Religious Trauma Support Group

Religious trauma refers to the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm caused by abusive or rigid religious environments. This can include feelings of shame, guilt, fear, or confusion around your identity and values, often stemming from religious teachings or practices that were harmful or controlling.

This group is open to anyone who has experienced trauma related to their religious upbringing or involvement in religious institutions. It’s especially beneficial for those seeking to process their experiences, deconstruct harmful beliefs, and rebuild a sense of self outside of those environments.

No, participants can join at any stage of their healing journey. Whether you are just beginning to explore the impact of religious trauma or have been working on it for some time, you are welcome. The group is designed to offer support, no matter where you are in the process.

Each session will involve a combination of group discussions, personal reflections, and guided activities. We will cover topics such as navigating guilt and shame, setting boundaries, and rebuilding personal beliefs. There will also be opportunities to share personal stories, though sharing is entirely voluntary.

No, sharing your story is never required. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. The group is a space for listening and mutual support, and you can participate in the way that feels safest for you.

No, this group is not affiliated with any specific religion or belief system. It is a secular, inclusive space meant to support people recovering from the harmful effects of religious trauma, regardless of their current or former religious identity.

While the focus of the group is on healing from religious trauma, we recognize that everyone's relationship with religion is personal. You can share about your experience with religion as much or as little as you are comfortable with. The group will focus on processing trauma and fostering emotional and psychological healing.

The primary goals are to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for participants to:

• Process religious trauma
• Explore their evolving beliefs and values
• Heal from shame, guilt, and fear
• Strengthen their sense of self
• Learn to set boundaries and navigate relationships post-trauma

Confidentiality is a top priority. What is shared in the group stays in the group. All participants are expected to respect each other’s privacy and keep discussions within the group. This creates a safe space where people can share openly without fear of judgment or breach of trust.

Healing from religious trauma can bring up intense emotions, and it’s important to go at your own pace. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you are welcome to step back, take a break, or excuse yourself from the group.

The group meets once a month, and while it's encouraged to attend consistently, there is no strict requirement to attend every session. Each month covers different themes, and missing a session won’t prevent you from benefiting from any meetings.

To join, please go to this link https://forms.gle/xC1MBjoFNW3FiwuW8

Yes! Participants will have access to optional follow-up resources such as readings, worksheets, or recommended practices between sessions. There may also be opportunities to connect with others in the group for additional peer support outside of scheduled sessions.