About This Site
Why This Site Exists
spiritualabuserecovery.org was created by people who have firsthand experience with high-control religious environments. We know what it is like to sit in a service and feel something is wrong but not have the language to describe it. We know the isolation of leaving a community that was your entire world. We know the grief, the guilt, and the slow, disorienting process of rebuilding a life and an identity outside a controlling church.
This site exists because when we were searching for answers, the information was scattered, incomplete, or hidden behind paywalls. We wanted to create the resource we wished we had found earlier — something comprehensive, free, and written by people who genuinely understand the experience from the inside.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide clear, honest, research-informed content that helps people:
- Recognize the signs of spiritual abuse and the warning signs of high-control groups
- Understand the psychological mechanisms behind indoctrination, gaslighting, and religious manipulation
- Heal from religious trauma using evidence-based approaches and professional resources
- Connect with others who have walked the same path through survivor stories and support communities
We do not promote any particular religious position. We are not anti-religion or anti-faith. We are against the misuse of religious authority to control, manipulate, and harm people. Many survivors of spiritual abuse go on to find healthy spiritual communities; others do not. Both paths are valid, and this site respects both.
Who We Are
The content on this site is created by a small team of writers, researchers, and survivors. Our contributors include:
- Former members of high-control religious groups who have spent years in recovery and want to help others navigate the same journey
- Researchers who study the psychology of high-demand groups, coercive control, and religious trauma
- Writers with backgrounds in psychology, education, and trauma-informed communication
We choose not to publish individual names for safety reasons. Former members of high-control groups who speak publicly about their experiences sometimes face harassment, legal threats, or social retaliation from the organizations they left. Our focus is on the quality and accuracy of the content rather than personal profiles.
Editorial Standards
We hold ourselves to the following standards:
- Accuracy: All factual claims are based on publicly available information, documented court cases, published research, or verified firsthand accounts. We correct errors promptly when identified.
- Fairness: When discussing specific organizations, we document observable patterns and publicly recorded events. We do not make claims we cannot support.
- Privacy: Survivor stories on this site are composite narratives drawn from multiple accounts. Details are changed to protect the identities of individuals. No real names are used unless they are public figures discussed in the context of publicly documented events.
- Evidence-based: Our content on religious trauma, recovery, and psychological effects draws from published research in psychology, including the work of Dr. Marlene Winell (Religious Trauma Syndrome), Steven Hassan (BITE Model), and Robert Lifton (thought reform criteria).
- No financial interest: This site does not sell products, accept advertising, or charge for access. We do not collect email addresses or personal data. The site is funded independently.
Our Sources
The research and analysis on this site draws from established work in cult studies and religious trauma, including:
- Dr. Marlene Winell — Psychologist who coined the term "Religious Trauma Syndrome" and founded Journey Free
- Steven Hassan — Author of "Combating Cult Mind Control" and creator of the BITE Model for evaluating authoritarian control
- Robert Jay Lifton — Psychiatrist who identified the eight criteria of thought reform in "Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism"
- International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) — Research and educational organization focused on high-demand groups
- Exit and Support Network — Support resource for former members of Armstrong-derived groups
- Published court documents and news reporting — All legal claims referenced on this site are drawn from publicly available court filings and credible news sources
Contact
We welcome corrections, feedback, questions, and personal accounts from survivors. You can reach us at:
If you are in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741). These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.