For many people, religion and faith-based communities offer a space of comfort, guidance, support and solace during our best and worst times. Unfortunately, some people find instead abusive experiences and relationships that can lead to psychological distress.
Devout Christians are excommunicated from their church community after coming out as gay or transgender. People choose to leave their faith due to changes in personal beliefs and/or values systems, and are then disowned by their immediate family. Members of a congregation are emotionally and sexually abused by a church member in a position of power.
These harsh realities are all too often swept under the rug.
I will offer a secular environment in which you can safely explore how your religion-based trauma or loss has affected you.
You may feel depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, social isolation and/or shame. This is the case whether you have been rejected by your faith-based community, have chosen to leave willingly or are still a devout community member but your are struggling with what you see as harmful effects of your religious doctrine.
Individual and/or supportive group therapy will be crucial to reconciling your evolving religious beliefs with your view of yourself, others and the world you live in.
I am proudly registered with the Secular Therapist Project. This online referral network connects prospective clients with secular therapists in their area, and ensures the use of evidence-based and secular therapy practices.