About exjwFriends
Leaving or questioning a high-control religion can feel isolating.
exjwFriends exists to make sure you don’t have to navigate that transition alone.
We are a supportive community for former Jehovah’s Witnesses, those questioning their beliefs, and anyone affected by religious shunning, spiritual abuse, or high-control religious environments.
Our focus is not on telling anyone what to believe — it’s on support, connection, and informed choice.
A Support-First Community
Many people leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses experience:
loss of family or social connection
emotional distress related to shunning
confusion, fear, or guilt after leaving a tightly controlled belief system
difficulty finding trauma-informed support that understands their background
exjwFriends provides a space where people can:
find community events and meetups
access trauma-informed therapists and support providers
hear from others with lived experience
reconnect with life at their own pace
There is no single “right way” to leave, heal, or rebuild — and we respect that.
What You’ll Find Here
Community & Events
We share online and in-person events, meetups, livestreams, and community announcements designed to foster connection and reduce isolation.
Support & Resources
Our directory highlights licensed therapists, counselors, coaches, and peer-support providers who are familiar with religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and high-control group dynamics.
A Range of Voices
People arrive here at different stages — questioning, newly out, or long since left.
All are welcome. No belief tests. No pressure.
Trauma-Informed by Design
exjwFriends is built with care for people who may be navigating:
religious trauma
high-control religion recovery
spiritual abuse
family estrangement or shunning
identity rebuilding after leaving a belief system
We Prioritize:
respectful language
personal autonomy
consent-based communication
emotional safety over persuasion
You choose how much — or how little — you engage.
What We Are — and Aren’t
We are:
a support-focused ex-JW community
a platform for connection, events, and resources
a place to find help after leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses
We are not:
a religious organization
a replacement belief system
a space for harassment or coercion
a place where anyone is told what they must believe
Staying Connected
If you’d like, you can sign up for occasional community updates about events, support resources, and announcements.
Emails are minimal, respectful, and easy to unsubscribe from at any time.
If you’re navigating life during or after Jehovah’s Witnesses, support is available.
You’re Not Alone
Join Us on Discord
Participation is optional. Lurking is welcome.
Our Discord community is a quieter space to connect, listen, and talk with others who understand the experience of leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses — in real time, at your own pace.
September
Birthday's
Denise Hedberg