Personal participation in spiritual or religious activities and groups can provide sustenance, solace, a larger perspective and an important opportunity to honour what we most deeply believe to be sacred or true. However, sometimes all is not what it seems, and we may unexpectedly and unintentionally fall prey to self-serving leaders and/or cultic group dynamics including: isolation, deception, exploitation, imbalances of power, spiritual bypass and coercive control.

 

Recognising and metabolising one’s own participation in an unhealthy system or dynamic is difficult and often humbling work. Addressing spiritual or religious trauma often involves reclaiming relinquished or disempowered aspects of yourself. An informed and empathetic counsellor can guide and support you to reflect upon, digest and integrate your experience. 

 

While symptoms of post-traumatic stress are a common challenge for survivors of abusive systems or dynamics, the potential for post-traumatic growth also exists. When faced and addressed with honesty, humility and self-compassion, our most debilitating experiences can become an entryway to profound learning and growth.

 

Recovering from spiritual/religious abuse or trauma is not something you need to do alone. To discuss your situation and the support I can offer, simply reach out for a free, confidential consultation conversation.