The Body Keeps the Score—Even If Religion Told You Not to Listen
Many of us were taught to distrust our bodies. To “deny the flesh,” to push past discomfort, to prioritize obedience over instinct. Especially in rigid or high-demand religious environments, the body was framed as weak, sinful, deceptive—even dangerous.
But here’s the truth: your body has always been telling the truth. Even when you couldn’t listen. Even when you weren’t allowed to.
Religious trauma doesn’t just live in your memories. It lives in your nervous system. And your body has been carrying the weight—quietly, faithfully—all along.
Religious Trauma Isn’t Just Mental—It’s Somatic
Religious trauma can manifest physically and emotionally, especially if you were taught to:
Distrust your thoughts, desires, or “worldly” instincts
Silence your feelings to appear “faithful”
Push past pain or discomfort to serve others
Ignore your body’s cues around hunger, rest, pleasure, or safety
Suppress your gender, sexuality, or emotions to stay in line
You may have learned to override your body to survive. That wasn't weakness. It was wisdom. And now, your body might be asking for your attention again.
How the Body Remembers
Even if you’ve left the religion, your body might still be reacting to the rules. You might notice:
Anxiety when you “disobey” or say no
Guilt when you rest or prioritize yourself
Shame around sexuality, touch, or desire
Muscle tension, chronic fatigue, or migraines
Freeze responses in situations that feel too familiar
Emotional numbing—especially when you're around family or religious spaces
Your nervous system may still be bracing for judgment or rejection—even if you know you’re safe now.
When the Body Was Treated Like the Enemy
High-control faith systems often teach that the body should be:
Covered
Controlled
Disciplined
Ignored
Sacrificed
So it’s no wonder that reconnecting with your body in adulthood can feel uncomfortable—or even threatening. But reclaiming your body doesn’t mean disrespecting your values. It means learning to listen again. To trust your internal compass. To feel what you feel without shame.
What Reconnection Can Look Like
Reconnecting with your body after religious trauma isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It might include:
Noticing your breath without trying to control it
Exploring movement or rest without guilt
Asking: “What do I feel right now—and where do I feel it?”
Reclaiming touch, pleasure, or sensory experiences on your terms
Letting your body speak without being silenced by fear or theology
In trauma-informed therapy, you learn to rebuild this connection slowly, gently, with curiosity—not judgment.
Found Is a Place Where Your Body Is Welcome
At Found, we work with clients who are healing from religious trauma—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We use somatic and trauma-informed approaches to help you reconnect with your body in ways that feel safe and empowering.
Your body isn’t broken. Your sensations aren’t sinful. And your healing doesn’t have to happen from the neck up.
We believe that your body holds not just the score—but also the wisdom, the truth, and the key to your freedom.
Offices located in Provo, UT | Online help available across Utah
