A distinguished panel of international experts will educate mental health professionals, trauma survivors, and concerned individuals about the damage caused by religious fundamentalism and steps to recovery.



Vancouver will host the inaugural Conference on Religious Trauma (#CORT2020) from April 24-26, 2020 to educate therapists, survivors, and the public about the dangers of fundamentalist religions and authoritarian groups.



Religion is not benign. In fact, it can cause serious harm. Human development consultant and author Dr. Marlene Winell originated the term Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) to describe “a set of symptoms and characteristics that … are the result of two things: Immersion in a controlling religion and the secondary impact of leaving a religious group.”



Survivors of religious trauma and RTS are speaking out, particularly in light of the power religious fundamentalists are wielding in the political arena of the USA, where the rights of women, the LGBTQ community, and other groups are increasingly threatened. Janice Selbie, CORT2020 Executive Director and professional counsellor, states: “The numerous losses suffered when one leaves religion are akin to the loss of a spouse. They are traumatic, profound, and life-altering; yet therapists are largely unfamiliar with the scope and recovery of RTS.”



The purpose of CORT2020 is to educate about religious trauma with a focus on recovery. As well as keynote addresses by RTS experts, there will be workshops, discussion panels, Q&A sessions, and healing circles. Topics under discussion will include how religion impacts women, children and vulnerable groups; religious trauma and sexuality; and the impacts of religion on indigenous groups. Conference attendees will represent diverse fundamentalist backgrounds including former evangelicals, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, Scientologists, and past members of other authoritarian groups.



In addition to Dr. Winell, keynote speakers include Dr. Darrel Ray, Dr. Valerie Tarico, cult expert Dr. Janja Lalich, and award-winning journalist and author Janet Heimlich. According to Ms. Heimlich, “Religion can bring great comfort to children. It can also turn their lives into a living hell.”



For detailed information on the Conference on Religious Trauma, including tickets and accommodations, visit www.CORT2020.com or email Executive Director Janice Selbie at Janice@CORT2020.com.