Reckoning with Religion; From the Therapy Couch
Blog post by Rebecca Meigs
As a therapist, I spend my days working with clients as they process and explore nearly every topic imaginable, but one area that I have noticed is often avoided in sessions is religion and spirituality. Some worry that their therapist will judge their beliefs, while others fear they’ll have to defend their faith—or lack thereof. Many have experienced religious trauma but feel guilty talking about it. Others simply aren’t sure if religion should be part of therapy at all.
But here’s the truth: Your experiences with religion, whether positive or painful, shape who you are. That means they deserve space in therapy.
Why People Hesitate to Talk About Religion in Therapy
Many people have been taught that religion is off-limits in certain conversations. They may feel uncomfortable discussing faith with someone outside their spiritual community, or they might worry that their therapist has their own religious biases. Some common concerns include:
- Fear of Judgment – "Will my therapist think less of me if I share my religious doubts or struggles?"
- Worry About Bias – "What if my therapist pushes their own beliefs on me?"
- Guilt and Shame – "Is it wrong for me to feel hurt or angry about my religious experiences?"
- Avoiding Conflict – "I don’t want to bring up painful memories or challenge what I was raised to believe."
These are valid concerns, and I always reassure my clients: This is your space. My role isn’t to challenge your faith, dismiss your experiences, or tell you what to believe.
It’s to help you explore what feels true for you and how your beliefs—past or present—affect your wellbeing.
Why Talking About Religion in Therapy Can Be Helpful
Even if you haven’t experienced religious trauma, discussing your spiritual background in therapy can be incredibly valuable. Religion often influences our values, relationships, and sense of self.
Here’s why it might be helpful to bring it into your sessions:
- Processing Religious Trauma or Spiritual Abuse – If your religious upbringing caused guilt, fear, or harm, therapy can help you unpack those emotions and heal.
- Reconnecting with Your Body – Many people raised in strict religious environments feel disconnected from their emotions, desires, or even physical sensations. Therapy can help rebuild trust in your body and inner wisdom.
- Exploring Personal Beliefs – You don’t have to be in a faith crisis to reflect on what spiritualitymeans to you now. Therapy offers a space to explore without pressure or expectations.
- Finding Meaning and Purpose – For many, faith is a source of strength. Therapy can support your spiritual journey and help you connect with meaning in a way that aligns with your well-being.
Moving Forward with Openness and Curiosity
If you’ve been hesitant to bring up religion in therapy, I encourage you to give yourself permission to doso. Whether you want to process past wounds, clarify your beliefs, or simply talk about how faith fits into your life, therapy is a safe place for that conversation.
You deserve to be heard—without judgment, without agenda, and with full respect for your personal journey.
About the Therapist:
Rebecca Meigs (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their experiences and navigate life’s challenges. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults processing religious trauma, life transitions, and LGBTQ+ identity and concerns.
Rebecca takes a holistic, person-centered approach to therapy, incorporating Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and narrative therapy to help clients connect with themselves in a deeper, more meaningful way. She is committed to fostering a culturally aware and trauma-informed environment, where each client’s unique story is honored with empathy and respect.
Rebecca earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Seminary of the Southwest in 2023 and completed her pre-graduate internship at Capital Area Counseling in Austin, TX. She believes in the power of collaboration in therapy, working alongside clients to support their growth, healing, and overall well-being.
Learn more about her here. She is accepting new clients!