Religious Trauma: What It Is, The Impact, and How Counselling Can Help

Living in London for the past 20 years and training as a counsellor, I have met many people whose lives were shaped by religion and spirituality in both positive and painful ways. For some, faith brings connection, community, and purpose. But for others, their religious experiences have left scars that can take years to heal. This is what we often call religious trauma.

Before I explain more, I want to be clear: by advocating support for those suffering with religious trauma, I am not against spirituality. On the contrary, I believe spirituality is an important part of being human. It can give us meaning and guide us through life. What I am concerned about is when spirituality is used in ways that create fear, guilt, shame, or oppression. Counselling is not about taking spirituality away, but about helping people recover from harm and, if they wish, reconnect with a healthier sense of spirituality that truly supports them.

What is Religious Trauma?

Religious trauma happens when teachings, practices, or communities become a source of harm rather than support. It can come from rigid rules, fear-based teachings, indoctrination, manipulation or rejection from family and community when someone questions or no longer fits in. Often, this trauma builds over time. The constant pressure to obey, the fear of punishment, and the weight of guilt can leave lasting marks on a person’s mind and body.

Leaving a strict religious group can also feel like losing an entire identity. Some describe it almost like stepping into a new world without a map.

Impact of Religious Trauma

The impact of religious trauma can be deep and varied. People may struggle for years without realising how much their past religious experiences are affecting them. Common symptoms include:

• Ongoing guilt or shame, even when there’s no reason for it.

• Anxiety, panic, or fear of being punished for mistakes.

• Struggling to trust themselves or make decisions independently.

• Feelings of worthlessness or believing they are “bad” or “broken”.

• Sadness or depression linked to losing faith or community.

• Difficulty trusting others, especially authority figures.

• Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts connected to past teachings.

• Confusion or conflict around sexuality, gender identity, or life choices.

These symptoms often mirror what we see in trauma more generally.

Religious trauma is not “just in the head” – it is a real form of trauma.

How Counselling Can Support Healing

As a counsellor in London, also offering online therapy across the UK, I see counselling as a safe space where people can begin to explore their experiences without judgement. Many of my clients say that just being able to speak openly for the first time is a huge relief.

In therapy we can:

• Explore old beliefs that still hold emotional power, even if you no longer accept them.

• Work through painful experiences at a gentle pace.

• Develop a stronger sense of self, separate from harmful teachings.

• Learn to trust your own decisions and inner voice.

• Rebuild confidence in relationships and set healthier boundaries.

• Grieve the losses that come with leaving a religious community, while making space for new connections.

For some, therapy is also about rediscovering spirituality in a way that feels supportive and nourishing for themselves. Healing does not have to mean rejecting spirituality altogether – it can mean finding your own path, one that brings peace rather than fear.

Religious Trauma Counselling in London and Online

If any of this resonates with you, know that you are not alone. With counselling, whether face-to-face in London or online anywhere in the UK, it is possible to process the pain of religious trauma and begin to rebuild your life with more freedom, trust, and self-compassion.

I believe spirituality can be a vital part of our human journey. Counselling does not take that away – it simply helps you heal from the wounds of the past, so that you can decide for yourself what spirituality or meaning looks like for you.