Becca Sawyer (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist practicing on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Anishinabewaki, Wendake-Nionwentsio, and Haudenosaunee peoples, otherwise known as Oshawa, Ontario. Before completing her MACP and becoming a psychotherapist, Becca completed an undergraduate degree in international development and political economy, as well as a Masters degree in theology and urban and international development. Becca has over a
decade of experience working in the nonprofit world, as a workshop facilitator, and in community building. Most recently, this included working in 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy and community building with those recovering from religious based harm, including survivors of conversion therapy.
Becca is passionate about working with clients who are queer, neurodivergent, and healing from religious based harm.

Most people will have heard that queer folks have historically experienced harm in many religious traditions, but what exactly is religious based harm, what does it look like in practice, and can it actually lead to trauma? This workshop will explore the specific ways queer folks encounter religious based harm, how it might impact their experiences of therapy and relating to mental health practitioners, and why it is important to draw the link between religious based harm and trauma. We will also get practical and specific about how practitioners might be able to better support their religiously traumatized clients. Note: This workshop will predominantly explore examples and experiences of religious based harm and trauma caused by the Christian religious perspective. There may be similarities that attendees can draw to their own religious traditions and practical ideas for therapeutic use that can apply to clients navigating life after any high control religion.