“It’s the same playbook”: Abuses of Power
“It’s the same playbook!” I recently found myself saying this during a discussion regarding an ongoing incident among folks within the exvangelical community. First, some backstory for those who may…
Religious Trauma in the Oval Office
What does the recent visit of Ukrainian President Zelensky to the Oval Office have to do with religious trauma? By now, you’re probably aware that Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of…
The Anniversary of Trauma
Today, February 6th, is an anniversary of trauma for me - a trauma-versary, if you will. Individuals who have experienced any type of trauma often have specific dates or seasons…
Spiritual Abuse Tactics (My Lived Experience)
One of the most prominent factors in spiritual abuse is the misuse of spiritual power to control. Survivors of spiritual abuse may describe their experience as feeling like their life…
January is Spiritual Abuse Awareness Month
January is Spiritual Abuse Awareness Month. I first became aware of this term around 2015, but the first use of “spiritual abuse” as a term with a distinct definition dates…
What Can Wicked Teach Us About Religious Trauma?
Wicked, the movie based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, released Part 1 in theaters on November 22nd, 2024, and it has taken the world by storm. I have loved…
Natural Disasters, Mental Health, & Religious Trauma
Western North Carolina experienced flooding of unimaginable proportions from Hurricane Helene at the end of September 2024. This is an area of the state that was never supposed to deal…
FEATURED: You Need a Counselor Podcast
I was recently invited to be a guest on the You Need a Counselor Podcast. This podcast is the work of Heart and Solutions, located in Iowa, and is designed…
What’s Gender Got To Do With It? (Religious Trauma Edition)
Religious harm - injury that has a root in religious systems, beliefs, or practices - can take many forms. Some folks experience physical or sexual harm that is perpetrated by…
The “Queen” of Healing from High-Control Religion?
Is proclaiming the title “queen” in relation to your work with folks healing from religious trauma a reenactment of the same toxic power dynamics that lead to harm in high-control…