When Faith Hurts: Religious Trauma & Eating Disorders in Neurodivergent Communities With Victoria Leon, ASW

Religious trauma is real—and for neurodivergent folks, it can leave especially deep marks on body image, food, and self-worth. In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Victoria Leon, ASW (@victoriarleon), a therapist who specializes in supporting people healing from religious trauma and eating disorders. We explore how faith communities can reinforce shame, control, and compliance—and how that intersects with masking, sensory sensitivities, and the drive to “be good” that so many neurodivergent people carry. Whether you’re deconstructing, disentangling from toxic theology, or trying to reclaim a safe relationship with food and your body, this episode offers validation, insight, and a path toward gentler healing.

✨ CW for discussions of religious trauma, disordered eating, and spiritual abuse.

🎧 Ready to listen? Hit play—and share with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

ABOUT VICTORIA LEON

Victoria Leon, ASW, is a lived-experience therapist who specializes in neurodiversity-affirming care for individuals navigating eating disorders, religious trauma, and identity exploration. She is dedicated to creating a brave, non-judgmental space where clients can reflect on their experiences, reclaim agency, and develop strategies that honor their unique strengths and values. Victoria believes that each person is the expert on their own story, and she supports clients in learning to trust themselves more deeply and move toward healing in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.

As a queer, dynamically disabled, and neurodivergent human, Victoria draws from her own experiences with eating disorder recovery and religious trauma healing to inform her work. She shows up with authenticity, believing that healing happens in relationships. Her practice is grounded in a decarceral, abolitionist, and social justice-oriented framework, recognizing that therapy is inherently political.

Outside the therapy room, Victoria is married to her lovely wife and is the proud dog-mom of a goofy goldendoodle named Oliver and a playful puppy named George. She finds joy in knitting, making art, discovering new local coffee shops, reading, and dancing around her home.

CONTACT VICTORIA LEON

https://www.victoriarleon.com

https://www.instagram.com/victoriarleon/

CHECK OUT OTHER EPISODES ON SPIRITUAL/RELIGIOUS TRAUMA, ABLEISM, & ADHD/AUTISM

• On navigating ADHD, eating disorders, & sensory sensitivities via Apple and Spotify.

• Minding the Gap: The Intersection Between AuDHD & Eating Disorders via Apple & Spotify.
• Benefits & Challenges of Integrating Spirituality into Eating Disorder Treatment via Apple & Spotify.
• Ableism & Common Myths About Diabetes via Apple & Spotify.

INTERESTED IN HANGING OUT MORE IN DR. MARIANNE-LAND?

• Follow me on Instagram @drmariannemiller
• Check out my virtual, self-paced ARFID and Selective Eating course
• Learn about my self-paced, virtual, anti-diet subscription-based curriculum. It is called Dr. Marianne-Land's Binge Eating Recovery Membership.
• Live in California, Texas, or Washington D.C. and interested in eating disorder therapy with me? Sign up for a free, 15-minute phone consultation HERE or via my website, and I'll get you to where you need to be!
• Check out my blog.
• Want more information? Email me at hello@mariannemiller.com