Episode 2: Religious Shame and Healing with Claire McMillan
In many corners of the world, faith shapes identities, instills values, and provides solace in moments of distress. Yet, the profound intersection of religion and individual beliefs can sometimes be a double-edged sword. While it offers countless individuals a sense of purpose, it can also unintentionally breed feelings of shame and trauma, especially when strict doctrines clash with personal values.
Religious trauma and shame can have many different faces. In the latest episode of Unfiltered Therapists: A Kindred Roots Therapy Inc., Claire shares her experience of being raised Catholic and coming to terms with her family's beliefs not matching her values. The focus on religious shame and trauma is not to speak poorly of a specific religion, but rather to draw attention to ways in which strict religious upbringing and forced beliefs can cause harm and shame, especially in young people or marginalized communities.
In the episode, Claire and Allegra discuss shame and expectations and Claire’s personal experiences navigating ways of distancing herself from the church and the challenges that come with this. The idea of one “right” way of living and set of beliefs was discussed, as well as harm that comes with purity culture, sexism/homophobia, and religious trauma. Unlearning and healing from these experiences is also discussed, and suggestions such as therapy, finding community, and setting boundaries are encouraged.
If any of this resonates with you or if you find yourself struggling with similar challenges, know that you're not alone. The journey of reconciling personal beliefs with those imparted by our upbringing or community can be daunting. But support is available. At Kindred Roots Therapy Inc., our trained therapists are here to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to unpack and process your experiences.
Booking a session with us is simple. Reach out to our team, and we'll work with you to find a time that suits your schedule. Whether it's understanding religious trauma, addressing feelings of shame, or simply seeking a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings, we're here to assist and guide you every step of the way.
Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to your strength and commitment to your well-being. Let's walk this path together.
We have included some further references below for those interested. Scholarly articles and more accessible websites are listed if any readers would like further information on religious trauma.
References:
Downie, A. (2022). Christian shame and religious trauma. Religions (Basel, Switzerland ), 13(10), 925. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13100925
Panchuk, Michelle. 2020. Distorting Concepts, Obscured Experiences: Hermeneutical Injustice in Religious Trauma and Spiritual Violence. Hypatia 35:607–25.