When Religion Hurts You is a timely resource for those processing their own experiences or helping others process their experiences in high control religions (HCR).
Inspired by Anderson's doctoral research as well as clinical and personal experiences, When Religion Hurts You gives readers an oversight on the multitude of effects trauma can have on an individual's nervous system, regulation, and overall mental/physical health before narrowing down to scenarios more common within a HCR.
I appreciated that Anderson takes the time to make her information accessible without insulting intelligence.
Her work on nervous system regulation/dysregulation is well written and presented in a way that is easy to follow. I appreciated Anderson's sections with practical tips for addressing inner voices, recognizing the need to pace healing, and even her reframing of healing vs healed. The book is a wonderful resource full of information that feels possible rather than just jargon (not to mention Anderson provides a wonderful resource library list in the back that is categorized by topic).
That said, I could easily see individuals who are working to heal from HCR but still stay within a Christian faith struggling with some of Anderson's main points. Obviously this isn't a theology book, it's a book about trauma. However, it feels like Anderson's work, either due to personal beliefs or limits due to the scope of the project, leans far enough away from faith that some of her statements on evangelical beliefs in particular could be dysregulating for people still early in their own healing.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and Baker Publishing Group.
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