S1E1 – Is Trauma Affecting my Faith? | DoubleTake

In a recent study of over 17,000 individuals, 64% of them had experienced something traumatic during their childhood years. Trauma can be something your friend endured as a child, an event your sibling has kept private to themselves, or a load that you have been quietly carrying with you without even realizing it.

In this episode, host Mohammed Zaoud talks to licensed therapists Najwa Awad, LSCW-C and Sarah Sultan, LPC, LMHC, authors of “Trauma: Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You,” about the impact of trauma on faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can trauma affect your faith and spirituality?

Trauma significantly impacts your relationship with faith. Trauma changes a person’s core beliefs. It can shift how they see God, safety, and the meaning of life. Hardship brings some people closer to their faith, while others experience confusion, distance, or doubt. These responses come from the mind trying to handle overwhelming experiences. They do not show weak faith.

How to heal trauma while staying spiritually connected?

Healing trauma demands an integrative approach that combines therapy and spiritual connection. Therapy addresses the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. Spiritual practices offer grounding and meaning. Positive religious coping, like finding comfort in faith and meaning, reduces distress and aids recovery. We rebuild connection alongside emotional healing, strengthening both in the process.

What are the signs that trauma is impacting your beliefs?

Trauma may be affecting your beliefs if you notice:

• Feeling distant from Allah or disconnected from spiritual practices

• Increased doubt, fear, or confusion about faith

• Viewing hardship as punishment rather than part of a larger meaning

• Struggling with trust; both spiritually and emotionally

  
  

Research shows that spiritual struggle comes from trauma. This struggle creates harmful beliefs about oneself, the world, and God. As a result, emotional distress increases.

How to rebuild faith after emotional struggles?

Rebuilding faith develops a deeper, more honest connection. It requires making space for questions, processing emotional pain, and reconnecting with faith at your own pace. Spirituality supports post-traumatic growth, helping individuals find renewed meaning and resilience after hardship. Faith and healing rebuild together, strengthening each other in the process.

Can therapy and faith work together?

Therapy and faith complement each other by addressing distinct aspects of human experience. Therapy tackles thoughts, feelings, and trauma responses. Faith, on the other hand, gives meaning, purpose, and spiritual grounding. Integrating spirituality into trauma treatment significantly improves outcomes when approached thoughtfully. Combined, therapy and faith provide a comprehensive path to healing.

How to deal with spiritual doubts caused by trauma?

Spiritual doubt after trauma reflects emotional pain, not a loss of belief. We must explore these doubts with compassion. Trauma often makes people question God's justice or presence. This is a common reaction when their core beliefs are challenged. Answering these questions in a spiritual and therapeutic way strengthens our faith. It helps us feel more grounded and resilient.

What are ways to strengthen faith during hardship?

Strengthening faith during hardship often looks different than during ease. It may involve:

• Simplifying spiritual practices rather than intensifying them

• Focusing on consistency over perfection

• Seeking supportive community or guidance

• Reflecting on meaning rather than forcing certainty

Spirituality is a strong shield. It helps improve resilience and emotional stability during tough times. Consistency drives strong growth and develops unwavering strength, surpassing the effects of pressure.

How does emotional pain affect religious connection?

Emotional pain transforms your faith experience by creating distance, confusion, anger, or abandonment. Trauma can lead to both positive and negative religious coping. Some find comfort in their faith, while others feel distress. Understanding this helps you approach your spiritual journey with kindness and acceptance.