For Texas and California Residents
R.O.O.T.S. Group Therapy is a safe space group therapy program for adults who have experienced religious or spiritual trauma or harm that has been difficult to overcome. Whether due to harmful teachings, abusive practices, or the emotional strain of leaving a high-demand faith system, this program provides a safe environment to process, heal, and rebuild.
Religious trauma can occur when an individual experiences psychological, emotional, or spiritual harm due to their involvement in a religious system. This harm might stem from abusive behaviors, manipulation, guilt, shame, fear, or oppressive control, often associated with authoritarian or cult-like religious practices. Individuals may struggle with feelings of alienation, confusion, or loss of identity after leaving or questioning a religious community, or even experience ongoing trauma symptoms due to internalized messages.
The goal is to help participants reclaim their autonomy, develop healthier spiritual or secular identities, and find peace after difficult religious experiences. Through guided group discussions, therapeutic exercises, and emotional support, participants will work toward understanding the impacts of religious trauma, while cultivating resilience, recovery, and personal growth.
The R.O.O.T.S. Group Therapy program is designed for adults who are dealing with the aftermath of harmful religious experiences. Individuals who might benefit include:
Ex-Communicants:
Those who have left high-control or authoritarian religious groups (e.g., cults, fundamentalist communities, or strict religious denominations) and are navigating the psychological and emotional fallout of disconnection from their former faith.
Survivors of Religious Abuse:
Individuals who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse within religious contexts, whether from clergy, leaders, or community members.
Individuals Struggling with Spiritual Deconstruction:
Adults who are questioning or deconstructing their faith after years of being taught specific religious beliefs, and are seeking support in navigating this personal journey.
People with Guilt or Shame from Religious Teachings:
Individuals who struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or self-doubt due to internalized religious teachings on morality, sin, or worthiness.
Individuals Experiencing Faith Transitions:
Those who are transitioning away from a religious framework but feel uncertain, disconnected, or uncertain about how to navigate life without their former belief system.
People in Recovery from Religious Community Excommunication:
Individuals who were expelled or ostracized from a religious community and are coping with feelings of abandonment, loss, or rejection.
Those Seeking to Reclaim Spirituality on Their Own Terms:
People who want to explore spirituality or religion in a healthy, non-coercive way after having been exposed to toxic religious environments.
Therapist Involvement: R.O.O.T.S is facilitated by a licensed therapist who is trained in trauma recovery work, ensuring that the discussions are therapeutic, safe, and structured.
Psychological Focus: While support groups may offer emotional encouragement and shared experiences, therapy groups incorporate therapeutic techniques, psychological education, and professional guidance to help individuals process their feelings and improve their mental health.
Structured Approach: Therapy groups often have a specific agenda or framework for each session, ensuring that participants are guided through therapeutic processes rather than just informal discussions.
Understanding Religious Trauma: Gain insight into the psychological and emotional effects of religious upbringing or indoctrination.
Healing from Past Religious/Spiritual Trauma: Work through trauma caused by harmful religious practices or communities.
Reclaiming Personal Autonomy: Learn how to make decisions about your spirituality or life outside of the framework of your former faith.
Community Support: Connect with others who share similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and shame.
Developing a Healthy Identity: Redefine who you are outside of the confines of religious expectations and rebuild a sense of self-worth.
Coping Tools: Learn strategies for managing triggers, anxiety, and depression that may stem from past religious experiences.
Session Format: Weekly, facilitated small group therapy sessions led by a licensed therapist specializing in trauma recovery. Each session will include guided discussions, group exercises, and opportunities for members to share their personal experiences and insights in a safe, non-judgmental setting.
Confidentiality and Safety: All participants will be expected to maintain confidentiality and respect for others’ experiences, creating a space where individuals feel supported and heard without fear of judgment.
Duration: 10-week sessions, with the option to continue in follow-up groups or individual therapy as needed.
If you or someone you know would benefit from group therapy focused on religious/spiritual trauma, please enroll yourself on my secure client portal so that we can begin our screening and enrollment.During this time,I will help assess your needs and determine if this group therapy program is the right fit.
This group therapy program provides not only healing from religious trauma but also empowers individuals to regain their sense of self and autonomy. The healing journey may be difficult, but with the right support, individuals can create fulfilling lives on their own terms, free from the constraints of past religious harm.
Hi, I’m Devaney Knight, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of clinical experience. Part of my clinical specialty includes work with individuals navigating religious trauma, particularly at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity.
In addition to my therapy practice, I provide training for other therapists on this very topic to help them cultivate more inclusive environments in their practices. I am most proud of my training entitled:Treating Clients at the Intersection of LGBTQIA+ Identity and Religion provided to the Houston Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.I am driven by the notion of clients bringing all of who they are to their healing work. Therefore, my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to heal—without judgment or pressure to fit anyone else’s expectations.
I can’t wait to hear your story and work with you!
I help high achieving adult children of dysfunctional families address and deal with present issues caused by unresolved trauma, substance abuse, parental narcissism, and mental illness.