22/09/2025
Hidden Pain: Is Church at the Root of Childhood Trauma? part 2
For many, church was a place of community and guidance. However, for others, it was a space that planted the seeds of shame, fear and emotional suppression.
In this eye opening episode of Healing Huddle, Dez Gerald and Meisha Dalton confront a topic rarely discussed, the role of religious institutions in shaping childhood trauma. Could the place that promised salvation also be the source of hidden emotional pain?
We explore real life stories and lived experiences, while grounding the discussion in clinical research that shows how early spiritual trauma can have lasting effects on the brain, body and spirit.
🧠 What does the science say?
Groundbreaking research from institutions like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the CDC reveals that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including those within spiritual or religious settings, can alter brain development, elevate cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase risks of:
*Anxiety & depression
*Chronic illness
*Sleep disorders
*Low self-worth
*Disconnection from spirituality
Spiritual trauma isn't just emotional, it’s biological and psychological too.
💔 Ready to break the silence and reclaim your power?
Join our safe, supportive space as we unpack the layers of church trauma, dismantle harmful narratives, and offer practical paths to healing the inner child; emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
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