Resources

Recovery from religious trauma is possible. Research shows that roughly one-third of U.S. adults have experienced religious trauma in some form. Here are trauma-informed, evidence-based resources to support your healing journey.

🚨 Crisis Resources

⚠️ If you're in immediate danger or crisis

Please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately. These resources provide 24/7 professional support.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text: 988

24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress and their loved ones

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

24/7 crisis support via text message with trained counselors

Emergency Services

Call 911

For immediate danger, medical emergencies, or when someone's safety is at risk

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

24/7 confidential support for domestic abuse situations

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

1-866-488-7386

24/7 crisis counseling for LGBTQ+ youth. Text START to 678678

📚 Educational Resources

Understanding Religious Trauma

Recommended Books

• "Leaving the Fold" by Dr. Marlene Winell - Practical guide for former fundamentalists
• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk - Neuroscience of trauma and healing
• "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker - Tools for C-PTSD recovery
• "Pure" by Linda Kay Klein - Research on purity culture trauma
• "Religious Trauma Syndrome" writings by Dr. Marlene Winell

Podcasts & Media

• The Life After Podcast - Stories of leaving fundamentalism
• Exvangelical Podcast - Faith deconstruction discussions
• Therapy for Black Girls Podcast - Mental health resources
• Reclaiming My Theology - Dismantling harmful theology
• Religious Trauma Institute - Educational webinars

🌐 Online Communities

Reddit Communities

• r/ReligiousTrauma - Support and discussion for religious trauma recovery
• r/Exvangelical - Community for those leaving evangelical Christianity
• r/ExChristian - Large forum for former Christians of all backgrounds
• r/CPTSD - Support for Complex PTSD from any cause

Facebook & Social Media Groups

• Search for "Religious Trauma Support" or faith-specific groups (ex-Mormon, ex-JW, etc.)
• "Recovering Ex-Christians" and "Life After Religion" groups
• Local groups: Search "[Your denomination] deconstruction + South Carolina"
• Discord servers hosted by podcasts like Recovering from Religion

Note: Always use caution when joining online communities. Look for moderated groups with clear guidelines and supportive environments.

🏠 Local Upstate South Carolina Resources

Mental Health Services

• Greenville Mental Health Center: (864) 241-1040 - Sliding scale fees
• 211 Helpline: Dial 211 - 24/7 resource referrals
• University counseling clinics (Clemson, USC-Upstate) - Low-cost training programs
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) through employers
• Community health centers with income-based sliding scales

Trauma & Abuse Support

• Safe Harbor: (800) 291-2139 - Domestic violence support
• Julie Valentine Center: (864) 467-3633 - Sexual assault crisis
• Foothills Alliance: (864) 231-7273 - Anderson/Oconee counties
• NAMI Greenville: Mental health peer support groups
• Compass of Carolina - Trauma counseling & domestic violence support

Community Support

• Unitarian Universalist congregations - Often host inclusive support groups
• Upstate Atheists & Humanists of the Carolinas - Secular community fellowship
• Public library workshops on mindfulness and wellness
• Join our interest list for local religious trauma support group updates

🧘 Self-Care & Wellness

Mindfulness & Meditation Apps

• Headspace - User-friendly guided meditations for anxiety & stress
• Calm - Sleep stories and breathing programs
• Insight Timer - Free meditation library with trauma-specific content
• YouTube: Search "trauma-informed meditation" for gentle practices

Evidence-Based Grounding Techniques

• 5-4-3-2-1 Method: Name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste
• Box Breathing: Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4 (repeat)
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release muscle groups
• Grounding Objects: Carry a comforting tactile item for anchoring

Trauma-Informed Physical Wellness

• Trauma-sensitive yoga - Choice-based, gentle movement
• Regular gentle exercise - Walking, swimming, or dancing
• Sleep hygiene - Consistent bedtime routine, limit screens
• Nutrition support - Stable blood sugar, adequate hydration

Need More Help?

If you can't find what you're looking for or need personalized guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

Disclaimer: The resources listed here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional medical or psychological advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance. If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact 988 or 911 immediately.