Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Addressing in Clinical Situations - 9/20/2026

Course Overview
Spiritual abuse is not just relevant for those who have been members of the cults that get documentaries made about them. Spiritual abuse is a very real condition that can impact individuals who struggle with mental health, substance use, or relationship issues. In this workshop, theories of spiritual abuse and approaches to understanding it are explored through pastoral, developmental, and clinical lenses. Generally defined as the use of God or religion as tools to gain power and control by the abuser, spiritual abuse is one of the most overlooked forms of abuse in clinical settings. However, the willingness to address it will give clinicians added insight into many of their clients and how to more effectively and holistically address treatment. Case studies, personal reflection, and other critical thinking activities will help participants understand how the construct of spiritual abuse is relevant to clinical practice and apply this knowledge to assessment and treatment planning.

Learning Outcomes 
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:

• Define spiritual abuse from a pastoral, developmental, and clinical perspective.
• Identify the common themes amongst religious denominations and spiritual practices that have led to abuse experiences in individuals.
• Assess for commonly encountered negative cognitions acquired by those who have been spiritually abused in the context of clinical symptomology.
• Develop a trauma-informed treatment or service plan that is sensitive to the needs of clients who have experienced spiritual abuse.
• Identify components of healthy spirituality that can assist in the recovery process within any clinical or human services approach.

About the Author/Presenter 
Jamie Marich, PhD, is a licensed supervising professional clinical counselor and registered expressive arts therapist with 24 years of experience working in social services and counseling, including three years of civilian humanitarian work in Bosnia-Hercegovina. She has authored numerous books and continuing education offerings on trauma recovery, mindfulness, and other therapeutic modalities. Dr. Marich maintains a clinical practice and online education operation, the Institute for Creative Mindfulness (soon to be the Creative Mindfulness Network) in northeast Ohio. Jamie is also an Interfaith seminarian at the Chaplaincy Institute in Berkeley, CA.

Audience/Accreditations and Approvals 
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE 
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details): 
Counselor, Psychology, Social Work

If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here:?Contact Us