Therapy for religious trauma in Portland, Oregon
You always feel like you’re in trouble. One “false” move, and you’ll be punished. Or you’ll be seen as not good enough. The fact is, you tried your best. You gave it everything you had. But it was never enough to satisfy a God or a leader you had devoted your life to.
To this day, you struggle with your identity, your self-confidence, and finding your own belief system. What do I actually believe? How do I live my life now? These and many more questions are asked by those who have survived spiritual trauma. This also applies to those who have left or are trying to leave a high-control group.
It's been a lonely journey, to say the least. Whenever you tell someone your story, they are shocked or maybe they question your experience.
"But you seem so well-adjusted!"
"I never would have guessed you went through something like that."
While these are often well-intentioned, it can sometimes add to the sense of otherness. You just want to be understood and accepted. You are more than the sum of your experiences. And, this is something you are still healing, deconstructing, and deprogramming from. Finding a community of those who are on a similar journey and/or talking to a therapist who specializes in religious trauma recovery, can be incredibly validating.
In this work...
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I combine a person-centered approach with modalities such as parts work and expressive modalities including narrative therapy and music therapy (if these are of interest to you).
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We will explore the core beliefs you were raised and/or indoctrinated with.
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We will also work to identify what core beliefs empower you now and help you live the life you want and deserve to live.
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You are allowed to come to the therapy room exactly as you are. There is nothing you need to prove in this space. This time is yours and yours alone. This may be a difficult piece to digest initially, and that is okay. You are the expert in the room. I am here to guide and support along the way.
Meet your Portland religious trauma therapist
Hi, I'm Esther, a Licensed Professional Counselor & board-certified music therapist specializing in religious and spiritual trauma.
Growing up in a high-control religious group, I learned from a very early age to stay quiet, to please and appease, and to always put others above myself. Expressing a differing opinion was not welcome or safe. Leading with vulnerability was seen as weakness. I understand the fear and shame around listening to your body, prioritizing your needs, or expressing an honest opinion. This is a large reason why I want to work with others who are in the midst of this struggle. Coming back to yourself is a process, and it is an honor to be a small part of that.
I truly believe that a deeper understanding of our emotions and experiences can help us move through whatever we face. Having the skills and the community to help us navigate difficult moments is possible! It is truly an honor to be a part of that journey.