An increasing number of individuals are entering mainstream society who were born and/or raised in cults or closed, high-demand groups. In my work as a mental health professional specializing in trauma and recovery from spiritual abuse, I regularly encounter these individuals.
Coping with Triggers
Dissociation is a disturbance in the normally integrative functions of identity, memory, or consciousness. It is also known as a trance state.
Making Sense of Post-Cult Trauma; the Relational System of the Traumatizing Narcissist | American Guru
The Westerner’s name was Andrew Cohen. Within a few days I hurried to attend my first of countless of Andrew’s teaching or satsang.
When You’re Asked About Cults
The two questions that I am asked most often about cults are “How can you tell if a group is a cult?” and “What can I do if I know someone who is in a cult?”
Aspects of Recovery
Recovery from cults is a multifaceted process; initially it is the separation from the group, group practices, and meetings that bound us to the group. Therapy helps address the emotional aspects of group involvement – feelings of betrayal, abuse and vulnerability to recruitment. It helps to develop and understanding…
Rethinking the Classic ‘Obedience’ Studies
Pacific Standard Tom Jacobs Stanley Milgram’s 1961 obedience experiments and the 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment are legendary. But new research adds new wrinkles to our understanding of allegiance and evil. November 25, 2012 They are among the most famous of all psychological studies, and together they paint a dark portrait…
How Can Cults Harm People?
There are a wide variety of cults. Different people respond differently to the same environment. Therefore, not all people who have been in cults are harmed by the experience. But some, perhaps a majority, are harmed. Part of ICSA’s mission is to help these people, so our focus here is…
Studying how brain responds to hypnosis
San Francisco ChronicleStephanie M. Lee October 23, 2012 Despite what Halloween lore might have you believe, hypnosis isn’t all about swinging watches, magic spells and mind control. It is the oldest Western conception of psychotherapy and, in mainstream medicine, it has been shown to help patients manage pain, stress and anxiety,…
On Using the Term "Cult"
Herbert L. Rosedale, Esq.Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Even though we have each studied cults and educated people about this subject for more than 20 years, neither of us has ever felt completely comfortable with the term “cult.” No other term, however, serves more effectively the linked educational and research aims…
The Definitional Ambiguity of “Cult” and ICSA’s Mission
Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. (This essay is a follow-up to “On Using the Term Cult.”) A central component of ICSA’s mission is to study psychological manipulation and abuse, especially as it manifests in cultic and other groups. Different people, however, attach different and usually imprecise meanings to the term “cult” (On…