What is Religious Trauma?

Here in the Midwest, where tradition and faith are foundational, the concept of Religious Trauma Syndrome holds significant clinical importance for me as a trauma and queer-focused therapist. Religious Trauma was coined by Dr. Marlene Winell in 2011, to describe the psychosocial repercussions that can occur when individuals reevaluate or distance themselves from previous religious practices and must cope with adverse experiences based on religious indoctrination.

Religious Trauma Syndrome is not, as of this article, a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM). However, many professionals, including myself, feel the term Religious Trauma provides us with a clinically usable label for the emotional and psychological distress experienced by individuals as a result of the intersection of specific religious teachings or practices and vulnerable or marginalized identities.

Consider the hypothetical case of Remi:

Raised in a devout Midwestern household, Remi's developmental and social context was deeply entwined with religious principles. At the age of 15, upon disclosing their non-binary identity, the familial response was not affirming. Their family pursued a faith-based intervention aiming to "rectify" Remi's self-disclosure. Cases resembling Remi's highlight the potential for intense feelings of betrayal and estrangement that individuals coping with Religious Trauma must face.

The Intersection of Queer Identities, Family Dynamics, and Religious Trauma:

1. Religious Adherence: In households with strong religious convictions, LGBTQ+ individuals often encounter implicit and explicit pressures to conform. This dynamic can exacerbate feelings of alienation and cognitive dissonance.

2. Relational Estrangement: The sensation of betrayal can be profound when familial bonds are strained or severed due to entrenched religious beliefs. Such emotional rifts are recurrent themes in therapeutic dialogue, especially for queer clients.

3. Dismissal of Authentic Self: Clinically, I've observed that when families trivialize or reject LGBTQ+ identities, framing them as transient or aberrant, it can induce significant emotional distress and identity conflict.

If you have experienced Religious Trauma, remember that no one deserves to have these experiences. You are not alone as so many people, especially queer people, have experienced Religious Trauma. Healing can be hard, but reaching out to a mental health professional, seeking out a strong support network, and giving yourself time to process can help.