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Agenda
09:00
The Terrain of Spiritual Abuse
What it is, what we’re seeing at beEmboldened, nationally and beyond, and what clinicians are likely to run into as societies become increasingly equipped to recognize spiritual abuse in their own lives and the lives of others.
10:00
Pathology of Perpetration
Who is causing these abuses and what do we know about them?
11:00
Common Threads for Survivors: Part 1
Focusing on the nuanced struggles of spiritual abuse survivors, including suggestions for supporting this population well.
11:45
Lunch Break
12:30
Common Threads for Survivors: Part 2
Focusing on the pushback from a sub-group of Christians, churches, and certain niches of support professionals that cause further suffering, including suggestions for navigating these obstacles from a perspective of educating and creating change.
1:30
New & Upcoming Metrics
Tools that can be useful in assessing spiritual abuse and planning for ethical care.
2:30
Who to Know
Focusing on the pushback from a sub-group of Christians, churches, and certain niches of support professionals that cause further suffering, including suggestions for navigating these obstacles from a perspective of educating and creating change.
3:30
Questions & Answers
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4:15
Closing Remarks
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Oct 30, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM CDTZoom
What is the event about?
Spiritual abuse is not a new issue, but as the language for this all-encompassing harm becomes increasingly known and applied, more and more survivors are stepping forward in search of trustworthy support.
But, where are they to go?
In need of compassionate care that understands and is patiently active in its approach, those who have been targeted are searching for trained professionals who ‘get it.’ No more feeling like a case study, or hearing poorly placed christianese platitudes, or spending hundreds on sessions simply to explain their context to another person who is ill-equipped to help. This has been the experience of everyone we meet who has sought support prior to finding us, and we, as a profession, can do better. beEmboldened is committed to changing the landscape, and this brand new workshop opportunity is our next step toward change.
We know there are countless professionals out there who are already doing incredible work–we’ve met many of them!–and who are, or will be, seeing a growing number of clients reaching out for spiritual abuse support. How will those who are aching and confused receive help?
We are honored to support you, as you support individuals, families, and even entire communities, who have unjustly suffered abuse in the name of their faith.
You will leave this training with:
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An improved understanding of the issue, how it presents, and how to recognize it in those you serve.
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Its effects and its obstacles.
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How to come alongside spiritual abuse survivors well, including tools for assessing and care planning.
Please join us on Thursday, October 30th, for a full day of training by spiritual abuse experts, Naomi Wright and Anna Kitko. Held via Zoom.
Naomi Wright, LCSW
Naomi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in religious abuse, including cults, as well as grief and loss. She combines this with her Masters in Christian Studies from Denver Seminary, to provide a well-rounded approach to her clients' needs.
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Anna Kitko, LCPT (in progress)
Anna holds a Masters of Psychology of Coercive Control from the University of Salford and a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary, which she skillfully brings together with her lived experience to thoroughly support her clients. She is currently in progress for her LCPT in the State of Tennessee.
Conference Facilitators
Special Group Pricing
$149.00 for students and 20% off groups of
3 - 7. If you're a group of 8 or more, please contact us for custom pricing. Click here to inquire about our group discounts.
- Oct 30, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM CDTZoom