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
Spiritual Narcissism
Using religion to feel superior, control others, or get praise for being “holy.”
A leader acted like they were always right because they “heard it directly from above.”
Someone used their “faith” to shame or manipulate you.
You felt like others were competing to be the most “spiritual.”
Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)
Emotional manipulation or spiritual diminishment may occur.
Shame may be internalized from judgment by perceived spiritual authorities.
Clarity may come from separating genuine spirituality from performance or control.