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Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar
PhD in Counseling · Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
LPC / LMHC · Licensed Mental Health Counselor offering virtual therapy to adults
Working with people who are questioning, deconstructing, or leaving high-control religions, groups, or cults
Licensed in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, ID, IN, LA, ME, MA, OR, SC, TX, UT, VT, WI & WY
Spiritual Heroism / Promotion of Martyrdom
The idealization and promotion of extreme sacrifice, suffering, or endurance as signs of spiritual greatness, often upheld as models to emulate
You’re praised for “suffering well” or “laying down your life for the faith.”
You believe personal pain proves your spiritual maturity.
You feel pressure to accept mistreatment as part of your calling or witness.
Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)
Self-neglect or abuse can become normalized.
The risk of trauma bonding or staying in harmful roles can increase.
Chronic guilt may follow from setting boundaries or choosing rest.