Losing Your Religion: An Exploration of the Psychosocial Supports Needed for Clients Leaving High-Control Religions
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Authors
Barth, Jennifer
Issue Date
2025-05-21
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
adverse religious/spiritual experiences (ARSE) , deconstruction , deconversion , deprogramming , evangelical Christian , fundamentalist , high-control religion , purity culture , religious trauma , religious trauma syndrome , sacramental shame , spiritual abuse , spiritual bypassing
Alternative Title
Abstract
High-control religions often operate within patriarchal and colonial structures, promote rigid gender roles, and involve emotional and spiritual manipulation. Their biblical literalism reinforces heteronormative ideals and traditional family models. Ex-members frequently experience grief, trauma, identity disruption, and social exclusion. This capstone examines clinical strategies to support individuals transitioning into secular communities. Chapter 1 outlines key definitions, the theoretical framework, and the issue’s relevance to counselling. Chapter 2 presents the research analysis across six areas: grief, belief deconstruction, personal development, religious trauma, marginalized group experiences, and reintegration. Notably, gaps remain in research on the diverse impacts for People of Colour, Women of Colour, and across cultural and societal contexts, especially between those born into versus those who converted to high-control religions. Limited sample sizes in some studies highlight the need for further research. Grounded in humanistic and existential frameworks, this work advocates for trauma-informed, client-centered care that fosters autonomy, identity reconstruction, and resilience. Chapter 3 offers clinical recommendations for supporting clients through the process of leaving authoritarian faith systems.