Religious Trauma Syndrome

What is Religious Trauma Syndrome?

Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS), a term developed by psychologist Marlene Winell, describes the emotional and psychological impact that can result from harmful, authoritarian, or fear-based religious experiences.

This can include chronic shame, fear, identity suppression, spiritual manipulation, purity culture, or environments where questioning and emotional honesty were discouraged.

For many people, healing involves rebuilding trust in themselves, reconnecting with their emotional truth, and creating space to explore identity, meaning, spirituality, and authenticity on their own terms.

You are not alone. Healing from religious trauma is possible, and therapy can provide a space to process these experiences with honesty, compassion, and emotional safety.