Delayed Awareness Shock

A sudden realization (often years later) that your religious past was harmful or abusive

• You suddenly connect your anxiety or perfectionism to teachings you absorbed as a child.

• In therapy, you start to realize your fear of punishment was rooted in spiritual manipulation.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Grief over lost time or experiences may arise.

• Anger toward former leaders or caregivers may emerge.

• Confidence in personal judgment may become compromised.