Clergy Sexual Abuse in the Church: What No One Wants to Talk About with Dr. David Pooler

In this powerful episode of Hey Tabi, licensed trauma therapist Tabitha Westbrook sits down with Dr. David Pooler—professor of social work, licensed clinical social worker, and director of the Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Advocacy and Research Collaborative. Together, they tackle one of the most urgent yet under-discussed issues facing faith communities today: adult clergy sexual abuse.From the psychology of abusive leaders to the church's mishandling of sexual misconduct, Tabitha and Dr. Pooler explore how trauma, theology, and power intersect in devastating ways—and how survivors can lead the way toward healing and justice. They discuss everything from the Me Too and Church Too movements, why so many church leaders are unequipped to deal with abuse, and what true restorative justice in religious spaces could look like.If you're a survivor, a pastor, a therapist, or just someone who cares about the church being a place of healing, not harm—this conversation is a must-listen.👉 Topics include:The hidden crisis of adult clergy sexual abuseWhy survivors are the experts the church needs to hearThe dangers of quick re-platforming and institutional silenceEMDR and trauma-informed care for Christian leadersThe role of shame, theology, and spiritual formation in abuse dynamicsWhat a trauma-informed, safe church could look likeWhy real accountability isn’t punitive—it’s redemptive🙏 This conversation contains sensitive content about sexual trauma and clergy misconduct. Please take care while listening.Find Dr. Pooler's work at https://socialwork.web.baylor.edu/person/david-poolerWanna say hi? Send a text!👍 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share to help others who need this information!📖 Order Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive ControlWanna support Hey Tabi? Buy me a coffee here - https://buymeacoffee.com/heytabi📩 Connect with Tabitha & The Journey and The Process:💻 Tabitha's Website - www.tabithawestbrook.com📲 Tabitha's Instagram - www.instagram.com/tabithathecounselor🎙️ Podcast Homepage - https://heytabi.buzzsprout.com💻 The Journey & The Process Website - www.thejourneyandtheprocess.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel & watch podcast episodes there🚨 Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy and is intended for educational purposes only. If you're in crisis or need therapy, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional.Need to know how to find a great therapist? Read this blog post here.