Recovery from Harmful Religion

The effects of authoritarian religious training can last a long time and run deep, seriously impacting your ability to enjoy life. Often people have intense feelings of confusion, grief, anxiety, and anger as they let go of a harmful religion. Full recovery can be difficult if the issues are not clear and you feel alone in the struggle. At the same time, you can feel enormous relief and liberation, especially if you have support.

As a "recovering fundamentalist" myself, and with years of experience working with people coming out of many dogmatic religious traditions, I have written a self-help book called Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion. For some time now, I have been counseling people of many backgrounds – evangelical and Pentecostal Christian, Mormon, Jehovah Witness, Christian Science, Seventh-Day Adventist, Scientology, Eastern groups, and any organizations of a cultish nature. I can work with you individually or in a group setting to help you understand what you have been through and take steps to recovery.

Here is a clip of an interview I gave with Dr. Valerie Tarico, in which I outline what I see to be the abusive effects of indoctrination by authoritarian religion.

Counseling sessions are available by appointment in Berkeley or Oakland, CA. or by telephone. New clients are invited to call for a complimentary 15-minute discussion of concerns and counseling options. 510-292-0509.   Fees are $125 per hour in person or $110 by phone.  Financial need is considered and options available.  Please do not let cost defer you from getting help!

For more information about all the types of help available,  please see the "Recovery from Harmful Religion" section of this website.    Weekend workshops are held regularly and recommended.