PUBLISHED WORKS:

Wounded Faith: Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse.

Chapter 4, “The Stages of Recovery”; Chapter 9, “Marital Damage and Recovery Following Religious Abuse” (Pat and Heidi co-

authored). ICSA Publications. (2022).

Understanding Religious Abuse and Recovery: Discovering essential principles for hope and

healing. Pickwick Publications (2021).

Cult Recovery: A Clinician’s Guide to Working with Former Members and Families.

Chapter 13, “An Independent Faith-Based Approach to Support and Recovery groups

for those affected by Harmful Religious Environments.” ICSA Publications (2017).

PATRICK & HEIDI KNAPP

Patrick J. Knapp, PhD. Following 14-years in a high-control abusive Christian sect (1970-1984) Pat completed an MA (Philosophy of Religion) from Denver Seminary (2000). His MA thesis was titled “The Place of Mind Control in the Cult Recovery Process.” His doctoral studies focused on marriage and family systems and attachment theory at Gordon Conwell with his PhD (Pastoral Psychology) thesis completed at Graduate Theological Foundation “A Survey of Religious Abuse and Recovery.”

Heidi I. Knapp is a Certified Life Recovery Coach specializing in spiritual and relational abuse

issues. She has completed university courses in both theology and psychology. She completed her

studies in addictions counseling CAC II. Heidi has spent 25 years in personal study and education

on recovery related issues which includes her formal art education. She places a high value on the

importance of creativity as a supportive part of the healing process.

SNAPSHOT OF OUR MINISTRY:

Heidi her husband Pat co-direct Becoming Free, LLC (www.BecomingFree.org). This organization –

  • Facilitates educational support for those who have been religiously abused, for former

    members and their loved ones. This includes conference speaking, consultation, and

    support/recovery groups.

  • Pat and Heidi provide life-recovery coaching to assist people to process harmful spiritual

    experiences for improved insight and emotional healing.

  • Together they have published books, book reviews, articles, essays and radio and TV

    appearances on the topic of recovery from religious abuse.