Faith communities are often thought of as refuges, safe harbors, and a place for healing and strength.

But sometimes, spirituality can be used as a weapon or power and that can cause real harm.

If you’re healing from religious trauma, toxic spirituality, or abuse committed in the name of ideology, you’re probably no stranger to feelings of grief, anger, and resentment. 

Religious trauma can come with both physical and emotional impacts and we’ve seen how it can get in the way of you living a functional and fulfilling life. 

Here are some of the common ways that religious trauma can manifest:

  • Poor self-esteem and lack of trust in yourself

  • Sense of isolation

  • Pervasive feelings of guilt and shame

  • Poor interpersonal boundaries

  • Nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts about the trauma

  • An experience of abandonment or feeling exiled

  • Deep loneliness 

  • Loss of identity 

At Empower, we understand the unique needs of someone recovering from spiritual harm. You shouldn’t have to waste your time educating your therapist. Work alongside therapists who speak the language and know what you’re going through. 

Therapy can help you connect with your intuition, learn to trust yourself again, and reclaim your power. Whether you’re navigating a wave of resentment or anger towards your faith culture or seeking to reclaim something within your faith practice, community, or identity - your work is important. You are welcome and you are wanted here.

Together, we will work to help you pick up the pieces, process the complex feelings and experiences you’ve had, and create a meaningful (BEAUTIFUL) life that is deeply grounded in self-trust and healing. 

Our evidence-based, scientifically proven interventions are demonstrated by research to be effective in addressing PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health issues faced by folks recovering from religious trauma.

Learn more about our empirically-based therapy modalities by visiting our EMDR page. 

If you are looking for a therapist that specializes in Religious Trauma Therapy, meet Carl.

Carl Freeman received his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is now an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Long Beach, California. Carl is a therapist and group facilitator at Empower Marriage and Family Therapy. 

Carl’s approach to therapy is both nurturing and motivating. He uses a combination of therapeutic techniques including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to assist those struggling with anxiety, depression, insecurity, stress, fear, pain, and relational issues. 

He has experience working with young adults, parents, and veterans. In his work with couples, Carl utilizes Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT) to focus on goals related to communication, lack of connection. and/or lack of trust - often following a break. Carl works collaboratively with clients, meeting them where they are in their journey to find connection, flexibility, and meaning.