Elise Heerde 22/11/24 Elise Heerde 22/11/24

The Narcissist’s Playground: Understanding Narcissism in High-Control Religious Environments

High-control environments can serve as fertile ground for individuals with narcissistic traits, offering built-in hierarchies, unquestioning loyalty, and a ready-made audience to manipulate. These individuals often present as charismatic, morally superior leaders, but beneath the surface lies a pattern of control, lack of empathy, and spiritual abuse. Understanding the traits of narcissism and their allure to these environments is key to recognising and breaking free from their harm.

Sam Sellers 10/11/24 Sam Sellers 10/11/24

Navigating the Complexities of Spiritual Gaslighting

This blog examines spiritual gaslighting from both external sources and our internal dialogues, emphasising how it distorts our reality and leads to shame. It highlights symptoms of spiritual gaslighting and offers insights into healing through self-compassion, connection, and therapy. Ultimately, it encourages reclaiming our voices and narratives to foster community support in the healing journey.

Jane Kennedy 25/10/24 Jane Kennedy 25/10/24

Trusting ourselves as we heal.

I love food, I love the joy it brings, I love the colours, the textures, the tactile practice of preparing meals and of course the taste. I’m so sad that so many of us were taught this could be wrong or a path to sin. Learning to trust ourselves, our body and its desires and the ways in which we are being led by these, not led astray, is a powerful part of our healing from religious trauma.

Sam Sellers 11/10/24 Sam Sellers 11/10/24

Leaving the Church, Finding Myself: A Journey of Queer Identity and Healing

This is my journey as a Queer woman who left the church, facing shame, rejection, and ultimately finding healing. It reflects on the struggle to embrace my authentic self and the joy of finding love and acceptance, a path shared by many LGBTQIA+ individuals from religious communities.

Elise Heerde 28/9/24 Elise Heerde 28/9/24

Shared Journeys – The Benefit of Practitioner’s Lived Experience

When navigating recovery from religious trauma, finding a practitioner with lived experience can be profoundly impactful. Their unique understanding of the subtle triggers and emotional scars that accompany such trauma fosters a deeper connection, allowing clients to express their feelings without fear of judgment. This shared journey not only validates the pain but also inspires hope, demonstrating that healing and reclaiming one's identity is possible.

Jane Kennedy 16/9/24 Jane Kennedy 16/9/24

What sort of space is a Religious Trauma Collective?

The Religious Trauma Collective is a space for those navigating the pain and isolation of leaving faith. We’re here to say, “You’re not alone.” Whether you’re rethinking spirituality or rebuilding your identity, this is a place for connection, support, and finding new ways to belong.

Elise Heerde 20/8/24 Elise Heerde 20/8/24

The Little Voice In Our Head…Born From Religious Trauma

Discover the freedom of embracing your inner voice. Break free from the societal norms that keep you from living authentically.

Elise Heerde 20/8/24 Elise Heerde 20/8/24

Religious Enmeshment - The Loneliness of Exiting

Understanding the hidden challenges of leaving religious environments. Learn how to cope with the feelings of alienation, longing, and bewilderment from loneliness.