Spiritual Abuse 2.0

Summary 

Spiritual abuse is a form of emotional and psychological abuse and is often referred to as “Church hurt,” “religious abuse” or “spiritual emotional abuse.” It is often characterized as systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behavior in a religious context (McKnight and Barrringer, 2020.) Spiritual abuse can have a deeply damaging impact on those who experience it. Spiritual Abuse 2.0 will provide a further understanding of spiritual abuse on both the victim and perpetrator for mental health professionals relevant to clinical mental health practice for proper assessment and treatment planning with Christian clients. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will... 

1. Define the experience of spiritual abuse from a clinical and faith-informed perspective
2. Identify proactive prevention strategies for those in a position of leadership or influence in Chrisitan settings
3. Develop proper assessment and treatment strategies for Christian clients who have experienced any form of spiritual abuse  

Presenters 

Terra Mattson, M.A., is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has helped thousands of women, couples, and families at every stage of their journeys over the past two decades. She is also the visionary leader of a one-of-a-kind trauma-informed women’s conference that addresses issues women face in the church today. Terra and her husband, Jeff, are the founders of Courageous Girls and the counseling and organizational development firm Living Wholehearted. Making their home just outside Portland, Oregon, they are raising their two daughters to live courageously, rooted in grace. 

Jeff Mattson, M.A., holds a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington (2012) and a Bachelors degree in Educational Ministry (1999) from Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. With master-level certification in The Core Values Index (CVI), Jeff uses the CVI, the most reliable psychometric tool available, to equip and support business and organizational leaders at work and at home with the relationships that matter most to them. Believing in the importance of healthy marriages and homes, Jeff is also a SYMBIS Facilitator (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) utilizing the SYMBIS tool for premarital counseling and marriage mentoring. 

Course Lessons and Descriptions 

SAB 101: Defining and Understanding Spiritual Abuse  
Terra Mattson, M.A., and Jeff Mattson, M.A. 
Spiritual abuse often occurs in a religious setting or personal relationship. Anyone in a leadership position or position of authority who exerts power and control over someone using religion, faith, or beliefs is an example of spiritual abuse. In this lesson, Jeff and Terra Mattson will provide a deeper understanding of spiritual abuse and the unhealthy systems that allow for spiritual abuse to happen. 
Runtime: 1:00:13 

SAB 102: Common Themes and Traits of Spiritual Abuse  
Terra Mattson, M.A., and Jeff Mattson, M.A. 
This lesson will explore the pervasive issue of spiritual abuse, highlighting its common themes and traits. You will gain a deeper understanding of how spiritual abuse can manifest within religious communities, organizations, or relationships by examining the emotional, psychological, and even physical dynamics that underlie this form of abuse, shedding light on the warning signs and consequences. 
Runtime: 1:00:13 

SAB 103: Assessing and Treating Spiritual Abuse 
Terra Mattson, M.A., and Jeff Mattson 
In this session, Jeff and Terra Mattson will provide mental health professionals with a road map to develop proper assessment and treatment strategies for Christian clients who have experienced any form of spiritual abuse. M.A. 
Runtime: 1:00:13 

Continuing Education 

3.00 CE Credit available for LPC, LMFT, LSW.  
3.00 CE Credits available for IBCC Credential Holders.  

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due for good standing with certain states. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements. Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required continuing education hours. For more information Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit: https://lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/.