Do you find yourself questioning your faith? Wondering whether your faith is strong enough or if God still sees and loves you? Please know that you're not alone. Depression, anxiety, and traumatic experiences can impact your thoughts, even your thoughts about God and who you are as a believer with these struggles. Too often, we see condemnation from the church about mental illness being related to lack of faith. However, several individuals who are revered by the church as saints (Mother Theresa is one example) have shared struggles in their faith and their tendency toward depression.
A significant portion of my training has included working with individuals with a Christian background (involved in volunteer and occupational Christian ministry, trained in Stephen Ministry, PREPARE/ENRICH, Hope Focused Couples Therapy, wrote a dissertation on the relationship between one's God-image and forgiveness, and served as a consultant to pastors on mental health issues).
Recently, I've become interested in helping others heal from religious trauma and spiritual abuse. Unfortunately, religion has sometimes been used to intimidate and exert power over others. This can happen from the pulpit or within personal relationships with others. In these situations, survivors can develop not only symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but significant confusion surrounding their identity, their purpose, God's character, and their own standing with God. Please know that when we work together, I am sensitive to this possibility, and I will always follow your lead in discussing matters of faith. I will not attempt to lead you in one direction over the other, as you are capable of making your own decisions. I will, however, listen and support you as you navigate this often bumpy terrain.
Mental health concerns and negative religious experiences are nothing to be ashamed of, and only by acknowledging them within a safe space can there be true healing. Keep in mind that there is no problem too big to overcome. Even if the future looks bleak, remember that hope and healing are possible.