Marlene Winell - Leaving The Fold, Religious Trauma, and Emotional Recovery
Oct 18, 2023
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Psychologist Marlene Winell talks about the negative impacts of religion, authoritarian structures of religion leading to trauma, emotional rejection of rational understanding, and finding new meaning after leaving a religion.
Religious trauma syndrome can result from harmful beliefs and practices in religious environments, leading to long-lasting trauma-like symptoms.
Leaving a religious faith can be traumatic, involving the loss of worldview, identity, and purpose, but support and reconstruction of life are possible outside of religion.
Recovering from religious trauma involves self-trust, challenging ingrained beliefs, therapy, self-reflection, and finding new sources of meaning and fulfillment beyond religion.
Deep dives
Religious trauma syndrome (RTS) is a collection of symptoms resulting from toxic religious beliefs and practices
Religious trauma syndrome (RTS) is the consequence of living in an environment with harmful religious beliefs and practices. These include patriarchal hierarchy, corporal punishment, purity culture, and the indoctrination of fear and isolation. These practices can have a deep and lasting impact on an individual, leading to trauma-like symptoms that affect various areas of life, including self-esteem, relationships, decision-making, and overall wellbeing.
Leaving a religious faith can be a traumatic experience
Leaving a religious faith can be a traumatic experience due to the loss of one's entire worldview, identity, and sense of purpose. It involves challenging deeply held beliefs and confronting the fear and anxiety associated with leaving the safety and comfort of a religious community. The process of leaving can lead to feelings of anger, depression, confusion, and a lack of meaning. However, it is possible to find support, reconstruct one's life, and discover new sources of meaning and fulfillment outside of religion.
Religious trauma survivors can benefit from supportive communities and therapy
Seeking support from others who have experienced religious trauma can be empowering and healing. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with individuals who understand firsthand the struggles of leaving a religious faith can provide validation and encouragement. Additionally, therapy, such as individual counseling or group support, can be beneficial in processing trauma, addressing the impact of religious indoctrination, and developing new coping mechanisms. Engaging in self-care practices and exploring personal interests and passions can also contribute to healing and finding meaning beyond religious beliefs.
Trusting oneself and embracing personal growth is essential in recovering from religious trauma
Recovering from religious trauma involves learning to trust oneself and embracing personal growth. It requires challenging and reframing deeply ingrained beliefs, questioning the teachings and practices of the religion, and recognizing the impact religion has had on one's sense of self. By exploring personal values, interests, and finding new sources of meaning, individuals can reconstruct their lives and develop a stronger sense of self-worth, self-trust, and autonomy. Seeking therapy, engaging in self-reflection, and connecting with supportive communities can aid in the healing process.
It is possible to find fulfillment and meaning beyond religion
Finding fulfillment and meaning beyond religion is a process of self-discovery and exploration. Embracing multiple sources of meaning, such as meaningful relationships, engaging in fulfilling work, pursuing personal passions, and contributing to the well-being of others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Recognizing that there are numerous avenues for personal growth and connection allows individuals to embrace their autonomy, trust their own judgment, and create meaningful lives based on their own values and desires.
Psychologist, educator, and Leaving The Fold author, Marlene Winell, talks with Lola & Meagan about how she came to study the negative impacts of religion, how some basic concepts of Christianity can be harmful, why authoritarian structures of religion can sometimes lead to trauma, how we can rationally understand something but emotionally reject it, the spectrum of meaning, and what that looks like after leaving a religion.
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