Check out some of my work.
Have a listen to one of my podcast interviews or check out my articles! You can also explore my TikTok & IG series that deconstruct coercive control in the headlines, whether that be viral news stories or Netflix documentaries.
Click here to go to my article!
My article was recently published in Priscilla Papers!
Priscilla Papers is the academic voice of CBE International, providing peer reviewed, interdisciplinary, award-winning scholarship on topics related to a biblical view of women and men in the home, church, and world. Learn more about quarterly subscriptions.
Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) does such important work! It was a tremendous privilege to contribute to to their academic journal with an article based on a sub-theme that emerged from my research dissertation.
Article Summary:
This paper uses the psychological framework of coercive control to explore how adherence to complementarianism fosters an environment in which women are vulnerable to coercive control. This is illustrated by the way wives’ autonomy is routinely undermined when their value is centred around their submission, ultimately reducing their personhood to an arena for the husband’s development as a leader.
The Problems with His Needs, Her Needs by Willard Harley
Ngina Otiende and I join Sheila Wray Gregoire on her podcast Bare Marriage to explore this best-selling Christian marriage book! We explore the faulty premise the book is based on and the significant issues around how Harley addresses common issues in marriage around sex, communication, and getting our emotional needs met.
I evaluate it through the lens of coercive control and explore how he treats male entitlement and how he fails to engage with the issue of abuse in any meaningful way.
Check out my Instagram post!
There is also a One Sheet that Bare Marriage made to give out! It lays out the main issues with this book and is a great resource to give out to your pastor or friends and family!
Signs Your Church Might Be a Cult
Check out my interview on the Sons of Patriarchy podcast where I discuss how churches can turn into coercive institutions that weaponize theology as form of control over their followers.
I explore what healthy faith communities look like and some of the common theological risk factors I see for churches evolving into high control and high demand groups.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Cults
Zach from What Your Pastor Didn’t Tell You and I dive DEEP into all things cult!
I explore the signs that you are in a cult, the way we are ALL vulnerable, how cults use deception to draw you in, the traits we see in leaders and so much more!
Coercive Control in Evangelicalism
My Interview for the Disabuse Podcast with Randal Rauser, Director of Faith-Based Organization Investigations at Veritas Solutions
Episode Summary
In this episode, I unpack the concept of coercive control, particularly as it shows up within evangelical Christian contexts. We explore how high-control dynamics—often reinforced through fear and rigid doctrine—can mirror the psychological patterns found in cults.
I also highlight how complementarian theology can intersect with coercion, creating environments where power is unequally distributed and difficult to question. Importantly, I offer some practical strategies for churches to move toward healthier, non-coercive models of care—including the integration of external counseling supports
Recognizing the Signs of Coercive Control and Spiritual Abuse:
My interview with Religious Trauma Therapist Sam Sellers on the Beyond the Surface Podcast
Episode Summary
This episode delves deep into the intricacies of coercive control and spiritual abuse within religious communities. Highlighting how these dynamics can lead to profound psychological and emotional harm. Bethany, shares her extensive background in the psychology of coercive control and offers valuable insights into the signs of spiritual abuse. Discussing the BITE model, which outlines the methods high-control groups use to manipulate and isolate individuals. Exploring the internal struggles victims face, such as fear, obligation, guilt, and confusion. The conversation emphasises the importance of recognising these red flags and taking steps towards healing and recovery, while also addressing the challenges loved ones encounter when trying to support someone in a coercive environment. The episode is a vital resource for those affected, encouraging them to seek safety and reclaim their autonomy in the aftermath of spiritual trauma.
My interview with Randal Rauser - The Tentative Apologist on why so many cults are based around religion, how we can protect ourselves, and red flags.
“When we study power, authority, and abuse, we see that psychologically there are so many ways that people can be primed to hand over their trust to people who haven’t earned it. ”
How psychological priming can make us vulnerable to unscrupulous leaders in religious spaces.
Check out my interview with Sheila Gregoire on the Bare Marriage Podcast!
“Coercive control operates like a language only the victim understands. The abuser weaponizes the intimate knowledge they have gained through years of close relationship. ”
Sheila invited me to write a follow-up article delving deeper into the FOG(C), which I discussed in the podcast! Click the link below to read.
Spiritual Abuse & Harm Within Faith Communities
I'm keen to talk about my research dissertation on coercive control and spiritual abuse and hope it can help others recognize this form of religious harm.
“Every person deserves to have a faith journey that is free from coercion, abuse, and manipulation.”
High control groups and institutions value their outward image and reputation over the health of the people within the system.
What is coercive control? How does it show up?
