Candace R. Benyei

About the Author

Candace R. Benyei is a seasoned psychotherapist and author whose work delves into the intricate dynamics of power, secrecy, and abuse within religious institutions. With over two decades of clinical experience counseling survivors of clergy misconduct, she brings a compassionate yet unflinching perspective to her writing, illuminating the psychological mechanisms that enable such betrayals. Her seminal book, Understanding Clergy Misconduct in Religious Systems: Scapegoating, Family Secrets, and the Abuse of Power, offers a groundbreaking analysis of how scapegoating and hidden family dynamics perpetuate cycles of abuse in faith communities. Benyei's insights, drawn from real-world cases and theoretical frameworks, empower readers to recognize and confront these pervasive issues, fostering healing and accountability in spiritual environments. A sought-after speaker and consultant, she continues to advocate for ethical reforms in religious leadership.