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When Does Church Become a High- Control Group? - What To Look Out For
When we analyze ours (or others) religious experiences, using "cult" to describe those experiences can make it more challenging for us (and others) to actually take a step back and view those experiences from a place of curiosity. Instead, we (and others) might be quick to become defensive or combative because in our minds, there's no way WE would ever be apart of a cult.

Abi Sims
Apr 156 min read
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The Psychological Implications of Christian Indoctrination
Religious indoctrination, particularly in Christianity, has a major influence on a person's psychological development, behaviors, and belief

Abi Sims
Dec 30, 20245 min read
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When Does a Church Cross the Line into Cult Territory? Uncovering the Signs of Unhealthy Spiritual Influence
In a world filled with different spiritual practices existing around the globe, distinguishing a supportive church from a potentially

Abi Sims
Dec 2, 20245 min read
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Spiritual Psychosis in Christianity: A Deep Dive into Faith & Mental Health
Spiritual psychosis, a phenomenon where intense religious experiences or beliefs overlap with symptoms of mental illness, has been a topic

Abi Sims
Sep 9, 20244 min read
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Can I Be Spiritual Without Religion?
It's common for religion and spirituality to be combined together: religion often does develop an individual's spirituality. However, for...

Abi Sims
Jul 15, 20244 min read
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Deconstruction in the Christian Faith: A Journey of Faith and Doubt
Deconstruction has become a common term within Christian circles, sparking debates, conversations, and controversies. When we deconstruct...

Abi Sims
Mar 4, 20244 min read
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Fowler's Stages of Faith Development
Faith development is unique to the individual, and our experiences shape how our faith develops. James W. Fowler, a theologian and...

Abi Sims
Feb 19, 20248 min read
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The Differences Between Religious Trauma and Healthy Spirituality
As a therapist who specializes in religious trauma, I'm passionate about helping others recognize the signs and symptoms of religious...

Abi Sims
Feb 6, 20244 min read
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The Psychology Behind MLMs: Manipulation or Motivation?
Chances are, we all know at least one person who's in a multi-level marketing company. Maybe it's you or used to be you! Multi-level...

Abi Sims
Jan 8, 20246 min read
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Psychological Implications of the Belief in Sin
Beliefs play a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world. A believe that's transcended religious and cultural...

Abi Sims
Jan 1, 20244 min read
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Relationships After Leaving Religion: Navigating the Journey of Understanding & Connection
Leaving a religious community is a personal and challenging journey. The decision to step away from beliefs you've held on to for a large...

Abi Sims
Dec 19, 20234 min read
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The Belief of Being Equally Yoked: What Does it Mean, and Is it Hurting Relationships?
The concept of being equally yoked is deeply engrained in Christian culture and personal belief systems. This term, rooted in biblical...

Abi Sims
Dec 13, 20234 min read
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The Belief in Hell: What's the Psychological Harm?
The afterlife has been deeply engrained in various religions and cultural belief systems. Throughout history, the concept of hell, a...

Abi Sims
Dec 6, 20234 min read
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The Role of Domestic Violence in Fundamental Christianity
*TRIGGER WARNING: discussion of domestic violence* Domestic violence is an issue that transcends cultural, religious, and socioeconomic...

Abi Sims
Nov 29, 20234 min read
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Myths of Purity Culture
We've explored the harmful teachings of purity culture in a previous blog post, which you can reference here, but for a quick refresher:...

Abi Sims
Nov 21, 20234 min read
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The Intersection of CPTSD and Religious Trauma
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (also known as CPTSD or complex trauma) and religious trauma are two deeply impactful experiences...

Abi Sims
Nov 7, 20235 min read
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Ask A Therapist: Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of "Ask A Therapist"! After seeing the response of the first "Ask A Therapist" blog post, which you can access here if...

Abi Sims
Aug 13, 20235 min read
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Old vs. New Ways of Thinking (While in Religion & After Leaving)
In high demand religion (in this case, Christianity), we're taught to think specific ways about ourselves and the world around us. We...

Abi Sims
Jul 20, 20234 min read
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5 Lasting Effects of Religious Trauma
Religious trauma is when religious beliefs that are psychologically harmful are implemented by people who hold power in religious...

Abi Sims
Jul 19, 20235 min read
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The Harmful Teachings of Purity Culture
Purity culture is a subculture of evangelical Christianity that emphasizes abstinence before marriage, strict gender roles, and modesty....

Abi Sims
Jun 28, 20234 min read
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