How it feels to be an exvangelical watching the U.S. government create the fundamentalists’ apocalypse dream
The political events of the last few years have felt triggering for many folks, for good reason. AND there is a special kind of activation when the things the government is doing sounds very much like what the authority figures of your childhood did or told you would happen.
The impact of deconstruction on mental health (Part 1 of 2)
Religious deconstruction isn’t just changing your mind about some arbitrary theological details. Deconstruction is a cognitive, emotional, relational, and spiritual-existential process. It can be lonely, painful, and even traumatic, though many people who have experienced it do not regret their choices. If you have deconstructed or are deconstructing, your mental health is very likely being affected, and you can benefit from talking to a mental health provider who specializes in working with religious deconstruction.
What is religious harm?
Religious harm is a broad category which includes religious/spiritual abuse, religious/spiritual trauma, spiritual identity disruption, “church hurt,” Adverse Religious Experiences, and some types of moral injury.
A person can experience religious harm if they’ve been negatively impacted (even indirectly) by religious beliefs, teachings, practices, rituals, leaders, institutions, or groups.
Karen Chambless, LPC-MHSP, NCC — Credentials
Karen Chambless (she/her) is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Tennessee with Mental Health Service Provider (MHSP) designation. This means she has completed a masters degree in counseling from an accredited school, completed over 500 hours of training and clinical work while in school, passed two national examinations and a state exam, and practiced for over two years under supervision by an already licensed counselor, accruing at least 3,000 hours of experience and 150 hours of supervision. She is also a Nationally Certified Counselor from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). Karen has been practicing therapy for 5 years, but spent the first 25+ years of her life as a quintessential eldest daughter and the “mom friend” of her friend group, so she’s had a long time to hone her listening and supportive-question-asking skills.
Karen Chambless is an expert and clinical specialist in religious trauma. She has advanced training and experience in treating both complex trauma and religious trauma, as well as training and experience working with folks figuring out their queer/trans identity and/or neurotype (Autism, ADHD, Highly Sensitive, etc). Karen identifies as Queer & Highly Sensitive and is passionate about supporting folks with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent identities to grow and heal and be their whole magical selves.