Abusive exorcism

Domain XVI · Historical, discredited & harmful

What it is

What it is. "Abusive exorcism" names a pattern rather than a therapy: a child or adult is labelled possessed, a witch or under a spirit's influence, and relatives, a self-styled healer or a religious leader then harm the person in an attempt to "deliver" or cleanse them. Safeguarding guidance…

Format

• This is the psychotherapist's own work, in phases. Session number, length and format follow the client's needs and the setting; timings depend on risk and on statutory processes.

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• survivor guilt; a sibling now labelled next.
• advocacy that stigmatises a whole community.
• pressure from family or community not to report.
• the therapist's own beliefs steering the outcome.
• symptoms of a treatable illness being left unassessed.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.