Faith Transitions

Many of us who grew up in religious or spiritual communities have developed a sense of identity, values, and beliefs that may no longer fit. Questioning the beliefs that were “the norm” can be confusing, frightening and disorienting. Terms like “deconstruction” have become popular, but this process of faith transition is unique to each individual and is always multi-faceted.

Specifically, growing up in conservative, religious families and cultures can shape one’s perception of self in a wide variety of ways. As a result, those who decide to leave these communities, or even simply question what they’ve been taught to believe, often experience layers of grief: of relationships, of purpose, of resources, and of a sense of self. Navigating one’s sense of self within and then outside of religion affects nearly all aspects of life; their internal experience and sense of self-worth, but also their marriages, relationships, friendships, neighbours, and feeling of belonging as a whole. This can be an incredibly confusing experience, which results in feeling lost, vulnerable, and unhappy. 

Rigid beliefs around sexuality exist in many conservative communities, shaping the ethics of sexuality, identity, gender roles, and expectations. In general, it influences peoples’ lives in complex ways and often results in highly intersectional marginalization, particularly of women. This can result in lasting mental health impacts, including religious trauma, sexual trauma, sexual identity confusion, loss of control or autonomy in one’s sexuality, and a shaping of personal worldview that increases stress and shame.

Depending on the client’s needs, therapy in the realm of faith transitions may include processing of trauma, exploring and recovering one’s personal identity, reconnecting and building a stronger relationship with one’s body, providing sexual health education, uncovering and reforming core beliefs about self and the world, and in general, enhancing and strengthening one’s relationship with the self in order to lean into the life and future they desire.

Faith Transitions Therapists

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