Spiritual trauma can refer to the psychological and emotional distress that occurs from experiences that have violated or disrupted an individual’s spiritual beliefs, values, or practices.
Spiritual trauma can deeply impact an individual’s sense of self, purpose, and connection to others and the world around them. These experiences can leave lasting effects on a person’s sense of self, trust, and overall well-being.
Any attempt to exert power and control over someone using religion, faith, or beliefs can be spiritual abuse. Spiritual abuse can happen within a religious organisation/community or a personal relationship.
Spiritual abuse warps the essence of what spirituality should be—a source of freedom, love, connection, and growth. Instead of nurturing our souls, it confines us, diminishes our worth, and disconnects us from God and from each other.
Some common signs are:
Physical assault, threats, isolation, humiliation, demeaning or insulting comments, monitoring of activities, controlling finances manipulation, blaming and using guilt, jealousy, denying basic needs like healthcare, food, or sleep and using scripture out of context and as a means of control.
When spirituality becomes a tool for control, manipulation, or harm, it ceases to be true to its essence.
Dr Henry Cloud
As a counsellor, I’ve seen the various wounds that people experience from unhealthy spiritual leaders and the effects of spiritual abuse. It can cause disappointment in yourself, rigid self-denial, self-hatred, bypassing or denial of pain and emotions, false ideas about God and create further wounding.
Fortunately, there are several therapeutic approaches that can help individuals heal from spiritual trauma. You can begin your healing journey by defining church hurt as abuse, separating the hurtful and harmful behaviour from God’s character, regaining your personal power, and reclaiming your spiritual practices.
If your church culture is toxic, it’s crucial to get a healthy perspective from someone who is outside that environment. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to process your thoughts, emotions, beliefs and separating the church hurt from God’s character.