
Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar, PhD (Counseling)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor offering virtual therapy to adult clients in 19 U.S. states
Working with people who are questioning, deconstructing, or leaving high-control religions, groups, or cults
Learned Helplessness (in a Religious Context)
A psychological state where individuals feel powerless to change their circumstances, often reinforced by religious teachings that discourage questioning or personal autonomy
You believe suffering is the will of a higher power, so you don't seek help.
You stop setting goals because you believe it is not up to you to decide.
Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)
Chronic passivity may develop when individuals feel unable to improve their lives.
Depression and hopelessness can stem from a lack of agency and autonomy.
Vulnerability to abuse may increase if individuals feel religiously obligated to endure it.