A Stranger in a Strange Land: The Consequences of Leaving High-Demand Religion
Session Overview:
As more Americans leave organized religion, counselors may encounter clients who are disaffiliating from high-demand religions. Such clients could experience severe or debilitating consequences during this process. This presentation provides a definition of high-demand religions, including their key characteristics and examples. The latest research is drawn upon to offer a biopsychosocial perspective on the challenges faced by clients who leave such religions. Insight is provided into the unique worldview of people in high-demand religions and how it can affect the counseling process. The goal is to equip counselors with knowledge and understanding to support clients who are disaffiliating from high-demand religions.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn what a high-demand religion is according to research
2. Understand the characteristics of high-demand religions and how they influence member’s biopsychosocial worldview
3. Recognize the consequences often experienced by those who disaffiliate from a high-demand religion
4. Explore ways a mental health counselor can help a client who is undergoing disaffiliation from a high-demand religion
