Religious Trauma Therapist in Des Moines
The ground was never lost, the ground is in YOU
Religious trauma is real and can manifest in many ways: anxiety, shame, identity confusion, grief, or deep fear of punishment. It stems from adverse religious experiences that may be intentional or unintentional, creating lasting psychological impact.
What is Religious Trauma?
Religious trauma results from experiences within religious contexts that threaten a person's sense of safety, identity, or wellbeing. These experiences can range from explicitly abusive practices to subtler forms of psychological control. Common sources include:
Authoritarian leadership that demands unquestioning obedience
Purity culture that creates shame around natural human experiences
Excommunication or social rejection from religious communities
Spiritual manipulation using fear, guilt, or divine punishment
Rigid belief systems that reject questioning or personal exploration
Conditional love or acceptance based on adherence to religious standards
Moral injury - violating personal values due to religious demands, causing profound ethical distress
The Impact
The Deconstruction Journey
The effects of religious trauma can influence nearly every aspect of a person's life, including:
Persistent anxiety about "getting it wrong" or facing punishment
Deep-seated shame about normal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors
Difficulty trusting oneself or making independent decisions
Complicated grief over lost community, identity, or worldview
Fear of abandonment by God or spiritual forces
Difficulty forming healthy relationships or boundaries
How Therapy Can Help
Many individuals who have experienced religious trauma undergo a process of deconstruction—examining and often dismantling previously held beliefs. This process can be confusing, painful and liberating all at the same time:
Questioning core beliefs that once provided structure and meaning
Grieving the loss of community and spiritual certainty
Rebuilding identity outside of religious frameworks
Learning to trust one's own judgment and moral compass
Therapy offers a validating space to unpack the emotional, psychological, and spiritual impact of adverse religious experiences. Therapy can help you:
Process complex emotions without judgment
Develop a healthier relationship with spirituality (if desired)
Establish boundaries with religious family or communities
Reclaim your sense of self and personal agency
Heal from shame and fear-based thinking patterns
Build a meaningful life aligned with your authentic values
Religious Trauma Therapy Throughout Iowa
Are you in Des Moines or anywhere in Iowa searching for specialized help with religious trauma? I provide support for individuals recovering from high-demand religions, spiritual abuse, and controlling belief systems—offering trauma-informed, compassionate therapy to clients throughout the state. No matter where you are in your journey—actively deconstructing your faith, healing from church hurt, or rebuilding your identity—you can heal, thrive, and live a whole life.
Next Steps?
Click contact me for questions, book here for a free 15 minute consultation, FAQ's to learn more.
