Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar, PhD (in Counseling),
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Providing Virtual Therapy to Adult Clients
in the States of AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, ID, IN, LA, MA, ME, NV, OR, SC, TX, UT, VT, WI & WY, USA
Specializing in Supporting Clients who are Newly Secular or Deconstructing from High Control Religions, Groups or Cults: Religious Trauma / Faith Crisis, Religious Deconstruction / Purity Culture / Religious Residue / Mixed-Faith Relationships / Secular Therapy
Demonization
The portrayal of certain behaviors, identities, or people as inherently evil or influenced by malevolent forces.
You were told that questioning beliefs was inviting demonic influence.
You were labeled as dangerous or evil for your sexuality or gender.
You believed negative thoughts were evidence of spiritual corruption.
Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)
Deep shame or fear around natural thoughts/emotions.
Internalized stigma and loss of self-worth.
Paranoia or spiritual anxiety rooted in moral panic.