Exploring the Healing Power of Religious Trauma Therapy in Portland, OR

Spiritual wounds can linger long after leaving a high-control religious environment. If you’re still dealing with these ghosts of your past, seek support at True Course Counseling. We provide compassionate religious trauma therapy via telehealth for Portland, Oregon, residents who are struggling with the lasting effects of toxic faith systems, authoritarian teachings, and harmful religious communities. Whether you are actively questioning, still grieving the loss of your congregation, or in the midst of religious deconstruction, we’re here to help you reclaim your sense of identity and personal peace.

What Does Religious Trauma Look Like?

Religious trauma often begins in childhood and can shape how individuals see themselves and the world, causing issues for the rest of a person’s life. It may include:

  • Fear-based teachings about sin, hell, or eternal punishment
  • An overemphasis on chastity and painting sexuality in a shameful light
  • Teachings designed to shut down curiosity and critical thought
  • Social isolation from peers outside the faith community or condemnation of LGBTQIA+ identities

These experiences result in anxiety, guilt, depression, identity confusion, or relational struggles well into adulthood. When you’re finally ready to critically examine the beliefs you once trusted in, it can be as disorienting as it is liberating.

Where Does Religious Deconstruction Fit In?

Religious deconstruction is the process of breaking down what you learned to figure out what, if anything, truly resonates with you. Our therapists provide space throughout this process to accept your grief, ask difficult questions, and create new meaning without judgment. You are not broken for good—you simply haven’t had the chance to heal yet. That journey begins here, today! Reach out to True Course Counseling now to schedule your first religious trauma therapy session.

We are proud to accept Oregon Health Plan (OHP), ALLCARE, and CareOregon for therapy services performed in the state of Oregon.

“I’ve known of Laura’s clinical work for over a decade. She has always practiced with integrity and with a strong level of clinical expertise. Clinicians under her leadership at True Course Counseling, practice and follow the same principles she exhibits as a clinician. If you’re looking for a strong clinician to support you in your change process give them a call.”

Reggie J.
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“Haley is very easy to talk to and she is able to provide multiple approaches to dealing with issues.”

- Anonymous

“To me, Megan takes into consideration what is important in my life, and instead of suggesting removing things that are meaningful but difficult, makes suggestions on lowering my stress around those things. When she does see my growth, which is often harder for me to see, she will point out how I may have reacted to a situation or trigger a year or two ago, and then helps me see for myself the growth in my reaction, my boundaries, etc”

- Anonymous

“I feel that Megan allows me the opportunity to really lead what I need to talk about.”

- Anonymous

“Laura has been able to provide fantastic solutions that have helped me better address my anxiety and improved the communications in my relationships. Laura does a fantastic job of really listening and ensuring progress is being made in a meaningful way.”

- Anonymous

“I enjoy Megan's open mind and also how she never seems frustrated or unhappy when it takes me several rambling sentences to try to get to a point. She also asks excellent follow up to clarify things and does not appear annoyed when she asks if I am talking about feeling X, and I have to say no, it is more like Y. I feel respected even when talking about very difficult things.”

- Anonymous

“Laura has been a great asset to myself and my peers. As an experienced LSCSW she has provided important tips, tricks, and technical training to assist us in ever better patient care. She has a wonderful attitude and is pleasure to work with!”

- Samuel G.

“I feel like Laura “gets me.” I feel like she understands me and my feelings and my goals and when I am confused about things in my life she presents different perspectives that help me understand situations and other people better. She’s gone through a lot with me and I feel very well taken care of. There’s a lot of history and trust there.”

- Anonymous

“Hayley is a blessing. She brings wonderful perspective, and helps me process whatever I have going on.”

- Anonymous

“I feel comfortable and heard. Juliana helps me organize my thoughts and feelings. I’ve made a lot of progress of putting boundaries in place and protecting my peace.”

- Anonymous

“I was in a really hard place. Haley really helped me see things differently and now I feel so much better. Thanks Haley.”

- Anonymous

“I’ve known of Laura’s clinical work for over a decade. She has always practiced with integrity and with a strong level of clinical expertise. Clinicians under her leadership at True Course Counseling, practice and follow the same principles she exhibits as a clinician. If you’re looking for a strong clinician to support you in your change process give them a call.”

- Reggie J.

“I really value leaving the appointment with phrases and ideas to recall when I’m dealing with a challenge. I think the most helpful thing I’ve gained working with Laura is better coping skills and communication skills.”

- Anonymous

“Maggie listens to me and helps provide prospective on issues. We set achievable goals. I feel valued and heard when I work with Maggie.”

- Anonymous

“I feel so comfortable with Saffee. She doesn't make me feel judged and I finally feel heard.”

- Anonymous

“Haley uses the IFS approach very effectively, resonates with me in addressing my OCD and my broader challenges. Haley empowers me by putting me in control of my progress, guiding me to find my own answers. Haley has the ability to reflect back the person I hope to become, offers encouragement and support to achieve this vision.”

- Anonymous

“Saffron makes therapy seem doable. I was really nervous when I first started, but now I look forward to every appointment. It is hard, but good hard.”

- Anonymous

“Megan has always been clearly committed to taking things at my own pace, which has helped me feel empowered—like I’m leading my own healing journey while knowing I have guidance.”

- Anonymous

“I really feel like Megan understands me. She just gets it.”

- Anonymous

“Haley offers me new perspective on patterns in my life and helps me dig into how I actually feel about something, which I'm not able to do on my own. She has put effort into understanding my thinking and habits and is able to point out areas where I could reframe my mindset or expectations of others.”

- Anonymous

“Life Changing.”

- S. W.