Christian Spiritual Abuse & Recovery: Story of Abuse, Purity Culture & Freedom

In this deeply vulnerable episode, Christian therapist Diana S. Rice, LMHC interviews Naghmeh Abedini Panahi about the untold story behind the Save Saeed movement. She reveals how her role as a public advocate concealed the trauma she was enduring, and how she slowly recognized spiritual, emotional, and physical abuse. We discuss how purity culture can mute God-given alarms, why "submit at all costs" is destructive, and what faith-rooted healing really looks like.

If you've ever felt unseen in your trauma or silenced by church structures, this is for you. This episode includes sensitive discussion of domestic violence and spiritual abuse.

What You'll Hear / Learn

• The hidden abuse behind public ministry and advocacy

• How purity culture suppresses internal warning systems

• Distinguishing biblical submission from enabling sin

• The ways churches often protect appearances at the expense of people

• Practical steps toward safety, boundaries, and healing after abuse

• Recommended books, ministries, and frameworks for recovery

Quotes

Naghmeh Abedini Panahi

"You're not supposed to submit to abuse and corruption." "Follow your Savior, do what He does, and God will fight your battles."

Diana S. Rice, LMHC

"It's become a high-controlling religion, and not the pure relationship of Jesus Christ, who does set us free." "It's like your check engine light is on… until your body finally shuts down."

Resources & Links Mentioned Helplines & Safety

• National Domestic Violence Hotline — call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. thehotline.org

• Women in Distress (Broward County, FL) — local 24/7 support, advocacy & shelter: widbroward.org

Faith-Based / Christian Support

• Called to Peace Ministries — spiritual abuse resources, church training, survivor support calledtopeace.org

• Tahrir Alnisa Foundation (TAF) — ministry by Naghmeh supporting women and children impacted by abuse tahriralnisa.org

Books & Frameworks for Recovery

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

• Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft

• The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick

• Is It Abuse? by Darby Strickland

• Power & Control Wheel (Duluth Model PDF) — helps map abusive dynamics [PDF link]

Related Episodes from The Holistic Counselor

• Ep. 10: Untangling the Threads: Biblical, Christian, and Secular Counseling — Overcoming Domestic Violence (Dr. Kate Johnson)

• Ep. 58: Exposing Abuse in the Church (Rebecca Davis)

• Ep. 65: Healing Trauma Through Faith: How to Reclaim Identity & Hope (Rebecca Medina)

• Ep. 70: Leaving an Abusive Christian Marriage (Leesha Newkirk, JD)

• Ep. 77: Reclaiming Biblical Sexuality After Trauma & Purity Culture (Dr. Carol Tanskey)

Call to Action

If you were moved by this conversation:

1. Share this episode with someone who may need to hear the hope you're hearing.

2. Bookmark the resources above — especially hotlines and Christian support ministries.

3. Subscribe + review The Holistic Counselor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your app of choice. Your ratings and shares help others find this content in search.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call your local emergency number or reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline—don't walk this path alone.