This blog examines spiritual gaslighting from both external sources and our internal dialogues, emphasising how it distorts our reality and leads to shame. It highlights symptoms of spiritual gaslighting and offers insights into healing through self-compassion, connection, and therapy. Ultimately, it encourages reclaiming our voices and narratives to foster community support in the healing journey.

I love food, I love the joy it brings, I love the colours, the textures, the tactile practice of preparing meals and of course the taste. I’m so sad that so many of us were taught this could be wrong or a path to sin. Learning to trust ourselves, our body and its desires and the ways in which we are being led by these, not led astray, is a powerful part of our healing from religious trauma.

This is my journey as a Queer woman who left the church, facing shame, rejection, and ultimately finding healing. It reflects on the struggle to embrace my authentic self and the joy of finding love and acceptance, a path shared by many LGBTQIA+ individuals from religious communities.

When navigating recovery from religious trauma, finding a practitioner with lived experience can be profoundly impactful. Their unique understanding of the subtle triggers and emotional scars that accompany such trauma fosters a deeper connection, allowing clients to express their feelings without fear of judgment. This shared journey not only validates the pain but also inspires hope, demonstrating that healing and reclaiming one's identity is possible.

The Religious Trauma Collective is a space for those navigating the pain and isolation of leaving faith. We’re here to say, “You’re not alone.” Whether you’re rethinking spirituality or rebuilding your identity, this is a place for connection, support, and finding new ways to belong.

Discover the freedom of embracing your inner voice. Break free from the societal norms that keep you from living authentically.

Understanding the hidden challenges of leaving religious environments. Learn how to cope with the feelings of alienation, longing, and bewilderment from loneliness.