This is a very rich and informative course. One suggestion: In addition to the researchers and mental health practitioners, I would very much like to hear more from survivors as themselves, not just those who are working on research projects or therapy practices. Their subjects and clients, possibly on a panel discussion would be very valuable. The other feedback I would give is that many of us are still involved our faith communities and while we all go through a process of deconversion, it does not always result in becoming atheist or totally losing our faiths. The course started out seeming to me that there is no room for us and that deconversion/conversion to atheism the goal of healing from religious trauma. Toward the end, a greater tolerance seemed to be present and I appreciated it. Thank you for this course and all your work at the GCRR. Less

This training was robust and had speakers from various countries around the globe. I learned a lot about how religious abuse impacts the nervous system and about how to heal client's relationships with spirituality. I appreciated learning about the African and African American experiences of the impacts of religion and how religion has been used as a tool of colonialism. I would love to have more indigenous speakers talk about how religious abuse impacted their communities. I would also like to hear from more Latine voices since religion is very strong in Latin American countries. Overall the training was excellent, I would just like even more racial and ethnic diversity to dive even deeper into how religious abuse has impacted various types of communities. Less

Religious Trauma Studies Has Been A True Eye Opener Because I Was Able To Relate With Different Things I've Experienced I Would Recommend This Course To Anyone Who Has A Passion To Help Trauma Inflicted People Begin The Journey Of Healing. The Training From Scholars Professor's & Other Astute Professionals Was Simply Excellence At It's Best I Just Received My Certification & I'm Excited About My New Journey Thank You Dr. Darren 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Less

The journey through this certification process was well worth the heaviness and difficult reminders of my religious trauma. I recommend this program for all clinicians as it should be required to be incorporated into psychology graduate institutions. The only critical and compassionate feedback I would give is that some of the teachers/lecturer's trauma and anger(all understandable) sometimes obstructed their presentation and research. As we all walk through this together and find healing, these things will adjust and transform programs like these. Thanks again! Less

As a current practicing trauma specialist with extensive experience in treating individuals affected by religious trauma, I highly recommend The Global Center for Religious Research and Trauma training program. This comprehensive course provides fundamental and practical clinical skills necessary to support those who have been hurt by the misuse of religious beliefs to harm others. The Global Center for Religious Research and Trauma training is an exceptional resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the complex issues surrounding religious trauma. With a focus on providing practical and effective interventions, this training equips professionals with the knowledge and tools required to make a positive impact in the lives of those they serve. I wholeheartedly endorse The Global Center for Religious Research and Trauma training program as a leading expert in the field of trauma studies. Their curriculum offers a unique blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on skill development that enables mental health providers to effectively address the growing issue of religious trauma. Sincerly Julius Jefferies LPC Clinical Trauma Specialist Less

I just finished the certification material for treating Religious Abuse. As with most certification processes, it was a firehose of information and good tools. What I appreciated most about the process, however, was the eConference, in which the emcee of the conference would interview the speakers of the conference, encourage questions from the audience, and ask push-back questions to the presenters. It was a genuine attempt to be as balanced as possible. Less

When I accidentally came across this program, the topics to be presented were of interest to me personally and professionally. Having survived episodes of religious trauma myself, I hoped that these presentation would be comforting and healing for my past experiences. Also as a hospice chaplain, the selections will be of benefit when dealing with patients and families who have divorced themselves from their own spiritually/religious background and express a desire to reconcile their past traumatic experiences by reestablishing their connections with their understanding of the divine at EOL. Less

I am overflowing with gratitude as I stand on the other side of completing the Certification course for Religious Trauma Studies from the Global Centre for Religious Research. This journey has been nothing short of transformative, and I am filled with awe and reverence for the knowledge and insights gained. The impact of religious trauma is far-reaching and often goes unnoticed. Throughout this course, I have delved deep into understanding the profound ways in which religious beliefs and experiences can leave lasting scars on individuals' psyches and emotional well-being. It has been both heart-wrenching and empowering to confront the reality of religious trauma and learn how to support and aid those who have been affected. I am eager to apply what I have learned to my work and personal life, and I am filled with hope for a future where individuals can heal from religious trauma and thrive in their own spiritual journeys. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to engage in this profound study and to be a part of such a forward-thinking and compassionate community. Here's to spreading awareness and fostering healing for all those impacted by religious trauma. #TraumaInformedCoaching Less

I really enjoyed this course and was impressed at the heavy research focus. It was understandably, mostly America-centric, but the discussions and presentations were clear, relatable and transferrable (at least to my westernised country). I was also happy to see research and study covering Judaism, Islam as well as many branches of Christianity. I enjoyed being able to access the content at my own pace and this made it very accessible to someone with a full-time job, shiftwork and other commitments. Well done GCRR! I look forward to seeing other results and developments via your organisation. Less

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Vermont. I have been practicing as a LICSW since 2017. I seem to receive clients with strong religious backgrounds due to my strong religious faith. Most of my clients who are referred to me, state they can seek support from their church due to the shame and guilt they feel. I can relate to the information presented in the religious trauma course and note how relevant the information is to the clients I serve. Less

This is an amazing course. The information is well organized. The presenters all do a fantastic job of sharing their passion, experiences, insight, and research. Understanding the extent and ways in which adverse religious experiences can and do impact people was eye opening. My understanding of what religious trauma is barely scratched the surface of what it truly entails on a global scale. Further, I see how this course gives a language and voice to those who may be suffering in silence. I will also add that this course was presented in ways that respect and support people of all beliefs. This isn’t an attack against religion, it is an honest review of the practices and ideologies that can and have caused harm. Less

Finished all of the videos sessions in the certification program. It was very helpful in helping me understand my own religious trauma and also helped me frame some of my experiences within a larger context of people also experiencing trauma from other faith traditions. I also feel that I am now more aware of assessing for religious trauma and asking questions in my clinical practice. Wish I had had this resource earlier in my deconstruction process because it would have made me feel significantly less crazy! Less

As a survivor of severe ongoing childhood abuse, not directly caused by but deeply influenced by the Evangelical Church culture I was raised in, I find the presentation by Dr. Paula Windle and Dr. Craig Cashwell on religious abuse within Christian contexts both harrowing and validating. Their discussion on the multifaceted nature of religious abuse, encompassing emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions, resonates profoundly with my experiences. Growing up, I was taught not to question authorities, to follow prescribed norms rigidly, and to seek immediate forgiveness for any perceived sin. This environment fostered a sense of perpetual fear and guilt, severely impacting my mental health and leading to diagnoses of PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Severe Chronic Major Depression, and Borderline OCD. The expectation of unquestioning obedience and conformity within the religious community I was part of contributed significantly to my trauma, compelling me to suppress my painful memories rather than confront and process them. The presentation astutely highlights the systemic issues within mainstream religious organizations, extending beyond the egregious examples of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church or cults. It speaks to the subtler yet equally damaging forms of emotional and spiritual manipulation that can occur under the guise of religious authority. This perspective is crucial, as it acknowledges the trauma of those who might not have experienced overt abuse but have nonetheless suffered under oppressive religious structures. My journey of healing and self-discovery, prompted by the realization of the hypocrisy within the Evangelical community, led me to pursue a career as a Certified Registered Peer Recovery Specialist. This role has enabled me to assist others adversely affected by extreme religious views. In my work with an Assertive Community Treatment Team Mental Health Treatment Organization, I encounter numerous individuals whose mental health has been impacted by similar experiences. The shift within the Evangelical community from a caring, inclusive body to one marked by radicalism and exclusion is a crucial point of departure for my critique. There was a time when Evangelicals were known for their compassion towards the hurting, irrespective of religious or political affiliations. This transformation starkly contrasts the teachings of Jesus Christ, who preached love, kindness, and acceptance. The presentation underscores this discrepancy, urging mental health professionals and religious leaders alike to adopt a more trauma-informed, empathetic approach to care and community building. Forgiving my family and community for the abuse I endured does not negate the right to feel anger and seek accountability. My advocacy is not just personal; it calls for a broader reformation within religious communities to return to their core values of love and service. This is not merely about exposing the wrongs of the past but about fostering a future where religious spaces are safe, nurturing, and genuinely reflective of the teachings of Christ. In conclusion, the transcript is a compelling call to action for all, especially within the Christian community, to introspect and realign with the fundamental teachings of compassion and empathy. It's a necessary conversation that paves the way for healing and inclusive growth, not just for individuals like myself but for the entire religious community. Less

This course was eye opening, it addressed harm from systemic religious dogma, the underpinnings of "Christian superiority" as a theology, that seeps into many religious structures. The speakers and thier perspectives, research and presentations were a terrific resource for a person such as myself who is in a constant state of deconstruction. Well worth the time and effort. Thank you for shedding light on some very dark realities. Less

Firstly, I would like to say what an excellent course this is. Thank you all who worked so hard to put it all together. This is a subject of which I knew of somewhat, but this has certainly enhanced that knowledge, and of course, enlightened me much more in areas I was not aware. This will assist greatly in my position of a fire service Chaplain, and on a personal level, has helped me understand the incidents of religious/ racial discrimination I have experienced. Once again, thank you very much ! Gerry Rempel Less

My head is spinning. I am so grateful for having found this program. Every presentation and every written document revealed so much.I have been on my own personal journey for the last few years. I was questioning everything. While this program has answered many questions it has caused me to rethink, to deep thinking and reconsider many other questions. I am sure there is so much more to explore. I will definitely continue to follow your programs as I continue my journey. Thank you for all you are doing. Less

Just finished the Religious Trauma Certification by GCRR. Grateful for all the perspectives and different voices they used in this training. I also appreciate all the presenters who put together their data for us. As a spiritual companion and a behavior analyst this education was so valuable in helping me to be more trauma aware as I continue to walk alongside many who have been hurt by institutions. Less

I just completed the GCRR course on Religious Trauma and found it to be enlightening. There was a wide range of topics within the overall topic of religious trauma, which made it interesting. Each presenter had his/her own nuance, research, experience, so each contributed a little more, then a little more, and... so on... throughout the courses. Together, the presenters answered questions, and I found that additional questions arose that I will take with me to ponder over time. Less

I have just completed the Religious Trauma Certification Course and I can honestly say it has had a profound effect upon me. My reaction on listening to a lot of the lectures has been horror at the damage that fundamentalist, evangelical Christianity in America is causing and at first I felt it was far removed from the Christianity that I know and practice. The training has given me a new direction, in both my church leader role and as a counsellor. I was a little wary, on first starting the course, that the talks would be heavily anti-religion, but I was encouraged to see that there was a balance and that healthy spirituality and religion are given recognition as well as the negative, dark side to religion. Thank you for the work that you are doing. Any Christian who is trying to live up to the high calling of Christ's teachings will be of course, troubled, saddened and angry at the abuse and damage that has been done in the name of Christ but at the same time glad that it has been exposed, through work such as yours, so that change can happen. Less

I was not prepared for the depth and breadth of the presenters and material that I received from the GCRR’s Religious Trauma Certification course. In addition to the impressive quality and quantity of the material, GCRR’s lifetime access also allows me the flexibility to return to the material as-needed in the years to come. I look forward to accessing these tools over time and am excited to see how GCRR continues to build upon what is already a best-in-class resource. I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you practice, teach, or learn anywhere near the intersection of trauma and spirituality, you simply must make this resource a part of your toolkit. Less

The Global Center for Religious Research (GCRR) is a fantastic organization that brings together scholars from all over the world to study religion in a non-biased and academic way. They don't have an agenda to promote or abolish any religion but rather aim to understand and explore every aspect of religion, including its origins and how it affects global systems today. GCRR is a place where scholars can ask questions and investigate the beliefs and practices of different religions. By studying the scientific, philosophical, and historical aspects of religion, they aim to gain a deeper understanding of how beliefs have evolved over time and why they continue to play a significant role in people's lives. What's great about GCRR is that they encourage interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approaches to studying religion. This means that scholars from different fields, such as the arts, humanities, and social sciences, can collaborate and learn from each other. It's a place where intellectual freedom is valued, and critical thinking is encouraged. Overall, the Global Center for Religious Research is an excellent place for anyone interested in learning more about religion in an academic setting. The scholars there are dedicated to promoting the highest standards of scholarship and fostering a forum for rigorous academic discussion and debate. I am definitely excited to see the future work and contributions of the Global Center for Religious Research! Less

It was a amazing experience for me personally as well as a coach and facilitator. I felt so validated in my own personal experiences. I sort of always thought I was alone and should not think about my religious upbringing as abusive but the more I listened the more I was validated and knew for the first time in my life I am not bad or wrong for life journey which is new I have only been deconstructing for 3 years. I was hesitant now I am excited for the opportunity I have to experience my life as I continue to open and learn. Thank you all so much. Yours with a new hope Carole Fast Less

"Religious Trauma" and the necessity of it's research has long been overdue. GCRR has done its due dilgence and has provided a great service and valuable resources from which many will benefit. The material/presentations I have had the priviledge of viewing are filled with vital information and tremendous insight for those who are recovering from "RT" and those who are called to be helpers in recovery. I am thankful for this organization. Less