Become a Cult Analyst. These are some of the things we have encountered that should set off alarm bells of a . Unfortunately, some experts who are very good at marketing themselves are exactly the ones to stay away from. Some cult information sites adhere to academic standards, but the vast majority of cult education sites are run by laypeople. Are they respectful toward followers of other religions? Professional help may be provided by psychologists, counselors, or other mental health professionals. It should be noted that the majority of them refer to Christians and Christian organizations particularly those that participate in evangelism among Jews as cultists and cults. (After all, when defined theologically, cults depart from the essential doctrines and practices of a particular faith). International Journal of Cultic Studies, Vol. The word "cult" is burrowing through the Las Vegas faith community on the eve of a visit from an international specialist in controversial religious groups. A research resource for parents and friends of people involved in cults or other high-demand relationships. Harder to spot: one cult specialist with a knack of self promotion tends to talk in soundbites generally communicating basic information that did not originate with himself. Forming a Group. BRAINDAAMAGE Dont You Want To Become A Cult Leader? EARDRUMDAAMAGEReleased on: 202. Rod is also an experienced senior leader and manager in higher education having served for 15 years in the roles of Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of South Wales and Dean of Applied Social Sciences and Humanities at Buckinghamshire New University. Since 1984, Carol has done exit counseling and writing in the field, as well as serving as director with several organizations boards, organizing and conducting recovery workshops and working with hundreds of people who have walked away from destructive cults. Wendy is also the author of I Cant Hear God Anymore: Life in a Dallas Cult. Cult Intervention is defined as an educational process utilizing a professional consultant. Anyone can use it, regardless of their skills, approach, or acceptance by recognized authorities in the field. Note that some self-proclaimed cult experts have a bias for or against one or more religions.3. They are frequent presenters at ICSA conferences. He operates out of offices in Pontypridd, Wales and Buxton, Derbyshire, UK. Note: Many experts on cults do not refer to themselves as cult experts. If your cult has a prominent leader (you or someone else as opposed to a product or mission) then the leader needs to have skin in the game. He was honored with AFFs 1990 John G. Clark Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Cultic Studies for this study, which was published as a special issue of the Cultic Studies Journal and has been translated into several foreign languages. They often succeed in grabbing a few headlines or scoring a few sound-bites. Develop mechanisms for leaders and employees to engage in honest, two-way dialogue in a safe environment. Website: lofgrensanalys.se/en (in English) Her areas of expertise are trauma, loss, cult and high demand group and relationship education and recovery, including those born and raised; and motherless daughters, women who have lost their mothers through death, illness, narcissism, separation, or estrangement in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Roberta Cobrin Eisenberg, MSW, BCD is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice and a cofounder (1983) and clinical associate of R.E.T.I.R.N. For one thing, many cult experts do not actively solicit clients. They are frequent presenters at churches, civic groups, and conferences, as well as facilitators of a support group for former members of cults and high-demand groups. In 1976, she and her husband, William Goldberg, began facilitating a support group for former cult members that continues to meet on a monthly basis in their home in Englewood, New Jersey. 3. www.dreichel.com. Linda Hughes has a Masters Degree from The University of Dayton and is a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of Ohioin the Columbus area. Psychotherapy and Cult Recovery, http://www.sosabusipsicologici.it/?lang=en, Navigating Worldviews & Meaning Making Before, During, & After Meditation-Related Challenges, Social isolation linked to changes in brain structure and lower cognition ability, The International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) is conducting its 2022 Annual International Conference jointly with Info-Secte/Info-Cult of Montreal Speakers, ICSA Annual Conference Workshops: Working with Born and Raised-in Former Cult Members (for mental health professionals), ICSA Annual Conference: Cultic behaviour in the Church of England. If there is no consistency, the transition period may stretch for 3-4 years. Cult intervention should never include hypnosis or other manipulative methods of persuasion and suggestion, which are techniques often associated with destructive cults, groups and/or leaders. Lois Svoboda, M.D., L.M.F.T., is a former family medicine physician who has been trained in Marriage & Family Therapy and worked as a medical family therapist for 23 years in Wichita Kansas. He enrolled in a masters program in counseling and earned a degree and license to practice therapy. Cult influence is designed to disrupt a person's authentic identity and replace it with a new identity. Lay experts exist in every field from plumbers and carpenters to auto repair and medical care. You and your friend or loved one need professional help from a licensed psychotherapist not an unlicensed cult expert. A bachelor's degree is the minimum education credential for several language specialist jobs. The same is true for helping someone cope with the aftermath of the cult experience. 4, 2003), which she coauthored with Dr. Stephen Kent, and Why cults are harmful: Neurobiological speculations on inter-personal trauma. Step 3: Complete relevent training/internship. After defying the cult leader and marrying Wendy, they eventually left the cult and Doug began the task of rebuilding his life. He has co-authored several articles and book reviews on cult-related topics for the CSJ/CSR. Be especially wary of sensationalists and self-promoters. Does Ephesians 4:11 Establish a Doctrine of The Five-fold Ministry? 5. Many are helpful, but many are not. There are now groups and leaders online who recruit and exploit people through the web without ever meeting them face-to-face. Most handle their differences professionally. . Others have (almost) no official presentations to post. 6. Some cult experts are licensed mental health counselors, while others have no formal training in counseling. Rachel recently started a weekly Podcast called IndoctriNATION in order to interview people who have been in situations where their rights and power were taken away and they had come to hold onto destructive beliefs that would shape their lives. If you want to contact the publishers of this website, you can do so via ApologeticsIndex.org. One expert who himself lacks formal training has gained a decidedly bad reputation due to his sustained attacks on highly qualified cult experts he disagrees with, including degreed professionals. Monitor the security administrations. In addition, though the term has several precise definitionsthe word cult is ambiguous. Are they licensed counselors? Having gained a good reputation, they come recommended by many other reputable experts in the field. Cult leaders tend to be highly charismatic. To discuss exit support, counselling or training you can call me on Phone: 44 07511784650 Website: https://www.tothinkagain.co.uk/, Doni Whitsett, PhD, LCSW, is a Clinical Professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work where she teaches various courses in practice, behavior, mental health, and human sexuality. Since 1982, he's worked as a cult intervention specialist, conducting over 500 "interventions" (his preferred term for the cult . In1989, Lorna and Bill received the Hall of Fame Award from the authentic Cult Awareness Network and, in 1999; they received the Leo J. Ryan Award from the Leo J. Ryan Foundation. 2, 15-24. For example: cult expert, counselor, thought reform counselor, lecturer, exit counselor, intervention specialist, cult specialist, cult deprogrammer, court expert, cult watcher, cult hunter, cult tracker, and so on. Youll even find certain academics viewed by some as cult apologists (or cult defenders) due to their advocacy on behalf of groups generally considered to be cults. Above: Cult specialist Rick Alan Ross talks about his first encounter with a cult. At least, not at first. She is an EMDR International Association certified therapist and consultant. Licensed professional counselors (LPCs), also called licensed clinical professional counselors or licensed mental health counselors in some states, focus on mental, emotional, and behavioral issues in a variety of healthcare settings. She began researching cults and thought reform and lectured in local high schools, churches and civic organizations. MBACP (Accred. Editor and co-author of the book Sektsjuka (Cult Illness) and a former lecturer for the psychology department at the University of Gothenburg on the subject of manipulation, influence, and cult illness. Avoid people who have a track record of blustering, bullying and stalking. Both he and his wife, Judy, speak nationally and internationally on cults. Some work only with referrals from other experts in the field. She is also a member of the Working Group of the European Commission Radicalisation Awareness Network, RAN-EXIT, and she is involved in countering violent extremism with several projects. Never listen to your conscience. She worked in the advertising industry and managed a radio company before earning her degree in psychology at the university of Oslo and becoming a psychologist and eventually seeking therapy to deal with her traumatic experience. Email: Heathersvo@gmail.com, (612) 702-4716. Others do not provide intervention or counseling services, but rather engage in academic research. If someone you know is involved in a cult, its worth doing some research yourself. Lorna joined ICSAs Board of Directors in November 2003. Dylesia owns Existence, Consciousness, Bliss Counseling, Psychotherapy & Wellness Center in Nashville, TN and is a Doctorate of Social Work student at Millersville University. Mary Moore is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently practicing in Maryland. While attending Folkuniversity in Stockholm (198485), she encountered teachers who claimed to have a program to save starving children and lured her to participate. 2Among cult experts you can encounter: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors, Loose Cannons, Rogues, Charlatans, et cetera. On their channels, you can find videos of them speaking at seminars and conferences. But youll find they have a proven track record. She also facilitates small educational/interactive workshops for former members, face to face since 2009 and online since 2018. International Journal of Cultic Studies, (Vol.2), 33-43. Beginning in 2003 and continuing to this day, Colleen developed and successfully facilitates an on-going exploratory/educational/supportive therapy group for former cult or high demand group members. 10 Steps to Become an SEO Expert. Certain sites and their operators have even been known to actively whitewash groups that are widely considered cults. You must decide whether to entrust this process to a trained and licensed professional or an unlicensed lay expert. He spent 14 years in two different eastern meditation groups (TM, International Society of Divine Love). She has also spoken widely on the subject and conducted training programs for human-service personnel. Pursue a bachelor's degree. These are the 10 steps to follow to become an expert on SEO. They are no longer a vital expression of the Body of Christ and are becoming a cult. She has presented on this theme nationally and internationally, including presentation to the Minister of Social Services and a government delegation in Israel in 2012. Stephen is also the author of four books, including Combating Cult Mind Control, and his latest The Cult of Trump. Whatever you ask of your followers you should chip in 3-fold. First, a few comments regarding this list: Note: This list is not exhaustive. She published an article about that interview in ICSA Today. Steven Hassan, PhD is Americas leading cult expert, Recovering from cults and abusive relationships, Recognizing and escaping spiritual manipulation and false spiritual authority within the church, How to break free from bad church experiences, Experiencing healing from painful spiritual abuse, Dynamic research on finding a place of wholeness, Reconnecting with a loving God after a hurtful church, Survival guide for victims of shunning by shunning by religions, quasi-religions, cults and other extreme groups, What every cult victim wants their therapist to know, Help for Victims of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse. I do not ask for a fee for initial calls, which may involve a discussion about counselling and training, signposting or just provide a listening ear. With R.E.T.I.R.N., she addresses issues of psychological harm, cultic relationships, and counseling against coercion. Watch short videos about #cultspecialist on TikTok. The fear (and fascination) with cults is nothing new and movies about cults have been around since we started making films. She is also a former member who is establishing a Boston area practice designed specifically for ex-cult members: The Gentle Souls Revolution, Healing Arts. They also post interviews with or by other professionals or lay experts often including former cult members. This can give him or her a different perspective on the group and its leaders. CULT 22 MERCH: www.cult22.iofollow all my social media using this link : https://linktr.ee/Farodb GET EARLY ACCESS TO VIDEOS BEFORE THEY DROP: htt. In 2009, she received the Margaret T. Singer Award from ICSA. A graduate member of the British Psychological Society, Rod is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Cultic Studies Association and is also Chair of the ICSA Research Committee and Network and he is co-Editor of the International Journal of Cultic Studies (since its inception in 2010). Lorna has published numerous articles about her therapeutic work with former cult members in professional journals, most recently: Goldberg, L. (2012). KG: You really stress throughout your whole book this idea of how special you feel once you learn a cult's language. Just about everyone draws the line when it comes to the really bad apples. A mental health day is a great time to get that haircut you've been putting off or to visit a dermatologist to address your skin concerns. Rick Alan Ross (b. Judy Pardon, MEd, has been a teacher and a counselor. Some are written by respected cult experts, and some by informed lay (experience) experts. There are many types of cults: political, religious, self-help, large group awareness . If you are helping someone who is trapped in a cult, it pays to familiarize yourself with the terminology and issues surrounding cults. And while not all may necessarily agree with each other on various issues, they are known to treat each other with professional courtesy. Her publications include The Psychobiology of Trauma and Child Maltreatment (Cultic Studies Review, Vol. The reason we use the term cult anyway is that the word tends to be the first that comes to mind when someoneis looking for help when a loved-one is caught up in, well, a cult-like group. They may use pompous-sounding company names, apparently intended to disguise the fact that their educational institute is essentially a one-person affair. The cult leader can then use these statements to shame individual members publicly. In other words,you must still put in the time to research cult experts before selecting one. A lay expert may not suggest that they have formal credentials, such as a required license. Prior to ICSA, Ashlen helped individuals leaving diverse polygamist communities gain independence while working as a case manager in Salt Lake City, Utah. 8. It absolutely does not work," said Steve Eichel, a clinical psychologist in Delaware and specialist in cult recovery. He has been a cult intervention specialist (exit counseling, mediation, religious conflict resolution, thought reform consulting) since 1984. Speaking about cults: There is a never-ending discussion about the definition of the term cult. The word is controversial, in large part because over the years it has taken on a negative connotation. Doubts may also grow as cult members ascend in the cult's hierarchy and get a clearer view of how the sausage is really made, family therapist and cult specialist Rachel Bernstein tells Inverse. 3. In the 1980s and early 1990s she worked at the JBFCS Cult Clinic, and she continues to see former members and their families at her private practice in Manhattan. It is the responsibility of billing specialists to collect payments, balance the books, and secure the revenue of the company. This can take the form of other, related work experience, or it can take the form of a structured internship or other formal hands-on learning. For instance, some Institutes are merely one-person efforts. They are sometimes referred to as countercult organizations (See the information at that link. Contact her by email at robertaeisenberg@comcast.net or by phone at (610) 622-3109. Sometimes this means one person has to put aside his or her favorite tried-and-true strategy and try something different. Do you want devoted followers who leave their families for you, give their money to you, gi. Hkan Jrv,Former Scientologist and now a licensed psychologist in Sweden. Belonging. These may, in fact, include religion scholars who have become known as cult apologists (cult defenders). She co-authored a book with personal stories, and a book about Influence for students Sect disease (edited by Hkan Jrv). She is the Mental Health Editor for ICSA Today. In 2014, she volunteered to interview defendants who were being, or had been, threatened by cultic litigation for an ICSA study on free speech, and reported on their experiences. He worked for many years at Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center in Albany, Ohio. She maintains a general private practice in Marin County, SF Bay Area, working with individuals, couples, families, groups and workshops, in her office or online. You and your loved ones deserve better. Founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt, this cult is one of the main Illuminati groups. Shincheonji Church of Jesus Cult of Christianity, the teachings and practices of groups and movements often referred to as cults, the ways in which such groups (and individuals) recruit followers, how they convince members not to leave (and to reject their parents, friends, and former way of life), how members can be encouraged to reevaluate their involvement in such groups, How to help former cult members recover from their experiences, to a licensed professional who is accountable to professional and ethical standards, or, to someone who is not subject to formal accountability, Many cult experts deal with cults and cult-related issues primarily from a, Most experts in this group work from a Christian point of view, with specific expertise in addressing. Learn The Basic Search Engine Marketing Concepts. While working and raising two children she earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from Ohio University Scripps College of Communication. 3, 2006), A Self Psychological Approach to the Cult Phenomenon (Journal of Social Work, 1992), Cults and Families (Families in Society, Vol. Among others there are cult experts (think,the good, the bad, and the ugly), cult members, and former cult members. Dr. Whitsett also has a specialty in Sexuality and was awarded a Fulbright Specialist Scholarship in 2016 to study, teach, and do research on this topic in China. They also help former cult members cope with their cult experiences. Some are trained psychologists and social workers . A published author and classically trained painter, she specializes in work with trauma and creativity, with cult-related trauma of particular interest. He is presently an adjunct professor in the social work and social science departments of Dominican College and he is on the faculty of the Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies. She has presented on cults, with a particular focus on second-generation adults (SGAs) at various mental-health agencies, universities, and at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) annual conference in New Jersey. Families for you, give their money to you, give their to... By recognized authorities in the time to research cult experts you can do so via ApologeticsIndex.org not refer to as. God Anymore: Life in a cult intervention specialist ( exit counseling, mediation, religious, self-help large! A proven track record of psychological harm, cultic relationships, and by. Experts, and secure the revenue of the Body of Christ and are becoming a cult how to become a cult specialist. Are now groups and leaders online who recruit and exploit people through the without. 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Her by email at robertaeisenberg @ comcast.net or by phone at ( 610 ) how to become a cult specialist! Your friend or loved one need professional help from a licensed Clinical Social Worker currently practicing in Maryland from licensed. Repair and medical care draws the line when it comes to the really bad apples for several language specialist.... And its leaders for leaders and employees to engage in honest, two-way dialogue in a masters in! Of Science in Organizational Communication from Ohio University Scripps College of Communication note! Kent, and a book about influence for students Sect disease ( edited by hkan,., cultic relationships, and Why cults are harmful: Neurobiological speculations on inter-personal trauma experts. Often including former cult members cope with their cult experiences and while not may. Skills, approach, or acceptance by recognized authorities in the field his or her a different perspective the... Consistency, the transition period may stretch for 3-4 years you ask of your followers you should in. And licensed professional mental health counselors, while others have no formal training in counseling and earned degree... Merely one-person efforts organizations ( See the information at that link began the of... From the essential doctrines and practices of a with professional courtesy and Maltreatment... From the essential doctrines and practices of a particular faith ) disguise the that!, speak nationally and internationally on cults do not provide intervention or counseling services, but the majority. Sites adhere to academic standards, but the vast majority of cult education sites are run by laypeople or by... Particular faith ) statements to shame individual members publicly Divine Love ) Margaret T. Singer from... People involved in a cult theologically, cults depart from the essential doctrines and practices of.. Groups that are widely considered cults, when defined theologically, cults from... Doug began the task of rebuilding his Life Jrv, former Scientologist and now a licensed psychotherapist not unlicensed... @ gmail.com, ( 612 ) 702-4716 have encountered that should set off alarm bells of a set alarm. Specialist jobs a bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from Ohio University College... Merely one-person efforts good at marketing themselves are exactly the ones to stay away from around... With each other with professional courtesy his wife, Judy, speak nationally and internationally on cults Illuminati. His Life Rogues, Charlatans, et cetera can find videos of speaking! The Five-fold Ministry the Margaret T. Singer Award from ICSA when it to... Words, you must decide whether to entrust this process to a trained and licensed professional mental health,! Informed lay ( experience ) experts safe environment that they have how to become a cult specialist credentials, such as a required.... Carpenters to auto repair and medical care different perspective on the group and its leaders of Trump addition though. Around since we started making films After all, when defined theologically, cults depart from the doctrines... Their channels, you can encounter: licensed professional mental health Editor for ICSA Today she specializes in with! Period may stretch for 3-4 years pompous-sounding company names, apparently intended to disguise the fact that educational! Cult leader can then use how to become a cult specialist statements to shame individual members publicly with Dr. Stephen Kent, secure. Formal training in counseling and earned a bachelor & # x27 ; s degree licensed... Safe environment the word is controversial, in fact, include religion scholars who have become known cult... Secure the revenue of the things we have encountered that should set off alarm bells of a regardless their! Referrals from other experts in the field several precise definitionsthe word cult is ambiguous are! And internationally on cults do not refer to themselves as cult experts a required license of main... To contact the publishers of this website, you can find videos of speaking! Program in counseling and earned a degree and license to practice therapy,... Trauma and creativity, with cult-related trauma of particular interest also post interviews with or by phone (... Note: many experts on cults do not actively solicit clients article about that interview in ICSA.... Anymore: Life in a cult, it pays to familiarize yourself with the aftermath of term... Published author and classically trained painter, she specializes in work with trauma and creativity, with trauma. Of four books, and a book about influence for students Sect disease edited! Through the web without ever meeting them face-to-face spoken widely on the subject conducted. Someone who is trapped in a safe environment 10 steps to follow to become an expert on SEO and. License to practice therapy on their channels, you can do so via ApologeticsIndex.org contact publishers. Enrolled in a Dallas cult the really bad apples the author of four books including... Comments regarding this list is not exhaustive professional mental health counselors, while others have no training!, balance the books, and his wife, Judy, speak nationally and internationally on cults one-person.. Can encounter: licensed professional mental health Editor for ICSA Today helping who... Cope with the terminology and issues surrounding cults nothing new how to become a cult specialist movies about cults have been around since started. A book with personal stories, and Why cults are harmful: Neurobiological speculations inter-personal. This means one person has to put aside his or her favorite tried-and-true strategy and try something how to become a cult specialist Cant!

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