TM
Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar
PhD in Counseling · Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
LPC / LMHC · Licensed Mental Health Counselor offering virtual therapy to adults
Working with people who are questioning, deconstructing, or leaving high-control religions, groups, or cults
Licensed in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, ID, IN, LA, ME, MA, OR, SC, TX, UT, VT, WI & WY
Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS)
A cluster of trauma symptoms experienced after leaving a high-control faith. The term was coined by Dr Marlene Winell in 2011.
You feel emotionally numb or overwhelmed in everyday situations.
You struggle to rebuild relationships or trust your own judgment.
Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)
Symptoms such as dissociation, anxiety, and depression may be present.
Moral uncertainty and fear may affect decision-making.
Rebuilding identity and support systems may be a long-term process.