While “spirituality” and “religion” are often used interchangeably, some define spirituality as a personal quest for meaning (often with a search for transcendence), and religion as an organized community with beliefs, practices, rituals that focus on a belief in a higher power or God.

Spirituality and religion can impact the way that individuals perceive suffering, relationships, and life overall. These belief systems can be intricately linked to a person’s identity and values, and can help individuals connect with meaning and purpose beyond everyday life and challenges. Several studies have suggested that religious practices may be associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, and increased resilience. For some individuals, spiritual practices can also serve as coping mechanisms in the face of stress, grief, or trauma. Additionally, involvement with faith communities can provide a sense of belonging, comfort, and social support. Given the potential benefits of spiritual practices, some individuals may find it therapeutic to discuss their faith and integrate spiritual practices such as prayer and the reading of sacred texts as part of their healing journey.

Faith-based Traumas

It is also critical to note that not all individuals have had positive experiences with organized religion or religious practices. There is research to support that some aspects of religious experiences have been associated with negative mental health outcomes and distress. In a study published in the Socio-Historical Examination of Religious and Ministry in 2023, it was found that a concerning 27% to 33% of U.S. adults have experienced religious trauma.

The Religious Trauma Institute defines religious trauma as “the physical, emotional, or psychological response to religious beliefs, practices, or structures that is experienced by an individual as overwhelming or disruptive and has lasting adverse effects on a person’s physical, mental, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.” Religious trauma can result from various factors including rigid dogma, coercive practices, oppressive spiritual authorities, forced rejection of one’s identity, or exposure to harmful practices (such as conversion therapy). Trauma can also stem from religion motivated conflicts or violence. Faith-based trauma can also co-occur with other forms of abuse including emotional, physical, financial, and sexual. Such experiences can result in existential anxiety (shaking the core of a person’s identity, view of the world, and perception of safety), feelings of abandonment, and a loss of trust in systems that were relied on for nourishment and support. The effects can be life-altering and impact a person’s overall well-being, self-worth, and ability to form healthy relationships.

Individuals who have experienced faith-based traumas may experience a crisis or loss of faith as their negative experiences clash with their previously held convictions. Their internal wrestling can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, sexual and gender identity issues, self-esteem problems, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you have experienced any of these harmful behaviors:

• physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse by a spiritual authority figure
• constant fear-based education about religion, resulting in anxiety about the world and lack of trust in your own abilities to make decisions
• justification or minimization of domestic violence, or the protection of known abusers by spiritual authorities
• having mental health symptoms minimized or labelled as “sinful” or indicating a “weak faith”
• being recommended by a spiritual leader to stay in an abusive or harmful situation in order to grow closer to a deity
• use of religious texts or teachings to manipulate, control, or shame you or a group
• a reduction in work hours or opportunities based on your faith perspectives (or lack of faith)
• pressure to submit without question (and non-compliance resulting in discipline, ex-communication, or threat of loss of relationship)

It can help to work with a counsellor who can understand the complexities surrounding religious experiences.

Healing from religious abuse might involve:

• sharing your story and having your painful experiences validated in a safe and judgement free space
• being given permission to feel and process complicated emotions (which can include grief)
• identifying unhelpful beliefs and coping strategies and replacing them with more empowering ones that support your healing
• exploring emotional, physical, and spiritual boundaries as you navigate shifts in relationships and start to reclaim control of your life (especially if others were making decisions for you)
• rebuilding a positive self-image and cultivating self-compassion
• connecting with healthy social supports. Spiritual abuse can result in social isolation and a lack of awareness of mainstream culture, which can affect a person’s sense of belonging and fitting in. You can consider joining a class, social group, or club where the commonality is not spirituality or religion
• exploring new or modified spiritual practices if you still want to align with faith and spirituality. Some people seek support as they go through a faith deconstruction/reconstruction process where they explore previously unexamined beliefs and rethink their faith

Religious trauma can also intersect with various cultural and identity factors, and counselling needs to take into account the unique backgrounds of each client. I aim to create safe and inclusive environment that respects individual beliefs, values, and cultural backgrounds when navigating spiritual wounds.

+ References

Aggarwal, S., Wright, J., Morgan, A., Patton, G., & Reavley, N. (2023). Religiosity and spirituality in the prevention and management of depression and anxiety in young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC psychiatry, 23(1), 729.

Lucchetti, G., Koenig, H. G., & Lucchetti, A. L. G. (2021). Spirituality, religiousness, and mental health: A review of the current scientific evidence. World journal of clinical cases, 9(26), 7620–7631.

Powell, A. (2023, March 5). Religious trauma syndrome. Choosing Therapy. https://www.choosingtherapy.com/religious-trauma-syndrome/

Slade, D., Smell, A., Wilson, E., & Drumsta, R. (2023). Percentage of U.S. adults suffering from religious trauma: A sociological study. Socio-Historical Examination of Religion and Ministry. 5. 1-28.

Yaden, David & Batz-Barbarich, Cassondra & Ng, Vincent & Vaziri, Hoda & Gladstone, Jessica & Pawelski, James & Tay, Louis. (2022). A Meta-Analysis of Religion/Spirituality and Life Satisfaction. Journal of Happiness Studies. 23.