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When spiritual leaders become sources of harm rather than healing, the damage can reach to the very core of a person's identity and faith. Dr. Peridot Gilbert-Reed joins host Kathy Chastain to unpack the complex reality of spiritual abuse—a topic both personal and professional for this psychologist specializing in religious trauma.

Dr. Gilbert-Reed offers a powerful framework for understanding this often-misidentified form of harm, explaining how spiritual abuse occurs when authority figures use manipulation, coercion, and scripture-twisting to control others. She shares her own journey through both overt and covert religious abuse, and how these painful experiences ultimately shaped her professional work helping others heal from similar wounds.

The conversation distinguishes between religion (organized, communal) and spirituality (personal, individualized)—a crucial distinction for those who've been hurt by religious institutions but still desire a relationship with God. This explains why many become what researchers call "dones"—done with organized religion but not done with their faith journey.

For more information from Dr. Reed, visit her website at www.peridotreed.com

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Kathy has two books out and they can be found on Amazon or Barnes & Noble online:

Redeem California, With God it IS Possible:

God of the Impossible: 30-Prayers for the Redemption and Restoration of California