Date of Award
5-5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Major
Clinical Mental Health Counselling
First Advisor
Siyao Li
Abstract
This literature review discusses religion, spirituality, religious trauma, and mental health treatment through expressive arts therapy. The research highlights a prevalence of religious trauma within adults in the United States and a need for mental health care targeted toward the complexities of religious harm. Expressive arts therapy is an evidence-based and trauma-informed method of treating religious trauma. A somatic and well-rounded approach to processing religious trauma promotes self-regulation, building confidence, and finding affirming community. This research also outlines the interconnected systems of power that harm marginalized communities through religion: capitalism, white supremacy, and the patriarchy. Lastly, the literature review discusses the goal of religious trauma healing is not to eliminate all religion, but to provide mental health treatment, autonomy, and self-trust so that an affected individual can choose to find religion on their own terms.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Whitman, Abigail S., "Religious Trauma Healing through Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 15.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/15
