Summary

In this episode, Kari introduces the concept of religious harm and adverse religious experiences. She defines religious harm as any experience of a religious belief, practice, or structure that undermines an individual's sense of safety or autonomy and negatively impacts their well-being. Kari explains that adverse religious experiences can lead to trauma, but the way trauma is experienced varies from person to person. She discusses the difference between spiritual trauma and religious trauma, emphasizing that all trauma is spiritual trauma. The episode concludes with a reminder to prioritize self-care and seek professional help if needed.

Takeaways

Religious harm refers to experiences within a religious context that undermine an individual's well-being.

Adverse religious experiences can lead to trauma, but the way trauma is experienced varies from person to person.

Purity culture and shame are examples of adverse religious experiences that can have long-lasting effects.

Abuse and mistreatment within religious institutions are forms of religious harm that can cause trauma.

It is important to differentiate between spiritual trauma and religious trauma, as they have distinct but interconnected impacts.

Self-care and seeking professional help are crucial in healing from religious harm.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Definition of Religious Harm

01:25 Adverse Religious Experiences

03:10 Understanding Trauma

04:38 Religious Harm and Trauma

05:39 Examples of Adverse Religious Experiences

06:37 Purity Culture and Shame

07:05 Additional Adverse Religious Experiences

08:31 Abuse and Religious Institutions

10:24 Responsibility and Fear in Religious Settings

11:25 Differentiating Spiritual and Religious Trauma

13:24 Self-Care and Disclaimer

Resources mentioned in the episode include:

The Religious Trauma Institute

The Reclamation Collective Therapist Directory

Kari’s writing about trauma & adverse religious experiences

Your Friend, The Therapist is hosted and produced by Kari Fillian. You can follow the show on Instagram at @yourfriendthetherapistpod. Subscribe to my Substack for more musings: https://yourfriendthetherapist.substack.com/

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