The book represents the culmination of an interdisciplinary and international collaboration, showcasing the productive interplay between the two authors, who bring diverse academic and cultural perspectives to the project. Moreover, the reflections are informed by the academic expertise of each author, but also by the experiences in listening to and working with victims of spiritual abuse. The psychological focus offers a broad and at the same time, deep understanding of what spiritual abuse is, about its similarities and differences with other related forms of abuse, about its dynamics and consequences as well as the underestimated role of trust. The focus on the theology of grace and the redemptive action of the cross has a strong impact on the spiritual care and accompaniment of victims. It allows one to understand those who have suffered the pain of abuse and personally know its consequences. It also serves as a framework for future theological reflection on spiritual healing.

Katharina Anna Fuchs: A laywoman, originally from Germany, who is a trained psychologist and a tenured full professor (professore straordinario) at the Institute of Psychology of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. She studied at the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt in Germany, from which she holds a doctorate in philosophy. She's worked for twelve years in the fields of sexual abuse, as well as five years in spiritual abuse. Within working with many victims that span various forms of abuse she has flavored her understanding about the correlation that many forms of abuse have, as well as the dynamics and severe consequences that abuse may have on the life, health and faith of those affected.

Stefania De Vito: A laywoman from a small diocese in southern Italy (Avellino). She obtained a doctorate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, where she taught for several years. In 2023 she was appointed as a member of the International Pontifical Marian Academy for three years. She is currently a lecturer in Biblical Culture at the Lumsa University in Rome.

The authors have contributed a chapter "Psychology and Theology in Dialogue: Integral Growth in Priesthood Formation," to M. Ouellet, ed., A Fundamental Theology of the Priesthood. Additional Perspectives, vol. II, New York, Paulist Press 2023: 515-553.

ISBN: 978-08091-5764-8

Paperback $44.95