Working with spiritual abuse
Working with spiritual abuse
This training will seek to enable counsellors to work more effectively with spiritual abuse. The training will explore what spiritual abuse is and the impact it has on those who experience it. It will consider how best to work with spiritual abuse and explore issues that counsellors and therapists might usefully reflect on. It will also include self-care. The training will be interactive, providing opportunities for discussion and reflection throughout.
Learning outcomes
- To understand what spiritual abuse
- To understand the impact of spiritual abuse
- To know better how to work with spiritual abuse therapeutically
Suitable for: student counsellors, counsellors, counselling supervisors. Some pastoral carers or pastoral supervisors may also find it helpful.
Training dates
Wednesday 4 November, 9.15am - 2pm
Friday 6 November, 9.15am - 2pm
Spaces are limited. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Trainers
Prof Lisa Oakley is professor of safeguarding and knowledge exchange, and deputy course leader for the MSc in Family and Child Psychology in the School of Psychology at the University of Chester in the UK. Last year, Lisa was made an honorary fellow of the ACC. Lisa has taught in higher education for over 30 years. She is a chartered psychologist and chair of the British psychological society safeguarding advisory group. Lisa has conducted research into issues of faith, safeguarding, abuse and creating healthy cultures for the past 20 years and has focused on spiritual abuse, she has co-authored a number of articles and book chapters on these topics. Lisa has presented on these topics nationally and internationally. Lisa has recently conducted a cross-faith research project exploring experiences of disclosing abuse that was experienced in a religious contexts.
Dr Kathryn Kinmond is a Chartered Psychologist, Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist in private practice. She was an Executive member of BACP Spirituality between 2013 and 2022. Kathy has been an academic in Higher education for over 30 years, during which time she has been module leader for several UG modules, programme leader for the MRes; experienced supervisor at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and also Chair of two Faculty committees. She currently lectures and supervises PG students part time. Collaborating with Prof Oakley, she has been researching into faith-based abuse for almost twenty years. Kathy has been a member of the NHS Health Research Authority REC since 2005; currently being Vice Chair of South Birmingham committee. She has five grandchildren and two dogs - all of whom keep her very busy!
Ticket options
Standard
Non Members cost £95
Members cost £85 (please login to access your discount)
If you have a Counselling organisational membership and would like to book more than one place (you are entitled up to five places at members rate) please click here to complete a request booking form.
Wednesday 4th Nov, 2026, 09:15 - 14:00
Friday 6th Nov, 2026, 09:15 - 14:00
Please login or continue with your booking
Please note that the price specified is for one person. If you are from the same organisation/household, please book separately and use separate devices to join the training.
Please also note we do not offer refunds; in exceptional circumstances, please email office@acc-uk.org (this does not affect your statutory rights).
This training will take place on zoom and will not be recorded.