![]() ![]() Power Dynamics + Authoritarianism: Many but not all religions are rooted in patriarchal, heteronormative beliefs that create power imbalance and the potential for abuse. If you are experiencing intimate partner violence, and need immediate support, please please call 1-80 or visit. Isolating you from others with different faith and beliefs Your partner using sacred texts or scripture to justify abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, or financial, etc.), oppression, or harmful behavior Not being allowed to voice a differing opinion or belief from your partner without being ridiculed Some signs might include:īeing punished or shamed for not following a specific rule or doctrine Spiritual abuse is another form of violence used to exert power over another person. Spiritual Abuse in Relationships: When it comes to intimate partner violence or domestic violence, we often think of physical or psychological abuse. ![]() Overly focusing on the positive and pretending everything is okay even when it’s notĪ false sense of righteousness over individuals who are suffering or the idea that if you reach a certain place of spirituality, negativity will not be presentīlaming negative experiences or emotions on an evil presence or “enemy” of faith “Thoughts and prayers!” or “Love and light!”Īvoidance of uncomfortable feelings like anger, grief, sadness, or anxiety Mental health issues being viewed as a personal failure or a lack of faith It can lead to disregard for personal responsibility, feelings of invalidation, feelings of shame, emotional confusion, and putting up with intolerable and unhelpful behaviors. Spiritual Bypassing: “Spiritual bypassing,” coined by John Welwood, refers to using spirituality as a means of suppressing, escaping, or avoiding uncomfortable experiences. What are signs and symptoms of religious trauma?įirst, it’s important to validate signs of religious trauma within the belief system. She gives the example of hearing in scripture that we should all love one another but then seeing the mistreatment of others at the hands of the spiritual leaders and people of faith. One of our clinicians who specializes in religious trauma, Morgan Schneider, describes the experience of religious trauma as a conflict and dissonance between the beliefs you were raised with and the reality of your own experience which leads to questioning, shame, confusion, guilt, and isolation. This experience might include deconstructing their faith and finding a new way to practice their faith or severing ties with their beliefs completely. Marlene Winell coined the term “Religious Trauma Syndrome” to refer to the set of symptoms experienced by individuals who are struggling with leaving a controlling, authoritarian, or abusive religion or faith community. Examples might include sexual abuse at the hands of a religious leader, mistreatment of individuals within the LBGBTQIA+ community, using fear tactics to push beliefs, mistreatment of women and other marginalized folks, invalidation through spiritual bypassing, or escaping an abusive faith system or cult. Religious trauma refers to stressful, traumatic, or abusive experiences within a religious or spiritual setting. While religion and spirituality can be helpful components in one’s mental health and wellbeing, experiencing trauma within a religious or spiritual community can be detrimental to one’s mental health, self-concept, and overall wellbeing. Written by Tiffany Lepa, NCC, LPC-Associate ![]()
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