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Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar
PhD in Counseling · Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Licensed Mental Health Counselor offering virtual therapy to adults in 18 U.S. states
Working with people who are questioning, deconstructing, or leaving high-control religions, groups, or cults
Cognitive Dissonance
Psychological discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or values
You feel torn when your lived experiences don’t match what your religion teaches.
You struggle to reconcile messages about love and compassion with the judgment or hypocrisy you witness.
Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)
Holding contradictory beliefs can lead to emotional and mental fatigue.
Anxiety may increase during decision-making that challenges internalized doctrine.