Complex trauma is highly relational in nature. Relational trauma refers to mistreatment by another person, and for those living with complex trauma, this often means chronic misattunement, abuse, or neglect by emotionally immature, misattuned, or narcissistic caregivers. Many children living through this near-constant traumatization develop complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).  So, what does healing from C-PTSD, or complex trauma, look like? Let’s dive in.

Like any complex trauma, healing from religious trauma is not linear. Because cults or fundamentalist religious communities tend to try to control your whole lifestyle and internal experiences, religious trauma encompasses so much: your relationships, thoughts, feelings, body, sexuality, and finances– just to name a few. Here are some potential signs that you’re healing from religious trauma.