Workshop Description:
This workshop provides mental health professionals with practical skills to recognise and respond to religious trauma arising from controlling faith environments. Participants will explore the psychological impact of high-control religious systems and learn to apply Transactional Analysis (TA) concepts in safe, ethical practice. The course emphasises trauma-informed intervention, cultural and spiritual sensitivity, and ethical work in faith-based contexts.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify characteristics of controlling faith environments and their psychological impact.
Recognise presentations of religious trauma in clinical settings.
Apply core TA concepts (ego states, injunctions, Drivers) in case formulation and therapy.
Differentiate between adaptive faith, spiritual struggle, and coercive dynamics.
Use trauma-informed interventions while maintaining client safety.
Reflect on countertransference, bias, and ethical issues in faith-related work.
Presenter:
Anu Matara
Registered Clinical Counsellor (PACFA)
Advanced Transactional Analysis Practitioner (ATAA, NATAA)
M.A.Ed, B.A.Ed
Anu specialises in religious trauma, integrating trauma-informed practice with Transactional Analysis. Her work supports autonomy, critical thinking, and identity development. She is the author of Bruised by Belief, which explores healing from high-control faith environments.
Disclaimer:
The content of this endorsed CPD course is provided by the external course provider. Attendees are encouraged to approach the material with an open mind and consider diverse perspectives, particularly those from lived experiences related to the topics discussed. For feedback regarding the course, please contact the course provider directly.