I’m a UK-based Clinical Psychologist and certified AEDP therapist offering online therapy for adults who have experienced religious trauma, spiritual abuse, or are going through faith deconstruction.
Whether you’re questioning your beliefs, leaving a faith community, processing experiences of purity culture or fear-based teaching, or rebuilding your relationship with spirituality, therapy can offer a space to explore these experiences without judgement.
You don’t need to be sure whether what you experienced “counts” as religious trauma. If your experiences of faith continue to affect your relationships, self-worth, or emotional wellbeing, therapy can help you make sense of things.
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d be glad to hear from you – get in touch.
Who I work with
I have experience working with people from a wide range of faith backgrounds, including:
- Christianity (including evangelical, charismatic, conservative, fundamentalist)
- Catholicism
- Mormonism
- Islam
- Jehovah’s Witnesses
I commonly work with people who have experienced:
- Authoritarian and high control religion
- Purity culture
- Church hurt
- Religious shame and guilt
- Faith deconstruction and/or reconstruction
- Spiritual abuse
- Religious identity and belonging struggles
- Leaving a faith community
What is religious trauma?
Religious trauma is the lasting emotional and psychological impact of harmful religious experiences, such as authoritarian or high-control religious environments, spiritual abuse, fear-based teaching, or damaging messages about your body, sexuality, or worth. Its effects often continue long after someone has left a religion or faith community, and can show up as anxiety, perfectionism, self-doubt, shame, or difficulties with intimacy and trust. As a Clinical Psychologist with training in trauma-focused therapies, I can help you process these experiences and move towards greater freedom and self-compassion.
What is faith deconstruction?
Faith can be a profound source of meaning, identity, and community, but it can also leave people feeling confused, hurt, or “broken.” Many people tell me they’ve struggled to find a therapist who understands how both positive and negative experiences of faith shape identity and relationships. My aim is to offer a space where every part of your experience is welcome.
Deconstruction – questioning or rethinking your faith – can be deeply isolating. It can feel impossible to talk openly within your faith community, while those who’ve never been part of a religion may not fully understand what you’re going through. Together, we can explore your relationship to faith and spirituality, and help you forge a path that feels authentic to you.
My approach
My role isn’t to encourage you towards or away from faith. I’m here to help you understand your experiences and find your own way forward. Whatever your path, therapy is a place where your questions, beliefs, and uncertainties are all welcome.
As a certified AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) therapist, I use an approach that’s relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that healing happens through genuine connection, not through being told what to think or believe. AEDP works with emotion in the present moment rather than just talking about the past. It can be especially helpful for religious trauma because so much of the harm happens relationally, through fear, shame, or control, so healing through a genuinely safe relationship can be powerful. Read more about AEDP and my approach here.
Finding My Way Again sessions
Alongside ongoing therapy, I also offer Finding My Way Again sessions for faith deconstruction. These one-off sessions provide dedicated space to reflect on where your experiences of faith have brought you, what feels important to you now, and what direction you might want to take next. Find out more about these sessions here, or get in touch if you’d like to talk about whether one might be helpful for you.
Get in touch
If you’re looking for therapy to explore religious trauma, spiritual abuse, faith deconstruction, or the impact of leaving or questioning religion, I’d be pleased to hear from you. Please get in touch to arrange a free introductory call, where we can discuss what you’re looking for and whether I’m the right fit for you.
For other professionals
If you’re a psychologist, therapist, or other mental health professional wanting to feel more confident in addressing faith and spirituality with your clients, I also offer training, supervision and consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to leave my religion to benefit from this kind of therapy? No. This work isn’t about pushing you towards or away from faith. Some clients stay within their faith community and find a renewed relationship with it, while others choose to leave. Both are valid outcomes.
Is faith deconstruction always a negative experience? Not necessarily. Deconstruction can be painful, but it can also be a meaningful and clarifying process. Therapy can support you either way, whether you’re finding it distressing, freeing, or a mix of both.
What’s the difference between religious trauma and normal doubt or questioning? Questioning your faith doesn’t always mean you’ve experienced religious trauma. Trauma tends to involve lasting effects on your sense of safety, self-worth, or relationships. If you’re unsure which applies to you, that’s a completely reasonable place to start a conversation.