Healing from Religious Trauma: A Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Individuals in NYC

You grew up in a world where faith was the cornerstone of everything. It shaped your morals, your daily life, your community. But as you grew older, you realized that who you are doesn’t fit into the neat little boxes your faith tradition had laid out for you. Being queer and religious... it feels like living in two worlds that are constantly at war with each other.

You are haunted by messages from your past that feel like daggers: “Unnatural,” “sinful,” “against God’s plan.” Each phrase is a punch to the gut, a reminder that you're an outsider in the community you once called home. You want to scream, to tell them that you didn’t choose this, that you can’t just switch off who you are.

You feel so alone. Your family tries to understand, but your friends, they’re great, but they don’t get the religious part. They don’t understand the guilt, the fear of eternal damnation, the feeling of losing something that was once a source of comfort and strength.

Sometimes, you wonder if God is really out there, if He sees you and what He thinks. "Am I a mistake? An aberration?" The church says one thing; your heart says another. It’s like you're being torn in two.

You are scared of losing family, community, and your faith. But you're also scared of losing yourself.

I am a queer therapist who helps those who have been harmed by religion but still want to explore their faith while healing to overcome the anxiety, fear, and depression they face due to their religious upbringing. Many New Yorkers may get and affirm you for your queerness, maybe even a lot of therapists do too! But… maybe they don’t always understand the religious part of your experience or your identity, what you have needed to do to examine, deconstruct, and consider for what you may choose to believe now, or think you need to give up the religious part altogether.

A Journey Towards Healing

Walking a very similar path myself, personally, and also working with many clients like you, professionally, I understand this deep internal conflict. I know the anxiety, the depression, and the feeling of being constantly on edge or unsettled deep inside. I’m here to help you navigate this path. Together, we’ll explore:

• Your Unique Experience: Acknowledging and validating your feelings of being caught between your faith and your identity.

• Reclaiming Your Self: Finding a way to reconcile being both queer and spiritual, without feeling like you’re betraying a part of yourself.

• Building Resilience: Developing strategies to cope with the emotional turmoil and to find peace and balance.

• Creating New Narratives: Helping you rewrite your story where you can be whole and at peace, embracing all parts of yourself.

You’re Not Alone in This Journey

You might think, “I just want to be whole, to be at peace, to actually fully exhale for the first time. Is that too much to ask?” I believe it’s not only possible, but it’s also a journey worth taking. I am here to provide a safe, affirming space where you can explore these complex feelings and start healing. If you want to learn more about Religious Trauma, check out my post here.

Take the First Step

You’ve shown incredible courage by considering therapy. It’s a significant step towards finding balance and peace. Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation today, and let’s work together towards a life where you don’t just exist, you flourish.