Reclaiming our personal choice & autonomy after Religious Trauma

For many of us raised in high-control religious environments, personal choice was discouraged—or outright denied. We were taught to surrender our desires, silence our doubts, and obey spiritual leaders without question. Autonomy was often labeled rebellion, and trusting ourselves was seen as dangerous.
This support group session is a space for Black religious trauma survivors to explore what it means to reclaim the power of choice after years of spiritual coercion, manipulation, and control. Together, we’ll unpack the harm caused when our decisions were shamed, our voices were suppressed, and our agency was taken in the name of “God’s will.”
In this gathering, we’ll reflect on:

• How religious trauma disrupted our ability to trust ourselves

• What it looks like to rebuild autonomy in our bodies, relationships, and beliefs

• Small, powerful ways we’re learning to say yes, say no, and mean it

This is a judgment-free, affirming space for you to share, listen, and begin reconnecting with your inner compass.