Exploration, Abuse processing, & RESOURCING

Spiritual and religious abuse occurs in different ways and often correlates to the following themes:

• Power (lack of agency and autonomous identity)

• Touch (unwanted or too close or too fast)

• Healing (“should be faster” and social pressure)

• Intimacy (unwanted or too close or too fast)

ARC therapists offer within their scope of practice to help explore how each individual experienced early or ongoing connection to spirituality and religion.

Research continues to show that religion or spirituality can also be resourcing during times of stress as well as a source of connection. The exploration of both the pain and possible resource, if the individual is interested, can help support flexibility and growth.