Religious Enmeshment

When religion becomes so tied to your identity and relationships that it’s hard to separate where you end and the faith begins

• You feel guilty for thinking differently from your family’s beliefs.

• You don’t know who you are without your church or role.

• Your choices were always about what was “spiritual” or not.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Codependency or blurred boundaries may become entrenched.

• Feelings of confusion or loss may occur when leaving the faith structure.

• Exploration of personal identity and values may be essential for recovery.