I Believe in Something. I Just Don't Recognise the Version I Was Given." A different kind of consultation — on belief, belonging, and what the science says about coming home to yourself

Dr. S revisits spirituality as a clinical intervention, acknowledging that the term can trigger memories of shame, coercion, or abuse within religious settings, and clarifying that harmful delivery by people and institutions is not the same as spirituality itself. She names religious trauma as a recognized clinical phenomenon, citing Dr. Marlene Winell’s Religious Trauma Syndrome (2011) and reporting estimates that 27–33% of adults have experienced religious trauma, with 15–20% still symptomatic, and a 2021 study finding 33% trauma symptoms among those leaving high-control religions. She discusses research on “innate belief,” including Oxford’s Justin Barrett, while noting contested aspects, and argues that spiritual practice benefits health regardless of theological content. Using a yoga-injury analogy, she invites listeners to explore belief with curiosity, attend to bodily responses, and separate essence from delivery to reclaim meaning, connection, and wellbeing.00:00 Spirituality and Triggers04:08 Separating Faith From Harm08:36 Religious Trauma Is Real10:45 Essence vs Delivery13:58 Science of Innate Belief17:17 Clinical Benefits of Practice19:05 Reframing After Bad Experiences20:55 How to Explore Safely24:55 Invitation and Next Episode29:23 Final Question to Sit WithConnect with Dr Safia DebarDr Safia DebarSpeaker / Coach | Medical Doctor | Breathwork Facilitator One of Tatler's "Top 21 private doctors in Britain" [email protected]: @drsafiadebarTiktok: drsafiadebarFind our free resources here: www.drsafiadebar.com/resource