Karen WilsonI grew up in Big Sky country, surrounded by beauty, but raised in an abusive religion. After exiting my childhood faith, I went to Montana State University where I attained a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. I then went to Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated with a Masters of Divinity. In addition, I've read numerous spiritual memoirs, researched, studied and looked at religions, cults, trauma, mental health, and relationships for the past twenty years. My education and experiences have led me to help others who have experienced spiritual abuse and would like to heal from the hurting.
The Power and Control Wheel and the Equality Wheel from the Duluth Model have shaped my understanding of spiritual abuse and healthy spirituality. I am also indebted to the work of Steven Hassan, Dr. Marlene Winell, and Janet Heimlich. |
What sets my work apart is that I am not pointing people to or from religion. Many who talk about spiritual abuse talk as if it is a matter of finding the right theology. My work recognizes that many who have survived spiritual abuse do not want religion in their life, and many have forged new religious paths. What matters to me is that I am helping people heal. In the spring of 2012 I first presented my one day workshop Recovering from Spiritual Abuse: from Hurt to Healing. I'm currently developing a mini workshop for professionals who help people who were spiritual abused. I am grateful to those people who have reviewed, suggested edits, and shared their knowledge with me as I undertake this endeavor.
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