14 Aug 2012
I have not read it but Steven Hassan has a new book out, Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults and Beliefs.
Key themes include deceptive recruitment, vulnerability during periods of crisis, gurus as parents, cults' political influence
Key themes include deceptive recruitment, vulnerability during periods of crisis, gurus as parents, cults' political influence
Hassan’s new book, Freedom of Mind, aims to fill the gap. It identifies and explains how to identify and evaluate potentially dangerous groups and individuals. Hassan details an approach he calls the "Strategic Interactive Approach", which can be used to help a loved one leave such a situation.
Step-by-step, Hassan shows you how to: evaluate the situation; interact with dual identities; develop communication strategies using phone calls, letter writing and visits; understand and utilize cult beliefs and tactics; use reality-testing and other techniques to promote freedom of mind. He emphasizes the value of meeting with trained consultants to be effectively guided and coached and also to plan and implement effective interventions.