Secular Resources
Are you wary of supernatural claims? Do you feel allergic to the word 'God'? Are you tired of looking for help only to met with prayer or New Age spiritualism?
We get it.
When you've had a traumatizing experience in a faith-based ideology, sometimes the last thing you want is to be inadvertently triggered by a spiritual approach to finding support. Below are some resources that openly welcome atheists, secularists, and other non-believers.
Counseling
Are you looking for a counselor who utilizes a faith-free, evidence-based approach? We're happy to say there is a growing network of secular psychologists and life coaches you can turn to for guidance. It can be hard to find an openly non-believing therapist in your area, so we've included those who also offer online sessions and workshops. You can find background-specific recommendations under our Resources by Belief System, and be sure to check out our Mental Health, Cults, and Crisis Care pages.
The Secular Therapy Project ~ Find a therapist without a spiritual agenda. Recovering From Religion has a growing database of non-religious mental health professionals who use evidence-based approaches to counseling. Find a secular therapist now. Are you a secular therapist? Register!
Journey Free ~ The term Religious Trauma Syndrome was originated by former fundamentalist Dr. Marlene Winell, who maintains a therapeutic practice leading an online support group and weekend retreats for those looking to rebuild their lives after religion. Book a session with her over phone or Skype, or visit her office in Oakland, CA.
Divorcing Religion ~ Former fundamentalist Janice Selbie attained a Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counseling so she could help others coping with the losses and challenges of religious de-conversion. Her online workshops are structured by the stages experienced after divorce: realizing it’s over, the realities of grief, creating healthy boundaries, identity reconstruction, integrating your losses and moving on, and building your new communities. A limited number of scholarships are available.
Recovering from Religion* ~ One of the largest resource sites of its kind, it's a must-visit for both the religious who still value their faith and the non-religious seeking secular help. See their vast list of mental health and crisis information, find a local support group, talk to someone for free who gets what you're going through, and check out their podcast.
Grief Beyond Belief ~ This self-described faith-free support network is just that: a safe place for those grieving the loss of a loved one to turn to for comfort from those who won't tell them everything happens for a reason. Their secular grief library is full of heartfelt stories from other nonbelievers.
Hispanic American Freethinkers ~ Advancing Latino culture through science and reason, this group hosts meet-ups in Washington, D.C. as well as other events all over the country. Check out their blog or sign up for their newsletter!
Ex-Muslims of North America ~ Founded by ex-Muslims with affiliate groups worldwide, EXMNA aims to reduce discrimination faced by those who leave Islam. They also issue emergency grants to those needing shelter and assistance fleeing abuse, forced marriage, and relocation. Check out their online docu-series about finding freedom after leaving the confines of faith!
Life After God ~ In addition to their regular podcast and blog, Life After God also offers coaching and consulting services for those transitioning out of faith.
Community
It is totally possible to have a happy, fulfilling life outside of faith. Maybe you know this firsthand. Maybe you're hearing it for the first time. Whether you proudly claim to be an atheist or you prefer not to label yourself, if you're looking for a community where your non-belief is supported, check out these groups - some with in-person meet-ups - where you can connect with other non-theists. Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community? Check out our LGBTQ+ page!
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*Resources marked with an asterisk also offer help for those who may still believe, as well as secularists and atheists.
The Clergy Project ~ Are you a former or current clergy member who no longer holds supernatural beliefs? If your answer is yes and you could use the compassion and help of other religious leaders leaving both faith and profession, apply to join this online support community.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety ~ Many who struggle with substance abuse also struggle with finding help outside of faith-based organizations. SOS wants to fix that. Find or start a meeting near you, or find an online support group (includes secular groups for eating disorders and more).
Black Nonbelievers ~ With active groups in over 12 states, this community of Blacks and their allies (they're welcoming to all) aims to promote a sense of festive fellowship for the minority-in-a-minority of faithless African-Americans and other Blacks. Check out their blog!
Secular Student Alliance ~ Empowering secular students to express their identity and build welcoming communities, this organization boasts chapters all over the United States who gather to promote humanist values and secular activism. Find a chapter near you!
Podcasts & Blogs
Sometimes you just wanna listen to stories from other people who found their way from religion to reason. The following podcasts and blogs are secular-friendly and will help affirm, comfort, and inspire you with true tales of leaving faith and finding meaning in life afterward. Some are irreverently funny. Others are more heartfelt or scientifically scholarly. We've included some background-specific sites here, but check our Resources by Belief System for more!
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*Resources marked with an asterisk also offer help for those who may still believe, as well as secularists and atheists.
The Friendly Atheist ~ Here at Dare to Doubt, we're not afraid of the A-word. Though we welcome all in various stage of questioning their beliefs, if you've already decided faith in anything is not for you, the videos, blogs, and podcast of the Friendly Atheist will keep you engaged.
Making Sense ~ Sam Harris is a well-known atheist, neuroscientist, and best-selling author, but he also hosts a podcast where he discusses the human mind, society and current events with a diverse group of guests, including those who have left religion. Check out his interviews with ex-Muslim Yasmine Mohammed and former Westboro Baptist Church member Megan Phelps-Roper!
#Exvangelical Podcast* ~ As its name might suggest, this podcast and blog site is like therapy for ex-evangelicals, with interviews from people who still consider themselves Christian and atheists who found that faith was no longer for them. Hosted by ex-evangelical Blake Chastain.
Atheist Republic ~ Their self-descriptor as "Atheists who give a shit!" embodies this online community of caring non-believers. If you feel demonized by family and friends for leaving your faith, join their support group or leave a voicemail for their atheist podcast.
Graceful Atheist ~ With an emphasis on secular grace - think of it as humanism plus - the podcast, blog, and other content created by David the Graceful Atheist is an ideal starting place for those who no longer believe in the supernatural but might still be leery of the word 'atheist.' There is a way to be a gracious and moral nonbeliever.
Faith to Faithless ~ This UK-based nonprofit was founded by ex-Muslims who wish to give a voice to minority-within-minority groups like other ex-Muslims, ex-Jehovah's Witnesses, and ex-Mormons. They offer guidance for those looking to "come out," resources for those escaping honor based violence, and more. Check out their videos.
Secular Jihadists ~ This podcast hosted by ex-Muslims Ali Rizvi and Armin Navabi aims to spread atheism, secularism, and enlightenment values in the Islamic world. Listen to their interviews or watch them on their YouTube channel!
Voices of Deconversion ~ Promoting the voices of agnostic and atheist ex-Christians, this podcast exists to let other former believers of the Christian faith know that they are not alone.
Nirmukta ~ Promoting secular humanist values across India and South Asia, Nirmukta aims to support freethinkers and atheists through their forum, online magazine, and fascinating blogs covering philosophy, pseudoscience, and activism. They also have regional groups in five major cities.
The Life After* ~ Holding space for people leaving Christian Fundamentalism, The Life After offers a secret Facebook group to deconstruct religion among friends as well as a podcast with an emphasis on rebuilding after Religious Trauma Syndrome.
Dr. Valerie Tarico's Blog ~ For some truly therapeutic (and often humorous) post-fundamentalist writing, read the articles and blog entries of Dr. Valerie Tarico. We especially liked "Evangelical Christianity's 10 Biggest Mindfucks." Her YouTube channel Trusting Doubt (and book by the same name) is also a wealth of information and catharsis for ex-Christians.