, depression, feelings of guilt or shame.
Cognitive Symptoms:Â Confusion, difficulty making decisions, or a loss of trust in oneself.
Physical Symptoms:Â Fatigue, chronic stress, or somatic complaints related to trauma.
Relational Symptoms:Â Struggles with boundaries, fear of judgment, or difficulty forming new relationships.
While Winell coined the term "religious trauma syndrome" to describe the experiences of people who have questioned or left religious communities, you might notice that those experiences associated with RTS, sometimes called "symptoms" of religious trauma can happen both as a result of harm experienced by both religious and nonreligious people in religious contexts.
When power and control dynamics that reject human differences and suppress personal agency are present in any system the potential for harm is high.
Religious trauma can deeply affect an individual’s mental health. Organized religion often provides a sense of structure and belonging, but when those systems become sources of harm, it can leave people feeling untethered and alone.
Is Religious Trauma Part Of You Experience?
Religious trauma is not one-size-fits-all. Some people with a history of religious trauma will leave religion behind all together. Others won't. Some people who've experienced trauma in the context of religious communities or experiences were never religious themselves.
The key question is: Have you experienced trauma in the context of religion?
If you're uncertain about what trauma is (which is par for the course for people who have normalized harmful experiences): the Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center offers a good starting point.
Religion itself is an emotionally loaded topic that people ascribe different meaning to and tends to be a subject that lends itself to personal bias. Given that reality; you may encounter different perspectives on religious trauma, even among mental health professionals and therapists, depending on their individual backgrounds. What matters most in your own self-exploration and healing is your own experience.
Reflecting on Your Own Experience:
What comes to mind when you think about religious trauma?
Are there specific memories, feelings, or relationships tied to your experiences with religion?
Examples of Manifestations:
For some, religious trauma might involve the loss of community and support after leaving a faith tradition.
For others, it could stem from rigid doctrines that promote fear, shame, or suppression of individuality.
Still others might experience trauma as a result of exclusion, discrimination, or harm from a religious group.
Every person’s experience with religion and spirituality is unique. Understanding religious trauma begins with listening to and validating these varied perspectives.
If you are healing from religious trauma, you can start with honoring your own journey and emotions. Sadness, anger, confusion, and grief are common experiences but they aren't the only experiences. Your experience is valid and worth honoring.
Practices for Healing:
Journaling:Â Writing about your experiences can help you process emotions and clarify your thoughts.
Therapy:Â Working with a therapist who understands religious trauma can provide a safe space for exploration and healing.
Community Support:Â Connecting with others who share similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation.

The Power of Acknowledgment:
Acknowledging your pain and trauma is a crucial step toward healing. By doing so, you create space for growth, resilience, and self-compassion.
Resources and Support
If you’re experiencing religious trauma, know that help is available. Here are some resources to consider:
Seek therapists or counselors who specialize in religious trauma or spiritual abuse. Prior to meeting with a potential new therapist, prepare some screening questions to assess whether they will honor your personal experience.
Join online forums or local support groups for individuals recovering from religious trauma.
Explore books, podcasts, and online resources focused on religious trauma recovery. Marlene Winell's Leaving The Fold, Laura Anderson's When Religion Hurts You, and Daryl R. Van Tongeren's Done speak to people's experiences of religious deconstruction and the U.S. Secular Survey is a good resource for people on nonreligious experiences.
Moving Forward From Religious Trauma
Religious trauma is a deeply personal and multifaceted experience. Whether you relate to Jenessa, Jaime, or have your own unique story, it’s important to honor and validate your journey. Just as religious trauma itself is wildly varied, so too is the path towards healing. Some people leave religion behind entirely. Others don't. For some, navigating religious identity is not part of their experience of religious trauma. What's healing for you will be unique to you. By opening up conversations about religious trauma, we can foster greater understanding, compassion, and healing.
If this resonates with you, consider reaching out to a trusted therapist or joining a supportive community. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to navigate this path alone.
Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
Founder & Psychotherapist at Divergent Path Wellness
Seeking an inclusive therapist in Virginia?
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