Religious Trauma: Healing Through the Lens of a Therapist
To take something so pure and so foundational, whether you're talking about Muslim or Buddhist beliefs- that is supposed to be pure peace and pure love, and turn it into something that hurts people so deeply, just bothers you.
Have you ever wondered about the hidden scars left by religious experiences? In this episode of 'Through a Therapist's Eyes', Chris Gazdik and John dive deep into the world of religious trauma. While cults are often in the spotlight, they explore how even mainstream religious practices can leave lasting emotional wounds. John, with his decades of ministry experience, offers a unique perspective on the complexities of faith and mental health.
They discuss how coercive religious practices can impact one's sense of self and the critical role of authenticity and safe spaces in healing. Chris brings his expertise as a mental health and substance abuse therapist to shed light on the importance of emotional awareness in recovery. They also touch on the darker side of religious institutions, including cult-like behaviors and malignant narcissism.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the deep-seated effects of religious trauma and find pathways to healing.