Sunlit forest path symbolizing healing and personal growth in religious trauma therapy

Compassionate Religious Trauma Therapy in Austin

Are you working through the impact of a religious upbringing or spiritual community that no longer feels like home?

Religious trauma can leave deep wounds, whether it stems from rigid dogma, exclusion based on identity, fear-based teachings, or spiritual abuse. You might be navigating anxiety, shame, grief, or confusion around what you believe now and who you are outside of that system.

At Willow Tree Collective, we provide space for you to explore these complex experiences with care, curiosity, and compassion. You're not alone in this.

Religious trauma is the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm that can result from involvement in religious or spiritual communities, especially those that are controlling, high-demand, or condemning of core aspects of who you are.

It may show up as:

  • Difficulty trusting yourself or others

  • Deep feelings of shame or fear of punishment

  • Guilt around setting boundaries or exploring new beliefs

  • Isolation from family or community

  • Anxiety, depression, or body-based distress related to spiritual content

Whether you’ve stepped away from religion or are still in it, your pain is real, and you deserve support.

Supportive therapy environment for clients healing from religious and spiritual trauma

Our Approach at

Willow Tree Collective

We hold space for all parts of your story, including what was beautiful, what was harmful, and what still feels unresolved. Whether you’re deconstructing faith, grieving what you lost, or trying to build a sense of self outside of religious identity, we’re here to support that process at your pace.

We bring a trauma-informed, affirming, and culturally-aware lens to this work. We believe your body and nervous system matter just as much as your thoughts. We also recognize that religious trauma often intersects with other identities, including queerness, race, neurodivergence, gender, and more.

Our therapists won’t pressure you to land anywhere specific spiritually. We’re here to walk alongside you as you reclaim trust in yourself.

Person in quiet reflection exploring identity and recovery from religious trauma

You might benefit from religious trauma therapy if you:

  • Feel confused or conflicted about your spiritual beliefs

  • Have experienced harm in a religious or spiritual setting

  • Are LGBTQ+ and navigating rejection or exclusion

  • Struggle with shame, fear, or inner criticism tied to your past beliefs

  • Want to reconnect with your values and sense of self

Therapy can help you untangle what was taught, from what you believe now, and build safety, agency, and self-trust in the process.

Is This Therapy Right for Me?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Religious trauma is the emotional or psychological harm that can result from controlling or fear-based religious environments. This may include spiritual abuse, exclusion based on identity, or teachings that create lasting shame or fear. If your past religious experiences affect your self-worth, relationships, or ability to feel safe in the world, you may be experiencing religious trauma.

  • Yes. You do not need to leave your religion to start therapy. Many people seek support while they are still active in their faith communities. Therapy can help you process painful or confusing experiences while honoring the complexity of your beliefs and identity.

  • No. We are not anti-religion. Our goal is not to move you away from or toward any specific belief system. We support clients from many backgrounds, including those who remain religious, those who are deconstructing their faith, and those who no longer identify with a spiritual tradition. Your healing process is uniquely yours.

  • If you are dealing with anxiety, shame, identity confusion, or relationship challenges related to past religious experiences, therapy may help. You do not need to have a formal diagnosis. Many people seek therapy simply because they want to feel more grounded, whole, or free.

  • Reach out today to schedule a consultation with one of our therapists. We look forward to hearing from you!

A Safe Space for Healing Religious Trauma

Wherever You Are in Texas

We’re currently welcoming new clients, and sliding scale options may be available. Curious about working together or have questions? Click below to learn more or schedule a free consultation — we’d be honored to support you.