Secular therapy is therapy that does not rely on religious doctrine, spiritual authority, or faith-based frameworks. It is grounded in psychological science, ethics, and respect for individual autonomy rather than religious belief or worldview. In secular therapy, your therapist does not interpret your experiences through a religious lens, encourage spiritual practices, or assume shared beliefs about God, morality, or meaning. Instead, therapy focuses on your internal experience, your nervous system, your relationships, and your values—without prescribing what you should believe.

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What secular therapy is (and is not)

Secular therapy is not anti-religious. People of many belief systems—including religious, spiritual, agnostic, or atheist—can benefit from secular therapy. What makes therapy secular is not the client’s beliefs, but the therapist’s approach.

In my work:

• I do not use prayer, scripture, or spiritual guidance as therapeutic tools.

• I do not frame distress as a spiritual problem or moral failing.

• I do not position myself as a religious authority.

Therapy remains a space where belief is optional, and autonomy is central.

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Why secular therapy matters for people with religious harm

For individuals who have experienced religious trauma, spiritual abuse, high-control religious environments, or coercive belief systems, traditional faith-integrated therapy can feel unsafe—even when well-intentioned. If you’re looking for support that centers safety and autonomy after religious harm, you can read more about my approach to religious trauma therapy.

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Many people seeking secular therapy are looking for:

• a space free from moral judgment,

• relief from being corrected or redirected spiritually,

• permission to question without pressure to replace beliefs,

• and support that does not replicate authority dynamics they are trying to heal from.

Secular therapy allows you to explore your experiences without needing to defend, justify, or reconcile them with a belief system.

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Secular therapy and meaning-making

Choosing secular therapy does not mean rejecting meaning, values, or depth. It means that meaning-making happens with you, not for you.

In this space:

• you define what matters to you,

• values are explored rather than assumed,

• and growth is not tied to spiritual outcomes or moral conformity.

Some clients arrive with strong beliefs; others are unsure what they believe at all. For those navigating belief uncertainty or change, faith crisis therapy can offer support without pressure to resolve beliefs or reach conclusions. Secular therapy makes room for both.

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My approach as your therapist

I practice secular therapy with individuals. I do not integrate religion, spirituality, or faith-based frameworks into treatment unless you explicitly ask to discuss how belief systems have affected you. My role is not to guide your beliefs, restore faith, or replace one worldview with another. My role is to support your psychological safety, autonomy, and clarity—especially if those were compromised in previous environments. We work collaboratively. You set the pace. You choose what is explored. Therapy is a space where questioning is allowed, ambivalence is respected, and certainty is not required.

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You do not need to believe anything specific in order to begin

You do not need to know what you believe—or whether you believe anything at all—to start therapy. You do not need to be “done” with religion, deconstruction, or meaning-making. If you have questions about how secular therapy works or whether it might be a fit, you may find the FAQ page helpful. You are allowed to arrive exactly where you are.

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Secular therapy offers a space where:

• your experiences are taken seriously,

• your boundaries are respected,

• and your autonomy is not up for debate.

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You don’t need to adopt a new belief system to receive thoughtful, grounded support.

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If you’d like to reach out, the best way to do so is by using the contact form.
The form helps me understand what you’re looking for and whether working together might be a good fit. You’re welcome to answer only what feels comfortable.

If you prefer, you’re also welcome to email me directly.

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