Healing from Controlling Religion: The Importance of Boundaries
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for healing from controlling religion, but a crucial aspect of recovery is learning to establish healthy boundaries.
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for healing from controlling religion, but a crucial aspect of recovery is learning to establish healthy boundaries.
Controlling religion taught me to distrust myself. So a key part of healing from church trauma has been reconnecting with myself, especially with my body.
After my pastors were asked to resign because of their spiritual abuse, I left the church. But I found that I was now carrying trauma in my body, mind, heart, and spirit.
In spiritually abusive churches, some form of truth is usually present. And some good things are happening. This makes it harder to identify the toxic theology at play.
To all who have felt unsafe in religious spaces, to all who are still processing confusing or damaging religious experiences: May you know you are not alone.
My spirituality and faith have shifted significantly the last few years. Faith after spiritual crisis looks different.