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
Weaponization of Sacrifice
Using religious self-denial or suffering to shame, control, or manipulate others under the guise of faith or devotion
You claim your suffering proves your holiness and others’ lack of faith.
You say, “I gave my whole life to this cause—why can’t you?” to pressure others.
You fast, serve, or suffer publicly to gain obedience or admiration.
Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)
Excessive guilt can lead to obsessive religious behaviors.
Personal freedom may be reduced, increasing the risk of spiritual abuse.
Conflicting faith and self-care needs can cause stress and burnout.