Lunch and Learn: “Sinner’ and ‘Saint’ as Trauma Responses in LDS Clients”

Self of the Therapist Interview: From Seminary Teacher to Affirming Therapist

Dr. Julie Hanks, PhD, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist, content creator, and author of The Assertiveness Guide for Women. Known online as @drjuliehanks, she is the owner of Wasatch Family Therapy and host of the Ask Dr. Julie Hanks podcast. With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Hanks specializes in helping individuals on the LDS spectrum claim their personal power and create fulfilling lives.

Trauma can deeply impact individuals, often resulting in coping mechanisms designed to numb or avoid intense emotions associated with unresolved experiences. These mechanisms may manifest as behaviors traditionally labeled as “sins,” such as smoking, drinking, substance abuse, gambling, or compulsive sexual behaviors. Alternatively, some trauma survivors may develop “saintly” behaviors, including rigid adherence to rules, people-pleasing, striving for external perfection, weak boundaries, and over-functioning in church callings, work, or home life. By recognizing the signs of religious trauma, clinicians can better understand and support both “sinners” and “saints” in their practices. Furthermore, recommendations will be provided to help LDS communities become more trauma-informed, fostering environments that support healing and resilience.

Learning Objectives:

1).Explore how binary religious thinking contributes to “sinner” and “saint” identities.

2). Outline the 4 R’s of trauma-informed churches.

3). Identify unique symptoms of trauma within LDS contexts.