Religious trauma is not always loud. Sometimes it’s that quiet panic walking into a church, or shame that flares during intimacy. It’s the guilt overshadowing every life decision decades after leaving. Wrinkle within the fold – echoes of scripture used to silence, shame, and sway. All too often unseen. Trauma was baptized as “Truth” where abusers were “Servants of the Lord.”

This page offers resources for persons recovering from religious harm. Not just those who fled extreme cults, but any raised in fundamentalist regimes where authority eclipsed personal agency. Here you’ll find literature on Religious Trauma Syndrome, support networks, therapist directories, survivor podcasts, and tools for navigating life beyond institutional control.

These resources are designed to meet one where they are – whether you still pray or no longer believe, whether you feel spiritually lost or alive for the first time. Your process here is honoured – not dictated. Neither are any expected to abandon their faith in order to heal or obligated to reclaim it. What matters most is that you’re encouraged to speak without being punished for words – to wit, the very idea of being “Allowed” to utter sound is anathema. Dare anyone stop you! 

Healing religious trauma is not about leaving God – just the versions weaponized against your humanity. The ones which circumvented free will, demanded submission and silenced dissent. Modalities which kept you in line via fear disguised as love. You don’t have to heal on their terms – just as one cannot forgive on demand. Regardless, any who’ve compromised the innocent, can’t expect forgiveness to absolve consequence. Never again shall any pretend abuse didn’t happen in order to keep the peace or appease. Survivors are to welcomed as guests of honour at banquets they were once disinvited.  

ESSENTIAL READING

Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church – Dr. Diane Langberg
A landmark work examining how power, when misused under the guise of God’s name, becomes a vehicle for harm. Dr. Langberg draws from decades of clinical work with trauma survivors to expose patterns of abuse, while calling the church to deep repentance. This book is indispensable for understanding how spiritual authority is corrupted, and how survivors can begin to reclaim voice and agency without losing heart.

Suffering and the Heart of God – Dr. Diane Langberg
A profoundly compassionate and theologically rich text on the nature of trauma and the redemptive power of being heard. Dr. Langberg writes not from a distance, but as one who has walked alongside survivors of genocide, clergy abuse, and institutional betrayal for over 40 years.

Leaving the Fold – Dr. Marlene Winell
A practical guide for recovering from authoritarian religion, this work offers psychological tools and exercises for restoring self-trust, emotional regulation, and identity after leaving high-control faith systems.

CPTSD: From Surviving to Thriving – Pete Walker
Although not religion-specific, this volume is essential for understanding complex trauma – particularly for survivors whose childhood development was shaped under emotionally suppressive systems.

Traumatized – Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald
An approachable deep-dive into the neuroscience of trauma, this publication clarifies how spiritual trauma becomes embedded in the nervous system, and how healing begins through embodied awareness.

CLINICAL SUPPORT & THERAPIST NETWORKS

Religious Trauma Institute
A global clinical resource hub focused on healing from religious abuse and coercive control. Offers education, therapist referrals, and ongoing research.

Reclamation Collective
Provides online therapy groups, retreats, and a directory of trauma-informed therapists experienced in religious harm and spiritual abuse recovery.

Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
A non-profit directory offering affordable therapy for those without insurance. Allows users to search for providers with expertise in trauma, shame, and identity recovery.

Faithful Counseling
For those who wish to maintain a Christian identity while addressing trauma. Survivors are encouraged to confirm that the counselor practices trauma-informed, non-coercive care.

Note of Discernment:
Not every counselor trained in faith traditions is equipped to address spiritual abuse. As Dr. Langberg warns, “When the church defends systems instead of victims, it ceases to be the church.” Choose a professional who understands the difference between spiritual formation and psychological manipulation.

SURVIVOR-LED CONVERSATIONS

IndoctriNation – Hosted by Rachel Bernstein, LMFT
A podcast focused on systems of coercion, cult recovery, and religious indoctrination. Hosted by a therapist with decades of experience in the field.

Exvangelical – Hosted by Blake Chastain
A pioneer podcast that gave language to the post-evangelical experience. Offers interviews with survivors, advocates, and thinkers exploring faith deconstruction and personal recovery.

Recovering from Religion Podcast
Features conversations about doubt, deconversion, and life after belief. Backed by a nonprofit offering peer support, online meetups, and helpline services.

The Naked Pastor Podcast – David Hayward
Hosted by a former minister who now critiques authoritarian religion through theological inquiry and art. Especially relevant for those deconstructing without discarding all aspects of faith.

TOOLS FOR HEALING & SPIRITUAL RECLAMATION

Religious Trauma Workbook (ReLOVution – Forthcoming)
Guided journaling exercises rooted in trauma theory and survivor experience. Helps individuals distinguish between indoctrination and identity, shame and conviction, fear and faith.

Spiritual Posture Inventory – Reclamation Collective
A gentle assessment tool for discerning your current relationship with spirituality – free of judgment, pressure, or expectation.

Lyra’s Law Advocacy Packet (ReLOVution – Forthcoming)
A survivor-first legal toolkit for reporting religious abuse, protecting oneself, and advocating for legislative change. Includes trauma-informed language for victims and suggested protocols for institutions.

PEER SUPPORT & COMMUNITY CONNECTION

ReLOVution Survivor Circles
A trauma-informed peer group for survivors of spiritual abuse, faith deconstruction, and systemic betrayal. A space encouraging reflection, accountability, and connection. 

The Deconstruction Network
Connects individuals leaving organized religion with others navigating similar paths. Designed to reduce isolation and foster healthy spiritual autonomy.

Closing Reflection

“Trauma is the mission field of our time.” – Dr. Diane Langberg
We live in an age when survivors are no longer whispering. They are writing. Testifying. Reforming. Let no institution silence what the Spirit stirred awake. 

– ReLOVution