Los Angeles Therapist: How EMDR Can Help Heal Religious Trauma
At Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy, we provide a trauma-informed approach. Including integrating modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and traditional talk therapy. In this blog, we’ll explore how traditional talk therapy can join a somatic approach such as EMDR. To specifically treat religious trauma.
Let’s Review: What Is Religious Trauma?
Whether you’ve heard of religious trauma before or perhaps religious trauma is a new term, we’ll take a moment to provide a brief overview of what religious trauma is (we also have a more thorough overview of religious trauma right here).
In short, religious trauma is psychological distress. Distress that is caused by a religious leader or a greater religious faith system.
Spirituality and Religious Faith Practices Can Be a Source of Deep Emotional Pain
While it’s important to note that spirituality and religious faith practices can provide some individuals with significant meaning, purpose, and comfort, they can also be a source of deep emotional pain.
For instance, someone who is part of a high-control religious group may be affected by strict ideology. Or pressure to conform to patriarchal or oppressive standards. Be encouraged to abandon one’s needs in an effort to please a religious leader or to align with specific teachings.
Religious trauma recovery can be complex and it looks different for every person. What one person experiences as traumatic may not be experienced in the same way by another person.
EMDR & How It Supports Treatment for Religious Trauma
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a modality of therapy that, in short, helps a person to reprocess traumatic or distressing experiences. As well as integrate new positive beliefs about themselves. Replacing negative beliefs that were instilled in their mind and body following the traumatic event.
EMDR can be done both virtually and in-person and it is just as effective regardless of format for most individuals.
How a Highland Park Therapist Might Integrate EMDR and Talk Therapy
When it comes to treating religious trauma, EMDR and talk therapy can work hand in hand to provide support. For instance, talk therapy, such as our approach, psychodynamic therapy, allows clients to engage in open conversations with a licensed therapist. Exploring the thoughts, emotions, and beliefs associated with their religious trauma and lived experiences. It may help them gain clarity and insight into their experiences. Also, develop coping strategies.
EMDR can be particularly helpful in addressing specific experiences of religious trauma. By reducing the distress associated with them. So, in summary, by combining these two approaches, individuals can benefit from both the deep exploration of their experiences in talk therapy and the targeted trauma processing in EMDR. Leading to a more comprehensive and holistic healing journey.
Start Healing Your Religious Trauma with the Support of a Holistic Therapist
Are you looking for support related to religious trauma? Or support as you simply navigate a big transition in your faith and your spiritual life, we’re here to help. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with our Care Coordinator to get started.
Ready to Start Religious Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles, CA?
If you're seeking support to heal from religious trauma, Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy is here for you. Our trauma therapists specialize in EMDR, a powerful modality that can help you process and release the deep-seated wounds of religious trauma with religious trauma therapy. Take the courageous step towards healing and connect with us to embark on a transformative journey of healing and reclaim your sense of self. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation call.
Meet with a caring religious trauma therapist in your first session
Start receiving the trauma support you deserve.
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH HIGHLAND PARK Holistic PsychoTHERAPY
At Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy, our team of holistic Los Angeles therapists are here to help you when it comes to your mental health struggles! We offer a variety of mental health services to support both individuals and couples based in Los Angeles (or who live in California). Sessions are available both in-person at our office in Los Angeles, CA area, as well as virtually for anyone in the state. In addition to Religious Trauma Therapy, we offer depression treatment, teen therapy, grief counseling, online therapy, eating disorders, trauma, HSP therapy, stress management, EMDR therapy, and LGBTQ+ therapy. We would be honored to support you in learning new coping methods to help you deal with your past religious trauma. You can also read more by visiting our blog, FAQ, or about us.