Two psychoanalysts, specialist in cult recovery, discuss "Life after a Cult", a radio programme. Lorna Goldberg and her partner William are clinical social workers who started one of the first support groups for cult members and their friends and family.
A cult is an organization which has a leader who claims to have special knowledge, or unique view of the world, which caused rapid changes in individuals behaviour.
Lorna highlights the amount of deception and secrecy involved in such groups and points out most people don't know what they are getting into and the struggles adherents experience during their time with the cult and how they push their doubts away using the techniques of the cults. Especially relating to children growing up in the cult, she talks of their abuse and neglect. Bill also mentions "therapy cults" and the rule of fear (e.g. the leader's wrath, exclusion etc).
A cult is an organization which has a leader who claims to have special knowledge, or unique view of the world, which caused rapid changes in individuals behaviour.
Lorna highlights the amount of deception and secrecy involved in such groups and points out most people don't know what they are getting into and the struggles adherents experience during their time with the cult and how they push their doubts away using the techniques of the cults. Especially relating to children growing up in the cult, she talks of their abuse and neglect. Bill also mentions "therapy cults" and the rule of fear (e.g. the leader's wrath, exclusion etc).
From ABC News
What happens to people who have left 'high demand' groups, as cults have been dubbed in the academic literature, and ventured to live 'on the outside'? Fear, shame, and a high degree of dependence can make maintaining relationships and a job very difficult. Lorna Goldberg is president of the International Cultic Studies Association and, together with her husband William, counsels ex-cult members in a support group they have run since 1976.
Regardless of size, cults can have dire effects on followers ...