Understanding and Treating Spiritual Abuse

The purpose of this course is to provide clinicians with an appreciation for the impact of spiritual abuse on clients and the skills necessary to assess and address the experience of spiritual abuse. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Define spiritual abuse from a pastoral, developmental, and clinical perspective.

2. Identify the common traits among spiritually abusive persons and religious denominations as well as victims of spiritual abuse.

3. Assess for commonly encountered negative cognitions acquired by those who have been spiritually abused in the context of clinical symptomology.

4. Develop and implement treatment plans that are sensitive to the needs of clients who have experienced spiritual abuse.

5. Identify components of healthy spirituality that will assist in the recovery process.

6. Determine one's own strengths and weaknesses in clinically addressing spiritual abuse and its various clinical manifestations.


This 5-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.