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young Asian adult female with long dark hair wearing peach shirt and white pants using laptop for religious trauma therapy in Concord, NC

Religious Trauma Therapy in Concord, NC

Online Therapy for Religious Trauma throughout North & South Carolina

Religion can be a source of love and community. Unfortunately, it can also use coercion, guilt, and shame that leaves devastating marks on one’s innermost values and belief systems.

In religious trauma therapy, I help my clients by identifying those harmful beliefs, overcoming shame, and claiming a life and identity that feels most authentic, safe, and healthy for them.

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elder male with white hair and dark clothing sitting on pew in empty church considering religious trauma therapy in Concord, NC

Have you experienced religious trauma or abuse?

You’re driving home excited about your evening plans. Then that song comes on the radio. You know the one. Suddenly, you’re pulled back to that hard-backed pew, the smell of strong perfumes, the bright lights, and the guilty conscience. You feel cold all over like someone is watching you.

Religious trauma is unique in that it affects the very core of our identity. People turn towards religion as a foundation for not only their beliefs, but their values, principles, and direction in life. For many, religion wasn’t a choice but something forced on them as a child. They didn’t get to choose what to believe. They weren’t presented with options to explore and learn.

On top of this, abusive tactics like guilt and shame are utilized to enforce control over what you do, think, and feel. These experiences not only mold your identity, but they ingrain harmful values and beliefs that you never had a choice in but become an integral part of your identity.

What you may notice if you have experienced religious trauma…

Relational:

  • Difficulties creating and maintaining healthy relationships

  • People-pleasing tendencies

  • Quick or anxious attachments

  • Codependency or enmeshment

  • Avoidance or emotional withdrawal

  • Social isolation

  • Depending on other’s opinions to make personal decisions

  • Fear of abandonment or disappointing others

  • Lost sense of identity or core beliefs

Emotional & Mental:

  • Anxiety or panic attacks

  • Depression

  • Low self-esteem or self-worth

  • Guilt and shame

  • Apathy

  • Anger and irritability

  • Mood swings

  • Pervasive sense of dread or fear

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Perfectionism and/or obsession with cleanliness, order, and timelines

Physical:

  • Insomnia and nightmares

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Paranoia and hypervigilance

  • Appetite changes

  • Weight changes

  • Somatic stress (i.e. headaches, stomach aches)

  • Body insecurities or dysmorphia

  • Obsession with physical appearance

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Substance dependency or other addictions

young adult with short dark curly hair and glasses wearing black shirt with green jacket smiling outside after religious trauma therapy in Concord, NC

How therapy for religious trauma can help you!

You are not stuck with the choices that were made for you. You don’t have to hold onto beliefs or values that don’t align with your authentic self. Ideology that is harmful, promotes shame, or coerces you to do or be something you aren’t doesn’t have to remain in your life.

This doesn’t mean that all religion is bad. But you should have the autonomy to choose a religion, spirituality, or belief system that is meaningful and healthy for you!

As an ex-evangelical myself, I can offer you personal understanding and validation. I help my clients on this journey by processing the religious trauma they have experienced, deconstructing the unhealthy programming, and reclaiming their own fully chosen identity, belief system, and spirituality.

If this resonates with you, reach out today to schedule your free therapy consultation with a survivor of religious trauma. I would love to meet you and take this brave journey together!

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Other Therapy Services in Concord, NC

Religious Trauma Therapy in Concord, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you are interested in beginning trauma therapy, you can complete this interest form to get started! You can also email me at michelle@radicalserenity.com or call/text me at 980-202-2480.

  • No, a consultation is not required. Free consultations are a courtesy provided to clients who would prefer to speak with a potential therapist before they commit to a therapy appointment. If you would rather ask some questions over email or phone, we can do that! Otherwise, if you feel ready to to jump in, we can schedule your first appointment right away!

  • Trauma Therapy Session Rates:

    30-min Online Therapy Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75

    60-min Online Therapy Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150

    90-min Online Therapy Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225

    All payments are due at time of service.

  • Debit, credit, and HSA/FSA payments are accepted.

    All services are private pay only. Reduced rates may be available upon request.

  • All trauma therapy sessions are currently online and are available to all adults (18+) throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. We meet using a HIPAA-compliant and secure video conferencing platform which can be accessed on any device with access to the internet. Online therapy offers you flexibility to have your sessions from the comfort of home or anywhere that works best for you!

  • Michelle is licensed to see any clients located in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Whether you are sitting at home, chilling at a coffee shop, or walking in the park, you can receive services as long as you are physically located in one of these states.

  • When beginning trauma therapy, weekly 60-minute sessions are most effective. This helps create consistency, accountability, and the ability to measure progress. Many clients find this helpful for the first 3-6 months. Once you feel confident in your progress, sessions are typically reduced to every other week. The timeline looks different for everyone, and we will collaborate together on ensuring your therapy is most effective for you.

  • Clients are able to schedule sessions via their own client portal. You can schedule week to week or a few weeks out. If you prefer meeting at the same day/time every week, I can block that time for you as long as you show up for your sessions. We can also discuss different scheduling options during our consultation call.

Begin your Healing Today!