Religious Trauma Recovery: Holiday Support

Are the holidays hard for you? You’re not alone.

For survivors of religious trauma and spiritual abuse, the holiday season can be an intensely triggering time. The ubiquitous religious imagery, music, and traditions can serve as painful reminders of past experiences within oppressive or abusive religious environments.

Family gatherings may force interactions with individuals who were complicit in or dismissive of the abuse or lived experience. The emphasis on faith, worship, and spiritual celebration can resurface complex emotions like grief, anger, and confusion about one's spiritual identity.