ESCAPING
UNDERSTANDING
RECOVERING
Reclaiming lives from coercive control and psychological abuse in
destructive cults and relationships.
What is a cult?
“A group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea, or thing and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control (e.g. Isolation from former friends and family, debilitation, use of special measures to heighten suggestibility and subservience, powerful group pressure, information management, suspension of individuality or critical judgement, promotion of total dependency on the group and fear of leaving it...), designed to advance the goals of the group’s leaders, to the actual or possible detriment of members, their families, or the community.”
What is coercive or controlling behaviour?
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour
NEED HELP?
As an ex-cult member and qualified counsellor, I can support you in understanding the psychological processes involved in controlling and abusive groups and relationships and, where appropriate, facilitate interventions.
If you have left an abusive group or relationship and are struggling with your mental health I can provide counselling to help you work through your experiences.
I also deliver training events and offer a consultancy service to support people with understanding the psychological structures and systems in cults and extremist groups and recovery processes, which can be tailored to meet the needs of your organisation, group or project.
(Photo credits here)