Religious trauma is one of the most misunderstood and unaddressed forms of trauma, yet its effects are deeply pervasive. For those who have experienced harm in high-control religious environments, the messages of sin, unworthiness, and fear are often not just teachings—they become the foundation of identity and self-perception. These teachings can leave deep psychological scars, manifesting in anxiety, depression, guilt, and a profound loss of autonomy and self-worth.
In the words of trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, “Trauma is not just an event in the past; it’s the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body.” Religious trauma, in particular, leaves an imprint through years—often decades—of exposure to fear-based teachings, rigid doctrines, and authoritarian structures. Healing from these wounds requires a therapeutic model that acknowledges both the psychological and spiritual dimensions of harm.
Enter the Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM)—a groundbreaking, evidence-based approach that provides a pathway for individuals to reclaim their autonomy, rebuild self-worth, and navigate life beyond religious indoctrination.
I’m proud to share that RTTM is now under contract with PESI Publishing, with a book release scheduled for 2026. This upcoming resource will offer clinicians and survivors practical tools, strategies, and insights for addressing the unique complexities of religious trauma.
What is Religious Trauma?
Religious trauma is not merely a crisis of faith—it is a form of complex trauma that affects the deepest layers of a person’s identity and worldview. For many, it stems from prolonged exposure to authoritarian religious structures, fear-based doctrines, or rigid moral teachings that emphasize punishment and shame.
As Dr. Marlene Winell, who coined the term Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS), explains, religious trauma often causes “deep wounds to identity, community, and meaning-making.” It is a form of harm that affects not only how individuals see themselves, but also how they navigate relationships, make decisions, and find meaning in the world.
The effects of religious trauma frequently mirror symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
- Persistent feelings of guilt and shame.
- Anxiety and hypervigilance, often tied to fear of divine punishment.
- Difficulty trusting oneself or others.
- Loss of identity after leaving a faith or belief system.
- Isolation from former communities, compounded by strained familial or social relationships.
A 2021 survey conducted by The Reclamation Collective revealed that over 60% of respondents who left authoritarian religious groups reported ongoing struggles with self-worth, pervasive guilt, and social isolation. This highlights the widespread and often-overlooked impact of religious trauma.
Why RTTM?
The Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM) was developed to address the unique identity-shaping and existential challenges of religious trauma. While traditional therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have been shown to effectively treat many forms of trauma, they often fall short when it comes to addressing the spiritual and existential layers of harm caused by religious indoctrination.
RTTM bridges this gap by integrating evidence-based behavioral therapies with a focus on the spiritual and identity-level wounds caused by religious trauma. The model is built on four core pillars, each addressing a specific dimension of the harm:
- Cognitive Restructuring Using techniques from CBT, RTTM helps clients identify and dismantle deeply ingrained cognitive distortions, such as beliefs like “I’m inherently sinful” or “I must obey or I’ll be punished.” These beliefs are replaced with more balanced, compassionate perspectives that affirm the client’s self-worth and autonomy.
- Emotional Regulation and Distress Tolerance Many survivors of religious trauma carry overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, or fear. RTTM incorporates tools from DBT to help individuals regulate these emotions, navigate distressing moments, and build resilience. Mindfulness, self-compassion, and validation are central to this pillar.
- Values Exploration and Existential Healing Religious trauma often uproots a person’s moral framework and sense of purpose, leaving them in an existential crisis. RTTM integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to guide clients in discovering personal values and crafting meaningful lives outside of fear-driven doctrines.
- Exposure Therapy for Fear-Based Doctrines Fear of divine punishment or hellfire is one of the most persistent effects of religious trauma. RTTM uses Exposure Therapy to help clients confront and desensitize to these fears in a safe, supportive environment, breaking their emotional grip and fostering freedom.
What Makes RTTM Different?
RTTM is more than a therapeutic framework—it’s a comprehensive approach to healing that addresses the interplay of identity, psychology, and spirituality.
- It goes beyond symptoms: Traditional therapies often focus on managing anxiety or depression but fail to address the deeper, identity-level wounds caused by religious trauma. RTTM provides tools to rebuild a sense of self and autonomy.
- It integrates the spiritual and psychological: Religious trauma is unique in its ability to intertwine with existential questions about morality, purpose, and the nature of existence. RTTM provides space for clients to explore these dimensions in a safe, nonjudgmental way.
- It emphasizes autonomy: Religious indoctrination often strips individuals of their ability to trust themselves or make independent decisions. RTTM is designed to help clients reclaim this sense of agency and define their lives on their own terms.
Under Contract with PESI Publishing
I’m excited to share that RTTM is now under contract with PESI Publishing, with a comprehensive book on the model scheduled for release in 2026. This book will serve as a resource for:
- Clinicians: Providing tools, strategies, and case studies to effectively identify and address religious trauma in therapy.
- Survivors: Offering validation, insight, and exercises to support their healing journey.
The book is designed to equip therapists with practical interventions, while also empowering individuals affected by religious trauma to better understand and navigate their experiences.
Join the RTTM Community
Healing from religious trauma is a journey, and RTTM offers a roadmap for transformation. Whether you’re a mental health professional seeking to expand your practice or an individual ready to reclaim your autonomy, RTTM is here to guide you.
Sign up for the RTTM mailing list to stay informed about the book’s release, receive exclusive resources, and access tools to begin applying RTTM principles today.
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A Movement for Healing
Religious trauma has remained in the shadows for too long. It’s time to bring it into the light, to offer survivors validation and hope, and to equip clinicians with the tools to facilitate meaningful healing.
As Dr. Judith Herman, a pioneer in trauma research, reminds us: “Trauma robs the victim of a sense of power and control.” RTTM’s mission is to help survivors reclaim that power, rebuild their self-worth, and chart a future free from fear.
Together, we can break the silence. Together, we can create a world where healing from religious trauma isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
Let’s heal. Let’s grow. Let’s reclaim what was lost.
