Last month I shared some of my own spiritual woundings growing up with an undiagnosed mental disorder (OCD) in the church on D.L. Mayfield’s substack. I was overwhelmed (but not surprised) by how many people could relate to my story. So many readers commented, “I don’t have OCD, but I see myself in your words.”
If this was you, first off, I’m sorry you struggled in this way. I’m sorry your religious strivings and concerns were encouraged instead of listened to. I’m sorry faith and religion feels so tricky.
I wanted to share a resource for those who have been spiritually wounded1 or are just now starting to untangle faith, religion, spirituality, mental health, your upbringing, the current political climate, gender identity, sexual orientation, family of origin, etc.
My dear friend, Melissa Tucker, offers a safe space to process your religious woundings through her work in spiritual counseling with @tierraspiritualcare.
Melissa was my mentor when I was an undergrad. When I came back from an intense study abroad experience and angrily declared I didn’t believe in God anymore, she didn’t bat an eye.
“Tell me more,” she said and she listened to me. She held space for my teenage angst, social justice fervor, and undiagnosed religious scrupulosity. With her, I never felt like a sinner or a heretic. She never pushed me to pre-approved answers or conclusions. I knew I was unconditionally held in high esteem.
She held space for me and I am so grateful.
Maybe she can hold space for you, too.
If you relate to any of the experiences below, check out her Insta @tierraspiritualcare, and her website: www.tierraspiritualcare.org
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Let’s start a thread! I’d love to know of any recommendations you have for counselors, coaches, or communities that hold space for processing your spiritual woundings, religious trauma (big T and little t), and help move you to a space of safety and regulation. Please share in the comments!
Disclaimer: if you do suffer from OCD (religious or otherwise) talk therapy is not actually recommended for treatment. I have a list of OCD resources on my website and I would highly recommend seeking out a mental health professional who specializes in OCD treatment (specifically ERP, ACT, or I-CBT). I recommend Melissa for OCD sufferers in the recovery process who can identify and abstain from compulsions/reassurance seeking.
I'm so thankful for your clear, compassionate words on this and holding space for healing. I'm an exvangelical therapist and self-trust coach who specializes in religious trauma. I have courses, group coaching, and 1:1 coaching or therapy available. Reclamation Collective also has a database of a list of religious trauma therapists they've verified. - Catherine Quiring, MA, LMHC www.cqcounseling.com
I have a wonderful, grounded therapist who has been very helpful over the last year - but I have a nagging thought that someone like this might be helpful. There are still moments when I can tell my therapist just doesn’t quite *get it* - Thanks for this recommendation.