Researchers at the University of Central Arkansas are seeking participants for a study examining how counselors respond clinically when working with clients affected by high-control religious groups. The research aims to strengthen understanding of therapeutic dynamics in these contexts and contribute to improved training, supervision, and clinical practice.
About the study
Title: Counselors’ Clinical Responses to Clients from High-Control Religious Groups
Lead researcher: Youngjin Choi
Institution: University of Central Arkansas
This study explores counselors’ countertransference and boundary-related responses when working with individuals who have been involved in high-control religious groups. It seeks to identify patterns in how these dynamics emerge in clinical settings and to compare responses between generalist counselors and those with specialized experience.
The research addresses an underexamined area in counseling practice, where clinicians may encounter complex trauma, identity disruption, and relational challenges shaped by coercive group environments.
Key areas of focus include:
- Counselors’ emotional and psychological responses (countertransference)
- Boundary navigation in complex therapeutic relationships
- Differences between general and specialized counseling approaches
- Clinical challenges specific to high-control group contexts
The broader aim is to inform evidence-based training and improve therapeutic outcomes for individuals affected by coercive environments.
Research ethics and participant information
This study has received formal ethics approval and provides full participant information prior to involvement.
What participation involves
Participants are invited to take part in an online survey.
- Completion of an online survey examining clinical experiences and responses
Key topics include:
- Clinical responses to clients from high-control groups
- Therapeutic boundaries and relational dynamics
- Professional experiences working with affected individuals
Participants may skip any questions they prefer not to answer.
Why participate
- Contribute to improving clinical understanding in an under-researched area
- Support the development of more effective counselor training and supervision
- Help strengthen therapeutic approaches for clients affected by coercive control
- Contribute to research that bridges gaps between theory and clinical practice
Who the study is for
The study is open to mental health and pastoral professionals, and no prior experience with high-control religious groups is required. The research aims to recruit approximately 100–120 participants.
Research background and impact
This study builds on prior research examining psychological abuse and trauma in group contexts, particularly within abusive or high-control environments.
Previous work includes:
- Validation of the Korean version of the Psychological Abuse Experienced in Group Scale (K-PAEGS)
- Research on the mediating effects of the traumatized self-system in survivors of abusive religious groups
The findings from this study will be assessed through survey data and statistical analysis, with the goal of informing both academic research and applied clinical practice.
This research may:
- Improve training frameworks for counselors working with high-control group survivors
- Strengthen understanding of countertransference and boundary management
- Contribute to more effective and ethically grounded therapeutic interventions
How to participate
You can fill out the survey here.
Contact
For questions or more information:
Youngjin Choi
Email: ychoi@cub.uca.edu
Phone: +1 (501) 243-5074
