Co-host Alyssa Grenfell explores how the LDS Church's obsession with outward righteousness creates a culture that silences victims, enables abuse, and even erodes mental health. From standards for clothing and appearances, to the pressure of being “worthy”, this conversation confronts the Church’s behavioral theology head-on. Featuring insights from therapist Dr. Julie Hanks, sex therapist Natasha Helfer, and expert on undue influence, Dr. Steven Hassan, this deep dive unpacks how scrupulosity, image control, and “thought-stopping” tactics keep members obedient—and how that shapes a community's response to trauma.

Episode Transcript:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J0ohjeX10z-XcijwjOzIThLo_gG3Yes0/view?usp=sharing

Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com

Learn more about Dr. Julie Hanks’ work at https://www.drjuliehanks.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://instagram.com/drjuliehanks

Learn more about Dr. Steven Hassan at https://freedomofmind.com/ and follow him on Instagram https://.instagram.com/cultexpert

Learn more about Natasha Helfer at https://www.natashahelfer.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://instagram.com/natashahelfermft

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All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice.

Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com

Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff

Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips

Producer | Lizzy Bean

Researcher | Emily Sellers