Recent Research Contributions

My scholarship explores the intersections of trauma, intimate partner violence, spirituality, religion, psychotherapy, and social justice. Drawing on both academic research and over three decades of clinical practice, my work seeks to bridge theory, research, and practice while amplifying the voices of marginalized and underserved communities. My research is across culture and faith communities.

Kalvari, L. (2026). When the Sacred Binds: Recognizing Spiritual Abuse in Intimate Partner Violence Through the Lens of Spiritually Mediated Coercion. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought.

This peer-reviewed article examines how spiritual abuse can function as a form of coercive control within intimate partner violence. The paper introduces the concept of spiritually mediated coercion and argues for broader recognition of the ways religious beliefs, practices, and authority structures can be weaponized within abusive relationships.

Kalvari, L. (2026). From Spiritual Abuse to Spiritual Repair: A Trauma-Attentive, Theologically Grounded Pathway for Religious Survivors. Pastoral Psychology.

This article introduces the Spiritual Repair Pathway (SRP), a trauma-informed framework designed to support religious survivors recovering from spiritual abuse. Integrating psychological, social, and theological perspectives, the model offers clinicians and faith leaders a structured approach to fostering healing, meaning-making, and renewed spiritual agency.

Kalvari, L. (2024). Living Meaningfully: The Intersection of Judaism and Psychotherapy. In K. Harper, T. O'Connor, & D. Maoz (Eds.), Spiritual, Philosophical, and Psychotherapeutic Explorations of Meaning and Service (pp. 347–360). Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

This book chapter explores the relationship between Jewish thought and contemporary psychotherapy. It advocates for a non-reductive integration of spiritual and psychological perspectives while maintaining respect for both religious tradition and clinical practice.

Kalvari, L. (2023). Foreword. In D. Maoz & E. Mayer (Eds.), Canadian Readings of Jewish History: From Knowledge to Interpretive Transmission (pp. viii–ix). Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Contributed the foreword to this edited volume examining the transmission, interpretation, and study of Jewish history within Canadian and broader scholarly contexts.

Kalvari, L. (2022). Domestic Violence in the Orthodox Jewish Community Through a Post-Modern Lens. Studies in Judaism, Humanities and the Social Sciences, 4(1), 361–368.

This article examines domestic violence within Orthodox Jewish communities through a post-modern framework, highlighting the complex interplay of culture, identity, power, and competing narratives in shaping survivors’ experiences and responses to abuse.

Kalvari, L. (2022). A Critical Reflection: Exposing Whiteness in Child Welfare Practice. First Peoples Child & Family Review, 17(1), 51–61.

This peer-reviewed article critically examines whiteness, privilege, and power within child welfare systems. The paper encourages practitioners to engage in reflexive, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive practice.

Kalvari, L. (2021). Aging in Community: The Case of Hesperus Village in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. Housing and Society, 48(1), 87–103.

This article explores innovative approaches to aging in community through a case study of Hesperus Village, an intentional housing model designed to promote social connection, mutual support, and well-being among older adults.