
Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar, PhD (Counseling)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor offering virtual therapy to adult clients in 19 U.S. states
Working with people who are questioning, deconstructing, or leaving high-control religions, groups, or cults
Doctrine-Linked Somatic Memory
Trauma responses stored in the body that are activated by religious language, symbols, or practices.
Your body reacts strongly to sermons, worship music, or prayer.
Certain phrases trigger panic, nausea, or dissociation.
Physical reactions occur even when beliefs have changed.
Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)
The body may react before conscious understanding is available.
These reactions are not signs of failure, weakness, or belief relapse.
Recovery often includes gentle, body-based approaches rather than thought-based correction alone.