Holding Your Ground with Grace: Boundaries and Religious Loved Ones
One of the hardest parts of healing from religious trauma is setting boundaries with people you love who still live inside the faith that harmed you.
Maybe it’s a parent sending Bible verses, a friend who insists you’re “just bitter,” or a sibling who prays for your return to church but never asks how you’re doing.
It’s complicated. These relationships often hold real love—and real pain.
Boundaries aren’t rejection. They’re protection. Especially when your nervous system has been conditioned to stay small, agreeable, or silent to keep the peace.
Try this:
“I’m not open to spiritual conversations right now.”
“Let’s focus on the parts of our relationship that feel safe and mutual.”
You don’t owe anyone your wounds, especially not people who ignore your healing.
Boundaries may cause confusion, even anger. But they also create space to grieve what’s changed—and protect what still matters.
You deserve relationships where your full self is welcome.
At the Center, we see you. We know this journey is tender, sacred, and sometimes lonely. And we’re here to remind you:
You’re not too sensitive. You’re not lost.
You’re healing—and that’s holy work.
