Religious Trauma and Deconstruction Resources
FOR THOSE STAYING IN OR REBUILDING FAITH
Broken to Beloved
A faith-affirming recovery community for survivors of spiritual abuse who wish to remain connected to faith. Founded by Brian Lee, a pastor and survivor of spiritual abuse. Offers a weekly podcast, online book club, and individual coaching for those discerning how to stay in or leave a religious community while healing from harm.
The Reclamation Collective
A clinician-led community offering support groups, a therapist directory, and continuing education for those healing from religious trauma. Particularly strong for clients who want to reclaim their spiritual identity rather than abandon it, and for those with intersecting identities including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women in high-control religious environments.
When Religion Hurts You — Dr. Laura Anderson
Dr. Anderson is a licensed therapist and leading voice on religious trauma whose 2023 book "When Religion Hurts You" specifically addresses healing within a faith framework for those who wish to retain a relationship with spirituality. Her approach validates both staying and leaving, with clinical depth and personal experience in high-control religion.
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
These resources reflect the full spectrum of where people land after religious trauma — some leaving faith entirely, some remaining in or returning to faith communities with new eyes, and some still in the middle. All are listed here without preference for any particular outcome. Your path is yours to determine.
FOR THOSE EXITING RELIGION
Recovering from Religion
The largest peer support organization for people leaving religion. Offers a free helpline (1-844-423-2273), online and in-person support groups, weekly expert talks, and the Secular Therapy Project directory. Founded by psychologist Dr. Marlene Winell, who coined the term "Religious Trauma Syndrome."
JourneyFree.org — Dr. Marlene Winell
The clinical home of Dr. Marlene Winell, the psychologist who first described Religious Trauma Syndrome. Offers support groups, retreats, and individual consultations for people recovering from authoritarian religious backgrounds. Her book "Leaving the Fold" remains one of the most widely recommended resources in the field.
Deconstruction Doulas
A free peer support community offering cohorts, retreats, and ongoing connection for people navigating religious deconstruction and recovery from spiritual abuse. Rooted in trauma-informed principles and attachment theory. All services are free to survivors regardless of ability to pay.
RESOURCES SERVING BOTH PATHS
Religious Trauma Institute
The leading clinical and research organization dedicated to religious trauma. Offers public education, a therapist training program, and resources for survivors at every stage of their journey — whether exiting, deconstructing, or reconstructing faith. Clinically rigorous and outcome-neutral regarding spiritual direction.
VA National Center for PTSD — Spirituality & Trauma
ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/spirituality_trauma.asp
Authoritative clinical guidance on the relationship between trauma and spirituality. Addresses how trauma can both damage and deepen spiritual life, and covers approaches for people who want to integrate spirituality into their trauma recovery as well as those who do not.
APA Monitor — Meaningful Life After Religion (2025)
apa.org/monitor/2025/06/meaningful-life-after-religion
A recent, research-grounded American Psychological Association article covering the psychology of faith transitions. Profiles psychologists who work with clients on both paths — those exiting religion and those healing within it — and covers the evidence base for what helps people rebuild meaning and identity after religious harm.
Therapist Uncensored Podcast — therapistuncensored.com
A clinician-hosted podcast covering attachment, trauma, and neuroscience, with several episodes specifically addressing religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and faith deconstruction through a research-informed lens.
Note: These resources are provided for educational and informational purposes. Routly Counseling does not endorse any specific organization or guarantee the quality of services listed. Always use your own judgment when selecting outside support.
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