If you saw him on the street, you would have crossed to the other side. He was big, heavily tattooed, and carried a reputation that filled the room before he spoke. A gang member. A survivor of violence. Someone people labeled as dangerous and unreachable. I was warned to keep things professional, controlled, and distant through other staff. But distance wasn’t what he needed. From the beginning, he sat guarded—arms crossed, eyes alert, words sharp and measured. His toughness

Consent is usually discussed in physical or relational terms—who touched whom, who said yes or no. But consent can also be quietly eroded in religious environments, often without ever being named. For many people, religious trauma wasn’t caused by a single belief, sermon, or rule. It came from something more subtle and pervasive: who was allowed to decide what was right, safe, or acceptable—and whose inner experience didn’t count. When spiritual authority replaces consent, pe

In many high-control religious environments, we’re taught from a young age to “listen for God’s voice.” Over time, this guidance becomes deeply internalized. What once felt like faith can slowly start to sound like intuition, guilt, or harsh self-criticism—but in reality, it’s the echo of years of conditioning. Even after leaving the church or stepping away from those beliefs, this inner “voice of God” often lingers. It can feel judgmental, shaming, or relentless, keeping th

In my counselling practice, I often use IFS to support clients who are navigating the effects of religious trauma or spiritual abuse....

After a long week of work, I had one simple plan: grab the dogs, hit the beach, and let the waves rinse off the stress of life. The sun...

Is It My Intuition or My Anxiety? Have you ever felt a flutter in your stomach, as if something is about to happen? Or maybe you’ve...

Witnessing a therapist shed tears in front of you can be a profound and unexpected experience. While it may not be a common occurrence...

Life presents itself as a tapestry of mystery and complexity, weaving through moments that challenge our understanding. In these moments,...

Absolutely, finding a therapist who embodies therapeutic presence can make a profound difference in the therapeutic process. Therapeutic...

Why Does Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy Matter? The principles outlined by CASC provide a robust framework for spiritual care and...