When the person who harmed you was also someone you trusted, depended on, or looked to for spiritual guidance, the injury goes deeper than fear. This article explains betrayal trauma, betrayal blindness, institutional betrayal and DARVO in the context of spiritual abuse and adult clergy sexual abuse. It looks at how they show up in churches and religious communities, especially where grooming or clergy sexual abuse has occurred.

This article by psychologist Kylie Walls explores the psychological effects of adult sexual grooming and exploitation in religious and spiritual settings, including clergy sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, and clergy sexual misconduct. Written by a psychologist with a area of focus in religious trauma, it examines how grooming works in faith communities, why survivors often do not recognise it as abuse, and what the aftermath looks like, including PTSD, complex trauma, shame, loss of faith, and disrupted sense of self.

Adult clergy sexual abuse is not an affair—it is exploitation rooted in power imbalance, grooming, and spiritual abuse. In Emily’s story, we see how manipulation, secrecy, and distorted theology erode trust and cause lasting trauma. This article explains the signs of clergy abuse, the psychology of grooming, and pathways to healing. Christian psychology support is available through Refuge Psychology with registered psychologist Kylie Walls.