Religious Trauma Therapy Colorado Springs
I've been hurt by past religious experiences, what can I do?
You may be experiencing deep pain because of past church, or other religious, experiences. You may feel like you're not able to trust again. It may feel that what you went through was so confusing, it's taken a long time to come to this point, the point to work through what happened.
Your pain and struggles are valid, and it takes courage to seek help and begin the healing process. But take hope, you're aren't alone! There can be healing and restoration. This isn't an easy process, but the end is worthy of your journey.
If you're ready to work toward healing, you'll need to be prepared to revisit your past in order to heal your trauma. Religious trauma is unique because our religious experiences inform our worldview, and so it's more than a difficult experience that we go through when we've been hurt, it can be earth shattering. The consequences can result in the loss of hope, and sometimes, the loss of community.
If you've experienced anything like this, then it is going to be valuable for us to talk. We offer free consultations when we can hear a bit of your story so that you can feel comfortable with us and we can make sure we're the right fit for you. Press the schedule now button below setup your consultation.
Through religious trauma therapy, you will learn how to:
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learn to better cope better on a regular basis
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develop tools and techniques that keep you present
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learn how your experiences affected your ongoing thoughts
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improve your current relationships
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find freedom from your past
You will benefit most from religious trauma therapy, Colorado Springs, if:
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open to talking with a therapist
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ready to revisit what you experienced
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open to practicing the skills you learn in therapy between sessions
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you want to experience freedom from what happened to you
Is Religious trauma a thing?
Yes, religious trauma is a real and recognized phenomenon in the field of mental health. Religious trauma refers to the psychological, emotional, and spiritual harm that can result from negative experiences within a religious context. This can include experiences such as spiritual abuse, shaming, rejection, and toxic religious environments.
Religious trauma can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. It can lead to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a loss of faith or spiritual connection.
Religious trauma is not limited to any particular religion or denomination, and can occur in any religious context where individuals are exposed to negative experiences. It is important to note that religious trauma is not a reflection of one's faith or religious beliefs, but rather a response to harmful experiences within a religious context.
The recognition of religious trauma as a real and valid experience has led to the development of specialized counseling approaches to help individuals heal from religious trauma. Religious trauma counseling is a specialized form of counseling that addresses the unique needs of those who have experienced religious trauma, and can help individuals process their experiences, heal from trauma, and rebuild their relationship with God or spirituality.
It is important for individuals who have experienced negative experiences within a religious context to seek help and support to address the impact of these experiences on their mental health and well-being. Religious trauma is a real and valid experience that can have significant long-term effects, but with the help of a trained counselor, individuals can find healing and restoration.
How to heal from religious trauma?
Healing from religious trauma is a process that requires patience, compassion, and self-care. Here are some steps you can take to begin the healing process:
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Acknowledge and validate your experiences: The first step towards healing from religious trauma is acknowledging and validating your experiences. This may involve recognizing and accepting the harm that was done to you and the impact it has had on your life. It is important to remember that your experiences are valid, and you have the right to feel the way you do.
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Seek support: It is important to seek support from a trusted individual or a therapist who is trained in religious trauma counseling. They can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to process your experiences (they may use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or EMDR), validate your emotions, and help you develop coping strategies.
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Practice self-care: Self-care is an important aspect of healing from religious trauma. This may involve engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you feel connected to your values and beliefs. This can include mindfulness practices, journaling, spending time in nature, and engaging in creative activities.
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Re-examine your beliefs: It may be helpful to re-examine your beliefs and values to ensure they are aligned with your true self. This can involve exploring different spiritual or religious practices, attending a new church or religious community, or engaging in secular activities that help you feel connected to something greater than yourself.
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Set healthy boundaries: Setting healthy boundaries can help you establish a sense of safety and control over your life. This may involve limiting your exposure to people or situations that trigger your trauma, saying no to activities or commitments that do not align with your values, or asserting your needs in relationships.
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Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness is a process that involves letting go of resentment and anger towards those who have harmed you. Forgiveness does not mean that you condone or forget the harm that was done, but it can help you release the negative emotions and move forward with your healing journey.
Healing from religious trauma is a journey that takes time and patience. Remember to be kind to yourself, seek support when needed, and focus on the steps that bring you closer to healing and wholeness.
What are the types of religious trauma?
There are different types of religious trauma that can result from negative experiences related to religion or spirituality. Here are some common types of religious trauma:
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Spiritual Abuse: This occurs when a person in a position of power or authority within a religious community uses their power to control, manipulate, or harm others. Spiritual abuse can take many forms, including emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and financial abuse.
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Religious Perfectionism: This occurs when a person feels pressure to live up to impossible standards of behavior, morality, or spirituality set by their religious community. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt.
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Spiritual Betrayal: This occurs when a person's trust is violated by a religious leader, community, or institution that they once believed in. Examples of spiritual betrayal may include cover-ups of abuse, financial fraud, or hypocrisy.
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Traumatic Rituals: This occurs when a person is subjected to traumatic or abusive rituals or practices within a religious community. This may include practices that involve physical harm, humiliation, or coercion.
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Religious Rejection: This occurs when a person experiences rejection or ostracism from their religious community due to their beliefs, lifestyle, or identity. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and low self-esteem.
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Religious Indoctrination: This occurs when a person is pressured or forced to adopt specific beliefs, practices, or values within a religious community. This can lead to a loss of autonomy and a sense of disconnection from one's authentic self.
These types of religious trauma can have a significant impact on a person's mental health, self-esteem, and sense of identity. It is important to seek support from a mental health professional trained in religious trauma counseling if you are experiencing any of these types of trauma.
But, if you want more than resources FOR RELIGIOUS TRAUMA, and you're ready to find relief from your issues, you can reach out to Intermountain Counseling to talk about working with a therapist to help you live the life you want to achieve.
The therapy process for religious trauma:
Christian religious trauma therapy, in Colorado Springs, will help you clarify what you’re wanting from life and adapt to your changing life and newfound responsibilities. Your religious trauma therapist will help you with strategies to regulate, lead you through practices that help you understand and reprocess your trauma.
Each session is 55 minutes long. We recommend at least eight consecutive weeks of Christian religious trauma therapy to help you work towards your goals and work on your strategies for changing what you can in your life. It’s not done overnight, it can take time! We've found that clients who do not commit to weekly sessions for eight weeks struggle to find joy in meeting their goals and regaining control in their lives.
wHAT TO EXPECT with Christian religious trauma therapy in
Colorado Springs
wEEK 1:
The first week is the intake session. The intake session is focused on explaining the process for religious trauma therapy in Colorado Springs. Your Christian religious trauma counselor will go through the paperwork you completed and make sure you understand what you are consenting to in religious trauma counseling. Your trauma therapist will also gather more information about you, your biological, social, and psychological history; and anything else that may be affecting your situation. Your Colorado Springs religious trauma therapist will make sure that we clearly understand your goals for therapy and have a plan moving forward.
Week 2 and THE FOLLOWING weeks:
Your religious trauma counselor will choose treatment strategies that fit you best and help you regain a firm foundation in your life. Each session will be focused on the Christian therapist working with you to make sure you feel you are improving. This may require you to practice strategies during your week, between sessions.
Intermountain Counseling is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and warm environment for you so you feel empowered and equipped to overcome the obstacles in your daily life.
Discharge:
Discharge is the agreed-upon ending of the therapeutic relationship once goals are achieved and takes 1 to 3 sessions, depending on your needs. Religious trauma therapy should be a launchpad into life; your Christian trauma therapist will work with you to determine that you feel your religiuos therapy goals have been met and that you are satisfied with what you have worked on.