Resources
Warning: We’re sharing as many resources as we’re aware of, but inclusion does not imply endorsement. Please use your own discernment and good judgment in reviewing these resources.
Articles on Spiritual Abuse:
Fahey, P. (2022). The Place Where You Stand is Holy Ground: Recognizing and Preventing Spiritual Abuse in the Catholic Church.
Mescher, M., Stinson, K., Fuller, A., Theuring, A. (2022). Measuring & Exploring Moral Injury Caused by Clergy Sexual Abuse. Xavier University.
Thirtyone:eight. (April 23, 2023). Creating Healthy Cultures & Understanding Spiritual Abuse.
Training in Spiritual Abuse:
Paul Fahey, a licensed counselor, holds regular trainings on spiritual abuse. His website can be found here. He has also written a very helpful handout on spiritual abuse.
Bernhard Streisselberger, Mag.pth., MTh. offers training on spiritual abuse, narcissistic abuse recovery coaching, and other resources.
If you are looking for a mental health professional in your area, please let us know, and we can try to connect you with someone if we know someone in your area.
Diocesan Resources:
Seminary Formation:
Books
Thomas Berg - Hurting in the Church: A Way Forward for Wounded Catholics
Colleen Dulle - Struck Down, Not Destroyed: Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter
Dysmas de Lassus - Abuses in the Religious Life and the Path to Healing
Patrick Goujon SJ - Precarious: A Survivor of Clerical Abuse Remembers
Diane Langberg - Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church
Hillary McBride - Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing (A Clinically Informed and Compassionate Guide)
Lisa Oakley & Justin Humphreys - Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse: Creating Healthy Christian Cultures
K.J. Ramsey - The Lord Is My Courage: Stepping Through the Shadows of Fear Toward the Voice of Love
Eve Tushnet - Christ’s Body, Christ’s Wounds: Staying Catholic When You’ve Been Hurt in the Church
*This is not a comprehensive list; we will update regularly.