Print Email. Gillie delivers training for counsellors wishing to work effectively with former cult members. info@NewMilfordCounseling.com These resources address cults primarily from a sociological point of view. Announce that this teaching is the only hope for saving the world. [The term has different meanings depending on the perspective]. The WMSCOG in NJ ultimately dropped the lawsuit and refiled the complaint in a New Jersey Court in 2012. He worked for many years at Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center in Albany, Ohio. And of course, quoting experts is not the same as talking and interacting with them. Baker & S. Richard Sauber. Goldberg, L. (2011). 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. Only post-nominal letters indicate that the person has a position, academic degree, accreditation, etc. The American Psychological Association details how cults keep people in line. Colleen is a former member of two high demand groups. Some cult experts are trained and licensed mental health counselors, while others have no formal training in counseling. KG: You really stress throughout your whole book this idea of how special you feel once you learn a cult's language. Search When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type. Helping someone leave a cult - and deal with the aftermath - requires. He is involved with hypnosis both as a therapeutic tool and as a field of research, having published on the matter in La Revista de Psicoterapia international journal, as well as in the International Journal of Cultic Studies. Email: cyndersm@verizon.net Phone: (469) 316-7290, Cristina Caparesi has a masters degree in Science of Education and in Psychology with post masters in Family Mediation and Psychodiagnostic/Psychological Evaluation. Hkan Jrv,Former Scientologist and now a licensed psychologist in Sweden. In 2004 one person was killed and one was injured in the small congregation Knutby in Sweden. She is trained in relational/interpersonal psychoanalytic psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, family therapy, and internal family systems. Similarly, there are organizations and individuals who address deviations from the Jewish faith. These professionals work with families, individuals, groups, and couples in roles as wide-ranging as substance abuse counseling, psychoanalysis, and learning disability counseling. differences between sociological and theological definitions, difference between theological and sociological definitions, Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs, The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control, Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants, Traumatic Abuse in Cults: A Psychoanalytic Perspective, differences between theological and sociological definitions, John de Ruiter College of Integrated Philosophy, The Church of Almighty God (Eastern Lightning). In addition to his psychology practice and his involvement with ICSA, Dr. Eichel is active in a range of professional associations. Some cult experts are trained and licensed mental health counselors.Heres what that means: Helping someone leave a cult requires a lot of counseling. Countless people are or have been trapped in High Demand groups. Lorna has co-written with Bill Goldberg, a chapter on psychotherapy with targeted parents in the book, Working with Alienated Children and Families (2012), edited by Amy J.L. Peter Malinoski, PhD, has been a clinical psychologist in private practice since 2001. She works as project planner and Director of the Helping Centers for Job Harassment in the Workplace of the Udine Province and of CISL- Pordenone Province. She published an article about that interview in ICSA Today. www.dreichel.com. He is trained in EMDR and other trauma treatment modalities. Others do not provide intervention or counseling services, but rather engage in academic research. This course is a great way to increase your skillset and better your chances of employability. Note that some self-proclaimed cult experts have a bias for or against one or more religions.3. Website: http://www.sosabusipsicologici.it/?lang=en Email: c.caparesi@gmail.com Phone: +39 3384440566. Rick Alan Ross (b. Patrick Ryanis a graduate of Maharishi International University. Additionally, Doug offers individual counseling to ex-members. Step 4: Research application support specialist duties. Freedom From Coercive Control in High Demand Groups and Relationships (2019). www.dallascult.com; (214) 607-1065, Cyndi Matthews, PhD, LPC-S, NCC is an experienced counseling clinician working in private practice and a counseling professor at the University of North Texas-Dallas. Shelly teaches trauma-informed psychotherapy at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, the Training Institute for Mental Health, and the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. Newark, DE 19711 Anyone can use it, regardless of their skills, approach, or acceptance by recognized authorities in the field. An isolated farm in the middle of Idaho is good but if such a retreat isn . 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. Protect the system against damage, changes or illegal access. He has worked as such in private practice in Barcelona for the last 14 years at Pehun Institute of Psychology with a constructivist and systemic approach, subjects on which he has postgraduate studies, as well as in hypnosis. 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. Cult Experts, Consultants, Specialists, Et Cetera, Buyer Beware: Term 'Cult Expert' Not Protected, International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), What to Watch for When Selecting a Cult Expert, Understand that cult experts operate from various perspectives, Cult research organizations, discernment ministries, and individuals, Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, One-on-One Cults. He enrolled in a masters program in counseling and earned a degree and license to practice therapy. If you have any questions or need to discuss your situation, please give me a call. Some cult information sites adhere to academic standards, but the vast majority of cult education sites are run by laypeople. But youll find they have a proven track record. Understand the true meaning of SEO. If there is no consistency, the transition period may stretch for 3-4 years. They are known for their expertise and professionalism. 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. 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. 1 Others need professional help and subsequent counseling. We are constantly on the lookout for the best talent especially those . She worked as a Senior System Consultant, Software Designer, and VP of Marketing. 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. 2, 15-24. Having the perspectives of a survivor and a mental health provider, she is passionate about raising awareness about spiritual abuse and how to counsel those who are experiencing or have experienced it. Someone with only lay knowledge may well be able to fix your leaky faucet or repaint your living room. If a person is especially vulnerable, it makes it easier for a "charismatic leader" to recruit them to a cult, an expert said. Professional investigators make excellent rescue specialists, given the addition of advanced training in the psychoemotional aspects of the assignment. 1952) is an American deprogrammer, cult specialist, and founder and executive director of the nonprofit Cult Education Institute. 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. Ms. Eisenberg has completed training in both child psychoanalytic psychotherapy and Gestalt therapy. Often when this expert addresses a cult or cult-like group he sounds like an authority on the movement, even though most of his information is a rehash of various media reports. Note: Many experts on cults do not refer to themselves as cult experts. For instance, some Institutes are merely one-person efforts. Bill has published numerous articles in books and professional journals, and he is one of the editors of a soon to be published book, sponsored by ICSA, which will focus on clinical work with former cult members. She has been a regular facilitator/presenter at ICSAs former-member workshops and cult-education conferences since 1998. In 2010 ICSA awarded her the Margaret L. Singer Award for advancing the understanding of coercive persuasion and undue influence. While attending Folkuniversity in Stockholm (198485), she encountered teachers who claimed to have a program to save starving children and lured her to participate. They think they are following the Lord, but they have become like a mannequin trying to pass for a live body. 1, 2014. She has a Certificate of Proficiency in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders issued by the American Psychological Association. rpdmarshall@gmail.com, Gillie Jenkinson, PhD, is an accredited counsellor and psychotherapist in UK and is experienced in delivering counselling face-to-face as well as on the telephone and Skype. Not all cult experts, lay or professional, have the expertise, training, and licensure to provide effective assistance in this area. 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. Her practice in part includes intensive clinical work with former members, second generation adults (SGAs), and families of adult children in cults. Step 6: Apply for an application support specialist job. Rosannes private practice specializes in the treatment of cult survivors and their families. They are no longer a vital expression of the Body of Christ and are becoming a cult. At least, not at first. Website: lofgrensanalys.se/en (in English) 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. He is particularly interested in assisting clients in resolving their psychological impediments to receiving authentic love from others, and loving others and God. To Create Your Very Own Cult. Are they recommended by recognized experts in the field? She is an EMDR International Association certified therapist and consultant. She also facilitates small educational/interactive workshops for former members, face to face since 2009 and online since 2018. Rachel has also done many YouTube videos and has been interviewed on other peoples YouTube channels regarding cults, undue influence, and narcissistic abuse. 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. Deprogramming. The journal and her contribution was entitled, The Last Draw: Cults and Creativity. Email: dwehlelcsw@gmail.com Phone: (212) 479-7963, Joseph F. Kelly, a graduate of Temple University (focus in religion), has been a cult intervention specialist (thought reform consultant/exit counselor,mediator) since 1989. All certifications shall be for a period of 4 years from the date that the initial certification is awarded. 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. Ensure accurate security tools are running properly, including anti-virus software and firewalls. Along with Rosanne Henry, she co-chaired ICSAs Mental Health Committee until her term as President of ICSA from 2008 to 2012. A lay expert may not suggest that they have formal credentials, such as a required license. A bachelor's degree in one of these technology fields can provide you with knowledge and skills, such as computer . National Average Salary. Most cult experts are actively involved in professional associations. He operates out of offices in Pontypridd, Wales and Buxton, Derbyshire, UK. www.drsteveeichel.com Stephen is also the author of four books, including Combating Cult Mind Control, and his latest The Cult of Trump. Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, MSEd Marriage and Family Therapist, Rosanne Henry, L.P.C. She has spent most of her career in the mental health field.Wendy and her husband, Doug, are former members of a pseudo-Christian, Bible-based cult and several years after leaving, they became active in cult awareness activities. He has been a cult intervention specialist (exit counseling, mediation, religious conflict resolution, thought reform consulting) since 1984. Additional specialties include dialectical behavioral therapy skills groups; early childhood mental health and treatment; child centered, nondirective play therapy; and (most recently) EMDR. 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. Some work only with referrals from other experts in the field. 5. It absolutely does not work," said Steve Eichel, a clinical psychologist in Delaware and specialist in cult recovery. Discuss fees as soon as possible and get everything in writing. Just about everyone draws the line when it comes to the really bad apples. They also post interviews with or by other professionals or lay experts often including former cult members. The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults. . What is a Licensed Professional Counselor? Implement training to colleagues. Talking with new hires, consultants, and advisors will . Watch short videos about #cultspecialist on TikTok. The more information she gathered on the indoctrination processes and thought reform used in cults, the more concerns arose about her involvement in est and The Hunger Project. If you want to contact the publishers of this website, you can do so via ApologeticsIndex.org. Paranoia: To maintain a false sense of comfort, cults often rely on paranoia tactics. 6. It is not therapy or counseling. Colleen Russell, LMFT, CGP, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 1992, and Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) since 2008. Requires systematic study and dedicated time to IT. Website: www.institutpehuen.com Email: jfernandez@institutpehuen.com Phone: 34938034914. BRAINDAAMAGE Dont You Want To Become A Cult Leader? EARDRUMDAAMAGEReleased on: 202. There you can see, among other things, whether or not someone is well connected with other experts in the field. For the past twenty years she has been active in the counter cult movement working closely with the former Cult Awareness Network and ICSA. Both he and his wife, Judy, speak nationally and internationally on cults. She practices client-centered and trauma-informed therapy in a community clinic with people (ages 2.5 and up) from many different cultures, life experiences, and needs. AtApologeticsSearch.comyou can search forapologetics articles, books, videos, and other research resources across 140+ Christian apologetics websites and blogs. blgoldberg.com. Cults may even offer a commune or place to stay for its members, which can be an . Credentialing Specialist salary data. Experience: Another important aspect of obtaining a job as a cybersecurity specialist is demonstrating relevant experience. She believes recovery from cultic groups requires the exercise of free speech, through which former members take the narrative back, reclaim their voices and thus, their identities. This couldn't be further from the truth. 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. If someone you know is involved in a cult, its worth doing some research yourself. In 2010, Bill was the recipient of ICSAs Lifetime Achievement Award. Editor of the online journal of SOS Abusi Psicologici, Manipulation and Abuse http://www.abusievessazioni.it/; she is an expert for the Criminal Court of Udine in the branch of education, with a specialization in criminology and problems related to cultic affiliations; Italian Co-correspondent for ICSA Today. Here are the steps for how to become a network specialist: 1. Remember that it is one thing to be considered an expert by reporters and personalities, and another to be accepted as such by professionals and lay peers. He was a psychologist and exit counselor at AIS (Barcelona) for two years. She participated in Divine Light Mission, later renamed Elan Vital and The Prem Rawat Foundation, from 1973 to 2001, having been recruited in her first year of college. Her passion for social justice and advocacy is exemplified in her counseling practice and current research, both of which focus on effective counseling interventions for marginalized populations, such as cult survivors, domestic violence survivors, and LGBT populations. In 2009, she received the Margaret T. Singer Award from ICSA. Nobody joins acult. MBACP (Accred. To one degree or another, all cults deny the deity of Jesus Christ. Never back down. ! Lorna has published numerous articles about her therapeutic work with former cult members in professional journals, most recently: Goldberg, L. (2012). 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. Rachel spoke numerous times at the former Cult Awareness Network conferences and then became involved with the International Cultic Studies Association, speaking to attendees and participating in panels and workshops. He is currently involved in a project aimed at high schools in Sweden together with a professional magician with the purpose of educating and vaccinating teenagers against manipulation. Influence of a Charismatic Antisocial Cult Leader: Psychotherapy With an Ex-Cultist Prosecuted for Criminal Behavior. Carol Giambalvos interest in cults and thought reform began in 1978 when her step-daughter began exhibiting a drastic personality change following becoming a devotee in ISKCON. Pardon received, with his wife, Judy, ICSAs Herbert L. Rosedale Award. So you want to be a Cult Leader? She is also co-editor of ICSAs Cult Recovery: A Clinicians Guide to Working With Former Members and Their Families (2017). These cult experts help current cult members understand why and how to leave. They are frequent presenters at ICSA conferences. 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). Top: Trump supporters hold a QAnon sign at a rally on Jan 5, 2021. There are many online research sources about cults. This means understanding the needs and preferences of the end-users, as well as the competition. Most videos simply show the person in question speaking to an imaginary audience that is not on camera. The term 'cult' comes from the Latin cultus, meaning 'worship. She accepts insurance. They're masters at expressing their feelings and making their followers relate to them. Ms. Lofgren received treatment by Wellpring, when they came to Sweden in 1992. Cult Brands welcome customers of all ages, races, creeds, and socioeconomic backgrounds with open arms. Forming a Group. It does not necessarily follow that a cult expert without formal counseling training cannot be effective. Encourage dialogue and exchanges between other groups. In other words,you must still put in the time to research cult experts before selecting one. Helena Lfgren is a licensed psychotherapist, former member of the Unification church (1990-1992), member of the support group FRI, co-founder of the former Swedish support group SESAM, and co-founder of an informal network in Sweden for people who meet members or former members of high demand groups in their work. Since retiring to Fremont, Nebraska in 2004, she opened a counseling practice and is working with people who have exited cults. Ashlen Hilliard (she/her) is Director of Events for the International Cultic Studies Association(ICSA) and a volunteer co-organizer of SAFE, the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) in Portland, Oregon. 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. "Deprogramming--that is, providing members with information about the cult and showing them how their own decision-making power had been taken away from them." -- Margaret Singer, Ph.D. psychologist author of "Cults in Our Midst". 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. Dont be fooled by lofty sounding names and titles. 84, No. In 2016 he received ICSAs Herbert L. Rosedale Award at the Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. AtCounterCultSearch.comyou can search for information about (religious) cults, cult-like organizations, and cults experts, as well as paranormal-, New Age, and pseudo-scientific claims across 260+ websites, blogs and forums dedicated to cult research, spiritual abuse information, ex-cult counseling & support. She is also the Programme Leader of the MSc Applied Psychology (Therapies) Program at the University of Salford. ICSA Today, Vol. To facilitate the recovery process, MeadowHaven, a long-term rehabilitation facility, was opened in 2002. Some hygiene routines take longer than others, especially if you need help maintaining your hair, say, or struggle with acne. 5, No. Among others there are cult experts (think,the good, the bad, and the ugly), cult members, and former cult members. For example, a one-on-one cult can develop between a pastor and a church member, a boss and an employee, a teacher and a student, etc. Email: helena.lofgren@lofgrensanalys.se, Phone: +46708197777, Linda Dubrow-Marshall, PhD, Reg. Never reflect. Linda can be reached at lk.hughes@yahoo.com. She also serves as a thought reform consultant helping families with loved ones in cultic or high-control groups or relationships. Perform acne treatments that exfoliate the skin enough to control acne, but not so much that the client cannot use home care products the next day. Some cult experts are licensed mental health counselors, while others have no formal training in counseling. www.dallascult.com; (214) 607-1065, Wendy Duncan, MA, LBSW, has a Masters Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a licensed social worker in the state of Texas. Choose the right SEO Training. She is a regular presenter at conferences and a published author, including a co-authoring a chapter entitled Pathological Spirituality for a medical text book entitled Spirituality and Psychiatry, published by RCPsych Publications in UK 2009. From ages 15-18, Dylesia was a member of a cult of Christianity in Virginia. She has also spoken widely on the subject and conducted training programs for human-service personnel. 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. The group, which drew on communist teachings, isolated her from her family and made her feel guilty for her privileged upbringing. She attends as corepresentative of RETIRN/UK as correspondent to the General Assembly of FECRIS (European Federation of Centres of Research and Education on Sects). Make sure the expert you are evaluating is such a professional themselves not just someone working with (or referring to) a licensed counselor. The term cult comes from the Latin word cultus, which means to worship a deity, but in the last few centuries its colloquial definition has transformed.In a 1981 edition of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton defined three characteristics of a . People who exit on their own are sometimes called walkaways. People who have been forced to leave are sometimes called castaways., The same applies to terms such as intervention specialist, cult specialist, thought reform consultant, deprogrammer, or exit counselor, For instance, one particularly bad apple, in several respects, is, Many of them have been particularly nasty about , These scholars have often been referred to as . His doctoral dissertation to date remains the only intensive, quantified observation of a deprogramming. When researching cult experts, you should also use YouTube as one of your sources. Considering a new exciting career as an Cybersecurity Specialist? She has taken several opportunities to present her research hoping to inform her peers and colleagues about destructive group practices. She has been interviewed on numerous television and radio shows, including CNN, Larry King, National Geographic Channel, and 20/20. It takes 4 years of professional experience to become a specialist. If you are wondering who joins cults and why, the short, but creepy answer is that pretty much anyone can get sucked into them."That is the insidiousness of mind-manipulation," Lisa Kohn, a cult . 2Among cult experts you can encounter: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors, Loose Cannons, Rogues, Charlatans, et cetera. Bottom line: be aware that some organizations, websites and individuals listed on ICSAs links page are not necessarily recommended by the organization. Some experts deal not only with cults, but also with other abusive relationships with a high degree of control, such as those that involve domestic violence or human trafficking. Never listen to your conscience. Website: marymoorelcsw.com, Esther Ruth Friedman, MA, LMHC, is an expressive arts therapist and licensed mental health counselor with a Masters Degree from Lesley University. Weekdays - 1-1-1.5 hours and one weekend day - 3-5 hours. Intervention and counseling services usually do not come cheap.