More and more we are learning about spiritual and religious abuse and seeing different signs of it. Research shows consistently that having spiritual and religious beliefs can help a person fair better in life--but unfortunately, sometimes leaders can abuse their place of power and or use fear/intimidation to control member's behaviors. Today on Living Freely Podcast, Rachel Ann Dine, LPC is sharing all about what exactly spiritual abuse is, how you can recognize high control or harmful groups, and ways to start the healing process if you recognize any of these factors in your own life. DISCLAIMER: This episode is in NO way meant to demonize all religious or spiritual groups, only to highlight how certain practices can become harmful. As shared, research supports the practice of spirituality and religion and this episode seeks to outline how groups can become harmful versus helpful! Resources for individual counseling are www.psychologytoday.com, goodtherapy.org, https://openpathcollective.org/ Want to know more about what programs Norfolk Public Library is offering? Visit their website to learn more: https://www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/ Say hi to Rachel Ann and receive more mental health resources! Mental Health Apparel ($1 from every sale goes to an organization dedicated to mental health community support!): https://dine-in-psychology.creator-spring.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/Live-Learn-Love-Real-talk-woman-ebook/dp/B07NJBLLSB Resources Used in Today's Episode: https://freedomofmind.com/ https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-spiritual-abuse#:~:text=Support%20and%20Resources-,What%20Is%20Spiritual%20Abuse%3F,denomination%2C%20or%20group%20of%20people https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-5093958 Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and not designed to diagnose or treat. Rachel Ann Dine is a licensed professional counselor at time of EVENT and distribution but is in no way by engagement of interaction with you attempting to diagnose or treat you. Please consult your own medical provider for treatment or therapy (resource: www.psychologytoday.com for therapy!).