When the Holidays Hurt: Navigating Thanksgiving After Religious Trauma

The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, gratitude, togetherness, and celebration. But for many survivors of religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and cultic or high-control environments, this season can bring an entirely different set of emotions.
Sometimes, the holidays hurt.
They can remind us of family relationships that have changed, loved ones we're estranged from, communities we've left behind, or traditions that no longer feel the same. For some, Thanksgiving means navigating difficult family gatherings, uncomfortable religious conversations, or the pressure to forgive, reconnect, and pretend everything is okay.
For others, it may mean spending the holiday alone, grieving what used to be, or trying to figure out what the holidays mean now.
And sometimes, it's a mixture of all these experiences.

If any of this resonates with you, this gathering is for you.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Black Religious Trauma Recovery Network is creating a space for Black survivors to come together, check in with themselves and one another, and talk openly about the emotional challenges this season can bring.
Rather than our usual educational presentation, this gathering will focus more on conversation, reflection, emotional support, and community connection.

We'll also acknowledge some of the unique expectations that can exist within Black families and religious communities, including the pressure to maintain family unity, respect elders regardless of harmful behavior, keep family matters private, or participate in religious traditions we've moved away from.

You don't have to be excited about Thanksgiving. You don't have to feel grateful for everything you've experienced. You don't have to reconcile with anyone, attend a gathering that feels unsafe, or pretend that this season is easier than it is.
And you don't have to navigate these feelings in isolation.

Whether you're looking forward to parts of the holiday, dreading it entirely, or feeling somewhere in between, there's room for your experience here.
You are welcome to share what's on your heart, listen to others, ask for support, or simply be present in a community that understands some of the challenges of life after religious trauma.

No pressure to share. No expectations to have everything figured out. Just a space to be heard, understood, and supported.

This support group is exclusively for Black survivors of religious trauma, spiritual abuse, cults, and high-control religious or spiritual environments. Please refrain from registering for this event if this does not apply to you. Thank you.

With Care,
Nikki G. (Founder)
Black Religious Trauma Recovery Network
A space for conversations our community deserves to have.