Religious Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles, CA

While you may be familiar with the term trauma, you might be wondering, what exactly religious trauma is or what it might look like.

Religious trauma refers to psychological and emotional distress experienced by individuals as a result of harmful or traumatic experiences. Within a religious setting or by a trusted figure within a religious context.

It can stem from strict doctrines, emotional abuse, discrimination, or rejection within a religious community. Leading to anxiety, depression, and questioning of personal beliefs. Healing from religious trauma varies for each individual. Often involving therapy, support groups, and personal introspection.

This trauma can arise from a variety of factors. For example, strict religious doctrines, dogmas, or teachings that create fear, guilt, or shame can be damaging. Emotional and psychological abuse, such as manipulation, coercion, or judgmental attitudes, within a religious community, can also contribute to religious trauma. Other sources may include experiences of religious discrimination, rejection, or ostracism.

Photo of religious trauma therapist Stephanie Harimoto. Discover how religious trauma therapy in Los Angeles, CA can help you begin healing from past religious trauma.

Stephanie harimoto

LMFT

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”Making a choice to change your faith practice can feel devastating. Many lose relationships, community, and a sense of structure.

Honoring the grief process of these changes can be an integral part of your healing and moving forward.”


- Stephanie Harimoto LMFT, Religious Trauma Therapist

Symptoms of Religious Trauma

When discussing possible symptoms of religious trauma, it’s important to remember that these symptoms could be experienced to varying degrees. Perhaps some more than others.

Photo of a sad woman sitting in a chair speaking with another woman. Looking to resolve your past trauma due to religion? Discover how religious trauma therapy in Los Angeles, CA can help you face your past trauma and begin healing.

  • Anxiety or panic attacks related to religious beliefs or practices

  • Low self-esteem and self-worth stemming from religious guilt or shame

  • Feeling conflicted or confused about personal beliefs

  • Loss of trust in religious institutions, authority figures, or religious communities

  • Social isolation or difficulties in relationships due to religious differences

  • Emotional and psychological abuse from religious leaders or community members

  • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to traumatic religious experiences

  • Negative self-image associated with religious teachings

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms triggered by religious trauma

How We Treat Religious Trauma from a Holistic Perspective

Photo of a woman smiling and hugging herself. Learn to embrace yourself and heal from your religious trauma with religious trauma therapy in Los Angeles, CA.

At our practice in Northeast Los Angeles, we approach the treatment of trauma. Including religious trauma, from a holistic perspective. What that means is we collaborate with our clients to determine their goals for therapy. As well as what they want support around. Additionally, we take into consideration the client’s history and relationships. As well as their support system, and lived experiences to help inform our plan for treatment.

When it comes to religious trauma, it’s important for a clinician to take an individualized approach. When it comes to any kind of trauma, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. But generally speaking, our religious trauma therapists in Los Angeles will focus on the following areas as part of treatment.

Areas of Treatment in Religious Trauma Therapy

  • Learning coping strategies and techniques for emotional regulation

  • Creating a toolkit of self-care practices that promote relaxation and stress reduction. Such as EMDR, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness techniques.

  • Gaining knowledge about healthy boundaries, critical thinking, and personal autonomy.

  • Building a Supportive Network of supportive friends and connections who respect personal beliefs and provide a safe space for expression.

  • Reflection to reevaluate and redefine personal beliefs and values.

  • And for some, exploration of spirituality or affirming and accepting spiritual communities

Interested in Starting Religious Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles, CA?

Find solace, healing, and rediscover your authentic self by embarking on a transformative religious trauma therapy journey. Our experienced religious trauma therapists provide a nurturing and inclusive space where you can safely process and navigate the complexities of religious trauma, allowing you to reclaim your personal power and forge a path toward emotional well-being. Contact us to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about Religious Trauma Therapy here at Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy.

Or learn more about other therapy formats and get connected with one of our holistic individual or couples therapists. Sessions are available virtually to all residents of California and limited openings may be available for in-person sessions at our office in Northeast Los Angeles.

 

Other Services Offered With Highland Park Therapy

Our holistic Los Angeles therapists are here to help you when it comes to your mental health! We offer a variety of mental health services to support 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.