FREE RELIGIOUS TRAUMA SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP
Joining the free Religious Trauma Syndrome support group led by registered professional counsellor Janice Selbie offers a variety of benefits for individuals experiencing negative impacts from religion.
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The Religious Trauma Syndrome support group provides a safe space for individuals to navigate their experiences of religious trauma. Engaging with others who have similar experiences reduces feelings of isolation, fosters a sense of community, and offers diverse perspectives on coping strategies.
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Key benefits of joining the group include:​
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Professional Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of Janice Selbie, who specializes in dealing with religious trauma.
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Community Support: Connect with others who have had similar experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and solidarity.
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Education: Learn more about Religious Trauma Syndrome and the psychological impacts of your experiences, aiding in the healing process.
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Financial Accessibility: As the group is free, it eliminates financial barriers, making support accessible for everyone.
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In essence, this group provides an invaluable resource for individuals navigating the complex journey of recovery from religious trauma.
Creating A Safe Space for Healing from Religious Trauma
Navigating the aftermath of leaving a high-control religion can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. For individuals grappling with Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS), finding a supportive community is essential for healing and rebuilding their lives. The free Religious Trauma Syndrome support group, led by Janice Selbie, offers a safe, empathetic space where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges. Held once a week in the evenings, this group provides invaluable resources and support for those on the journey to recovery.
Emotional Support
One of the primary benefits of the support group is the emotional support it offers. Leaving a high-control religion can result in feelings of loneliness, fear, and confusion. The support group provides a safe environment where members can share their experiences and emotions without fear of judgment. This collective sharing fosters a sense of belonging and validation, which is crucial for emotional healing.
Key Emotional Support Benefits:
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Validation of experiences
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Shared understanding and empathy
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Emotional relief from sharing personal stories
Professional Guidance
Janice Selbie, a former fundamentalist with personal experience of RTS, leads the support group with compassion and expertise. Her professional guidance helps members navigate the complexities of religious trauma recovery, offering practical advice and coping strategies. Janice’s background and understanding of the unique challenges faced by those leaving fundamentalist, authoritarian religions make her an ideal facilitator.
Building a Community
Building a community within the support group offers a vital network of peers who understand and share similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. This connection helps reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, providing a collective environment for healing and personal growth.
Connection with Peers
One of the most significant advantages of the support group is the opportunity to connect with peers who have had similar experiences. Building relationships with others who understand the journey can be incredibly comforting and empowering. These connections often extend beyond the weekly meetings, creating a broader support network. Feeling accepted, after having been rejected by religious family and peers, is powerful recovery medicine.
Ways the Group Facilitates Connection:
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Weekly discussions and sharing sessions
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Group activities and exercises
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Social events and online interactions
Reducing Isolation
Isolation is a common issue for individuals recovering from RTS. The support group helps combat loneliness by providing regular opportunities for social interaction and community building. Knowing that they are not alone in their struggles can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall mental health for participants.
Practical Coping Strategies
The support group offers practical coping strategies, equipping members with tools to manage their trauma effectively. Techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and journaling are shared to help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with RTS.
Tools and Techniques
The support group is not just about emotional support; it also equips members with practical tools and techniques to manage their trauma. Religious trauma recovery coach Janice Selbie introduces various coping strategies that members can apply in their daily lives to alleviate stress and anxiety associated with RTS.
Examples of Coping Strategies Taught:
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Grounding techniques
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Cognitive-behavioral strategies
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Reframing of thoughts and experiences
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Radical acceptance
Resource Sharing
Members of the support group are often excited to share valuable resources, such as books, articles, podcasts, and online content, that have helped them in their recovery. This collective knowledge base can be incredibly beneficial for discovering new ways to cope and heal.
Types of Resources Shared:
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Self-help books and literature
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Online support communities and forums
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Educational videos and podcasts
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Conferences, classes, and webinars
Personal Growth and Identity Reconstruction
The support group aids in personal growth and identity reconstruction by encouraging members to explore and redefine their beliefs, values, and interests outside of their former religious frameworks. This process helps individuals rebuild their self-identity, fostering empowerment and confidence as they navigate their new secular lives.
Rebuilding Self-Identity
Leaving a high-control religion often involves a significant loss of identity, as personal beliefs and values are called into question. The support group provides a platform for exploring and reconstructing one’s identity outside of religious frameworks. Members are encouraged to rediscover their passions, interests, and personal values in a supportive environment.
Steps to Rebuild Self-Identity:
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Reflecting on personal beliefs and values
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Exploring new hobbies and interests
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Setting personal goals and aspirations
Empowerment and Confidence
Through regular participation in the support group, members gain confidence and a sense of empowerment. The supportive environment allows individuals to voice their thoughts and feelings, building self-assurance and resilience. Over time, this leads to greater self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life.
Long-Term Benefits
Regular participation in the support group contributes to sustained recovery by reinforcing coping strategies and maintaining emotional stability. Members develop greater resilience and adaptability, essential for long-term healing and facing future challenges.
Sustained Recovery
The consistent support and guidance offered by the group contribute to sustained recovery from RTS. Regular attendance helps reinforce coping strategies and maintain emotional stability, which are crucial for long-term healing.
Long-Term Benefits of Regular Attendance:
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Continuous emotional and psychological support
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Ongoing reinforcement of coping mechanisms
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Development of lasting friendships and support networks
Adaptability and Resilience
Members of the support group develop greater adaptability and resilience as they learn to navigate life without the constraints and crutches of their former religious beliefs. This adaptability is essential for facing future challenges and building a fulfilling secular life.
The free Religious Trauma Syndrome support group, led by Janice Selbie, offers a multitude of benefits for individuals recovering from rigid, authoritarian religious environments. From emotional support and community building to practical coping strategies and personal growth, the group provides comprehensive assistance for those on the path to healing. Held once a week in the evenings, this support group is a lifeline for many, helping them reclaim their identities and build resilient, fulfilling lives.
