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Are you struggling with the effects of religious or spiritual trauma?
Right now, you may be experiencing:
- Intense feelings of shame, guilt, or fear related to religious doctrines or experiences within a spiritual community
- A crisis of faith, feeling betrayed by God, the divine, or the religious institution you trusted
- Difficulty reconciling harmful experiences (abuse, manipulation, exclusion) with stated religious values
- Fear of divine punishment, damnation, or losing your salvation
- Loss of community and support systems after leaving or questioning a harmful religious group
- Confusion about your own identity, values, and beliefs outside the context of the religious group
- Symptoms of PTSD or C-PTSD triggered by religious symbols, practices, or authority figures
- Difficulty trusting spiritual leaders or engaging in any form of spirituality
You're realizing that your religious or spiritual trauma are getting in the way of your life:
- You struggle to form a healthy sense of self and morality independent of the harmful religious framework
- Making decisions feels overwhelming without the rigid rules or guidance you once had
- You feel isolated, unable to share your experiences with those who haven’t lived through similar religious control or abuse
- Lingering fear and guilt impact your relationships, sexuality, and overall sense of freedom
- You may have lost important family relationships due to religious differences or leaving the group
- Finding a new sense of meaning, purpose, or spiritual connection feels impossible or unsafe
You’re wondering…
- How could something supposedly good cause so much pain and damage?
- Can I ever heal from the betrayal and manipulation I experienced?
- Is it possible to have a healthy spirituality after being harmed by religion?
- How do I separate genuine spiritual connection from harmful dogma or control?
- Will I always carry this fear and shame?
- Could EMDR help process trauma specifically related to religious beliefs or experiences?
You’re longing for…
- Freedom from the fear, guilt, and shame instilled by harmful religious teachings or experiences.
- Clarity on your own values, beliefs, and spiritual path (or lack thereof).
- Healing from the specific incidents of abuse, manipulation, or exclusion within a religious context.
- The ability to trust your own inner wisdom and moral compass.
- A sense of peace and integration regarding your past religious experiences.
- Connection to a supportive community, whether spiritual or secular, where you feel accepted and safe.
How we can help you.
At Evergreen Counseling, we understand that trauma can occur within religious and spiritual contexts, leading to deep psychological and existential wounds. Whether through authoritarian control, spiritual abuse, shaming doctrines, or traumatic events within a religious community, the impact can be profound. Our trauma-informed EMDR therapists approach religious and spiritual trauma with sensitivity and respect for your individual journey.
What you’re longing for is possible.
By pursuing EMDR therapy for religious/spiritual trauma at Evergreen Counseling, you can imagine the following:
Before Therapy
After Therapy
Feeling burdened by religious guilt.
Experiencing freedom from religious trauma symptoms.
Fear and confusion.
Gaining clarity on personal values.
Struggling with a crisis of faith and identity after harmful experiences
Processing painful memories and developing a healthier, self-defined sense of spirituality or meaning.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
