14 Comments
User's avatar
Lindsey Melden's avatar

Are there any maladaptive thoughts/patterns that tend to show up that are unique to religious trauma? Just curious, because I think there are some things that go so deep for me I am still not aware of them 😬 especially when it comes to gentle parenting.

Expand full comment
Christine Greenwald's avatar

Ooh, great question! I'll try to ask! I do wonder how being indoctrinated in original sin thinking and a sort of authoritarian-based parenting system might be unconsciously playing some roles...

Expand full comment
Laura's avatar

I may be too late for your conversation, but I'd love to know any religious trauma-specific recommendations for finding or creating community outside of religion. I'm particularly thinking of the multigenerational family feel, especially since most of us end up at least somewhat distant from our families.

Expand full comment
Christine Greenwald's avatar

Not too late! The interview is this upcoming Monday. That's such a good question!!!

Expand full comment
Chuck Petch's avatar

1. Are there any stats or guesses as to what percentage of children and adults are psychologically traumatized by Christianity? People should know their percentage chances of psychological harm before they join up.

2. Is there a particular personality type that is more likely to be traumatized by authoritarian religion?

3. Similar to questions by others, are there specific “deprogramming” protocols or therapies that help people recover from religious trauma?

4. For those who feel traumatized but are still afraid to leave (fearing hell) or unable to leave (fearing loss of friends and family) do you have any suggestions about how to cope?

Thanks for asking, Christine!

Expand full comment
Christine Greenwald's avatar

Ooh, great questions! 1) - so interesting - sort of like informed consent before you sign up. 2) - I totally wonder that too!!! 3) and 4) Yes let's find out!

Expand full comment
Sarah G. Young's avatar

Saw this post and have had it in the back of my mind, trying to formulate a question... I think what I'd want to ask is how to re-train your thinking patterns so you're not always questioning yourself? When high-control religion says that even your thoughts can be sinful, and to "take every thought captive to Christ..." I want to explore more freedom in just knowing that my actual thought processes in my head are just neutral, not good or bad or right or wrong. So what advice would she have for learning to accept and trust your own thoughts? I hope that makes sense. Also I'm so glad you've been feeling happy! 😄

Expand full comment
Christine Greenwald's avatar

That’s such a good question!! Totally makes sense. Learning to see our thought processing as morally neutral and learning to trust ourselves! Thanks!

Expand full comment
Amy Bruce's avatar

I’m curious about best practices for doing somatic work in a telehealth session.

Expand full comment
Christine Greenwald's avatar

That's a good idea! Especially because I bet lots of us are either doing or receiving telehealth sessions!

Expand full comment
Kyanne's avatar

I'd love to read a post on the difference of how you feel now vs. a year ago!

Expand full comment
Christine Greenwald's avatar

Thanks for the encouragement to write it!

Expand full comment
Ivy Zeller's avatar

This upcoming conversation sounds so cool! And also yay happiness!

Expand full comment
Marla Taviano's avatar

I’ve been happy too. With lots of fun ideas. And four-year-olds are cool. 💗

Expand full comment