Leaving a harmful or controlling religion can affect your sense of self, safety, and belonging in ways that are often misunderstood. We offer trauma-informed, compassionate support for people recovering from religious trauma and rebuilding life on their own terms.
You may have a lot of questions. You may be carrying anger, grief, confusion, or a sense that you’ve lost your footing. When the beliefs, community, and sources of guidance you once relied on no longer fit who you are, it can be hard to know where to turn.
At Journey Free, we understand what you’re going through. We offer a safe and supportive place for people recovering from harmful religious experiences to find understanding, connection, and a way forward.
Founded by psychologist and author Dr. Marlene Winell, Journey Free has spent more than 20 years helping people understand religious trauma and supporting individuals, groups, and professionals through trauma-informed coaching, community support, and education.
Facilitated online groups that provide understanding, connection, and shared language for people navigating the impact of religious trauma.
One-on-one coaching for individuals seeking personalized guidance as they work through religious trauma and rebuild identity, confidence, and direction.
Professional development for therapists, coaches, and helping professionals seeking practical tools and deeper understanding for supporting individuals recovering from religious trauma.
Journey Free membership offers a steady, supportive space for people recovering from religious trauma. You will find understanding peers and be able to share about your lives beyond religion. We focus our attention on speaking your truth and then, with support, rebuilding your lives after leaving religion.
Members are invited to participate in 3 live online support calls per month, and a private members-only forum. These are moderated by experienced facilitators who understand the complexities of religious trauma. Membership is designed to be accessible, flexible, and grounded in respect for each person’s pace and process.
Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) describes the emotional, psychological, and social impacts that can result from exposure to authoritarian, controlling, or fear-based religious systems.
In addition to trauma experienced while part of a religious community, RTS is a framework to understand the specific challenges of leaving a religion and creating a fulfilling life in society.
RTS can affect identity, relationships, self-trust, emotional regulation, and a person’s sense of meaning or safety in the world. Because these effects are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, many people struggle to find language for what they’re experiencing.
Here at Journey Free, our work is grounded in the RTS framework to provide clarity, validation and a trauma-informed path forward to heal in community.
“Marlene Winell is an intelligent person with a quiet strength and clarity of purpose — a natural leader. She is both an analyst and a visionary; on one hand, deeply compassionate, on the other, a consummate and methodical organizer. I’ve seen her plan and conduct complex events, in the process meeting the needs of multiple clients, dealing deftly with surprises, and keeping the ball rolling toward its planned outcome. She is a lively thinker and a clear communicator.” – October 13, 2011
“Dr Winell is the foremost expert at assisting those who have been damaged by toxic religious groups and cults to recover from spiritual abuse and rigid religious indoctrination. Her book and retreats are the best in the field.” Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative. – October 13, 2011
“Marlene is an expert in helping people to recover from the harmful effects of fundamentalist religion. In addition, she provides excellent advice and guidance in handling family relationships.” Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert. – October 13, 2011
Dear Reclaimers, I would like to share some thoughts at this fraught time in our
By Janice Selbie, RPC I had no personal experience with divorce until I was 35
I am recently back from Stockholm, Sweden where the long-awaited film “Leaving Jesus” was released