A number of experts and their organizations claim to be . [See: What is a cult? Countless people are or have been trapped in High Demand groups. A few dont. Bavarian Illuminati. For instance, some Institutes are merely one-person efforts. Anyone can use it, regardless of their skills, approach, or acceptance by recognized authorities in the field. Itsmeaning differs depending on the contextin which it is used, and often also on the perspective of the person using it. Never listen to your conscience. He and his wife Vicki wrote Damaged Disciples: Casualties of Authoritarian Churches and the Shepherding Movement, published by Zondervan. Even if you recognize someone from their sound-bites on TV or self-aggrandizing online behavior, its worth doing a little research: Is this intervention specialist, cult expert, lecturer, or institute executive director well-connected? BRAINDAAMAGE Dont You Want To Become A Cult Leader? EARDRUMDAAMAGEReleased on: 202. Apparently, this cult was opposed superstition, obscurantism . He is trained in EMDR and other trauma treatment modalities. She was one of the original founders of reFocus and the original Cult Awareness Network, NY/NJ chapter. Cultic relationships are not limited to marriages or domestic partnerships, but can also occur in situations where one person is in a position of power and the other is not. 1. He has been a cult intervention specialist (exit counseling, mediation, religious conflict resolution, thought reform consulting) since 1984. www.dallascult.com; (214) 607-1065. info@NewMilfordCounseling.com 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. She has a Certificate of Proficiency in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders issued by the American Psychological Association. They are no longer a vital expression of the Body of Christ and are becoming a cult. With a broad range of professional experience, she has served at community mental health centers, medical centers, and the Jewish Family & Children Service. To facilitate the recovery process, MeadowHaven, a long-term rehabilitation facility, was opened in 2002. 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. 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. No need for us to reinvent the wheel: See How to find a qualified therapist. She also serves as a thought reform consultant helping families with loved ones in cultic or high-control groups or relationships. In 1999, he received the John G. Clark Award for Distinguished Scholarship and Cultic Studies from the International Cultic Studies Association, and he has been involved in research with former cult members since 1993. Note: Many experts on cults do not refer to themselves as cult experts. He is also interested in the implementation of codes of ethical practices in all kind of organizations and associations in Spain. 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. And while not all may necessarily agree with each other on various issues, they are known to treat each other with professional courtesy. There are no specific requirements to join. Only post-nominal letters indicate that the person has a position, academic degree, accreditation, etc. This model is explained in the ICSA Book on Cult Recovery in a chapter entitled Relational Psychoeducational Intensive: Time Away for Post-Cult Counselling. Many families have become divided over online political conspiracy theories, but the science on "brainwashing" is weak. Someone with only lay knowledge may well be able to fix your leaky faucet or repaint your living room. Dylesia Barner, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and a second-generation adult survivor. She realized she had been in a cult in 2004 after talking with a former member, reading Margaret Singers Cults in our Midst, and visiting the ex-member website. Since 2009 she has also treated patients who grew up in different high demand groups. Jose Fernndez has a Degree in Psychology from the University of Barcelona and is credited as a Psychologist and Psychotherapist by the EFPA (European Federation of Psychologists Associations). Bottom line: be aware that some organizations, websites and individuals listed on ICSAs links page are not necessarily recommended by the organization. These are some of the things we have encountered that should set off alarm bells of a . They're masters at expressing their feelings and making their followers relate to them. ICSA is aninterdisciplinary networkof academicians, professionals, former group members, and familieswho study and educate the public about social-psychological influence and control, authoritarianism, and zealotry in cultic groups, alternative movements, and other environments. Website: http://www.sosabusipsicologici.it/?lang=en Email: c.caparesi@gmail.com Phone: +39 3384440566. A cult is a group with a particular and often dangerously fanatical ideology that has certain characteristics. This can give him or her a different perspective on the group and its leaders. 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. Unfortunately, some experts who are very good at marketing themselves are exactly the ones to stay away from. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. 10 Steps to Become an SEO Expert. 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. Who are their professional contacts and affiliations? She has attended four ICSA conferences, as a former member and mental health practitioner. Ron is a former president of the Wellspring board and is a clinical advisor to both Wellspring and Meadowhaven, a treatment center near Boston. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 7 to 9 years years to become a specialist. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Buxton International Festival and is Chair of the Board of the Preston Guild Link charity (in Lancashire, UK) which is fundraising for the next Preston Guild cultural festival in 2032! She received a Master of Social Work from Norfolk State University in 2013 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Old Dominion University in 2011. Some take an angry, argumentative or even belligerent approach, while others are far too nice. The fear (and fascination) with cults is nothing new and movies about cults have been around since we started making films. There are many capable counselors who do not have official degrees and or licenses. Some cult observers market themselves with great titles. 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. You will need to decide whether to entrust this to a licensed professional or a lay expert. 2Among cult experts you can encounter: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors, Loose Cannons, Rogues, Charlatans, et cetera. or nave people. Credentialing Specialist salary data. 4 To understand ICSAs approach, read its policy regarding thebenefits of dialoguebetween parties that may not see eye to eye on cult-related issues. Nevertheless, in most places, anyone can call themselves a consultant or offer counseling without necessarily using that term. To further her understanding of her life experiences and develop a career using these invaluable life learnings Linda began her journey towards becoming a Mental Health Clinical Counselor. Again, we recommend that you begin your research at the International Cultic Studies Association. 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. 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. He is a licensed and Board-certified counseling psychologist whose involvement in cultic studies began with a participant-observation study of Unification Church training in their Eastern seminary (in Barrytown, NY) in the spring of 1975. Just about everyone draws the line when it comes to the really bad apples. 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. www.ecb-nashville.org. She attended an ICSA former member workshop that summer, then returned to college, obtaining Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work. Note: Never assume that such a title (e.g., cult specialist, consultant, or cult expert) is an indication of professional competence. 615-212-8955, Doug Duncan, MS, LPC, was a member of an aberrant religious group for over twenty years. In 2004 one person was killed and one was injured in the small congregation Knutby in Sweden. She is a Somatic Experiencing practitioner and a Certified EMDR Consultant. You must decide whether to entrust this process to a trained and licensed professional or an unlicensed lay expert. steve@dreichel.com Intervention and counseling services usually do not come cheap. Some individuals or organizations may work on a sliding scale (i.e. 302.368.9136 (Office) Most cult experts themselves no longer use the terminology of deprogramming because of the controversies surrounding this intervention process. 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. He offers psychotherapy to former members of cults and is also employed as a consultant by the help organization for former cult members in Sweden, Hjlpkllan, to train their nationwide network of volunteer workers. Some are written by respected cult experts, and some by informed lay (experience) experts. 3. Newark, DE 19711 Helping someone leave a cult - and deal with the aftermath - requires. Robert Pardon, MDiv, ThM, is the Executive Director of the New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR) and MeadowHaven. Some cult experts view cults primarily from a theological perspective, others from a sociological perspective, and still others consider both perspectives. Thereafter she witnessed the trial and commented on the event on TV and also at a conference organized by FECRIS in Hamburg. However, a lay counselor may expose himself or herself to the liability associated with practicing without a license. Your decision: Consider whether you entrust your loved ones care. In 2016 he received ICSAs Herbert L. Rosedale Award at the Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. She has presented at multiple ICSA conferences and webinars on a variety of topics, interviewed on several podcasts, as well as published an article forICSA Today10.2 / 2019on, The Genesis, Text, and Implications of Utah House Bill 214: Office for Victims of Crime Amendments. And number two: "Maintain your relationship with that person no matter what." Lorna joined ICSAs Board of Directors in November 2003. aLicensed Mental Health Counselor, and/or someone certified by theNational Board for Certified Counselors), and for non-licensed and non-certified people who charge feesin exchange for their services. ICSA Annual Conference: Life after spiritual abuse, reflecting on my own experience. 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. Great tips on how to start you're own Cult! 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. In evaluating lay and professional experts, take into consideration demonstrable ability, a proven track record, and their standing among peers. With the support of a Department of Labor grant, Shelly works with an interdisciplinary team designing and implementing curricula that mitigates psychological trauma reactions for EMTs, paramedics, and their patients. When you are looking for help for yourself or for someone else you come across various terms and designations. Never back down. The people and organizations listed here are widely accepted as experts in this particular field. If there is no consistency, the transition period may stretch for 3-4 years. MeadowHaven can accommodate individuals or families who require long-term (up to a year) care to recover from trauma and cultic abuse. Knowing something about the background and nature of a particular group-including its founder, leaders, doctrines, and practices-will also help you better evaluate lay and professional experts with whom you come into contact. But youll find they have a proven track record. Heather is herself a former member of a small personality cult in the 1980s. Listings were not solicited, and cannot be bought. Some professionals as well as lay people specialize in dealing with cult problems. The organizations top management originated within the group, but is no longer affiliated, having been sold by the owners a few years ago. Choose the Right SEO Tools. Members come from a wide variety of backgrounds. She has been a regular facilitator/presenter at ICSAs former-member workshops and cult-education conferences since 1998. 1 Others need professional help and subsequent counseling. 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. Regardless of whether a cult deprogrammer is a licensed private investigator or not, they will certainly use all the tools of a detective in order to accomplish their mission. This applies to all exercises specialists such as personal trainers and yoga practitioners. cult, usually small group devoted to a person, idea, or philosophy. Take time for meditation. Ms. Furnari is a former member of an Eastern/New Age group, and it was that experience that led to her commitment to help others recover from abusive groups or cultic experiences. Directors for reFOCUS, and as an adjunct instructor at Middle Tennessee State University. 5. But one thing that continually comes up is that most people who become involved with a cult are going . Sometimes this means one person has to put aside his or her favorite tried-and-true strategy and try something different. 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. For about 20 years she has been involved in helping former members of different high demand groups in Sweden as a volunteer in the support group FRI and as a member of the board of the support group SESAM in Sweden. What is a Licensed Professional Counselor? She is a member of the Mental Health and Research committees for ICSA. She has developed a practice that focuses on couples therapy, trauma work using EMDR, play and sand tray therapy. He is particularly interested in assisting clients in resolving their psychological impediments to receiving authentic love from others, and loving others and God. She presented this paper at the October 2016 Pratt Institute conference: Art of Mentalizing: Communicating the Unknown, with Peter Fonagy as the keynote speaker. Linda is an avid reader of all things psychology relatedincluding individual and group exploitation. She has developed an approach to counselling former members Post-Cult Counselling which is either delivered in weekly sessions, intensively over a few days (Time Away for Post Cult Counselling) and in Psychoeducational Recovery Workshops for up to 9 individuals. 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. Many cult experts are listed, affiliated with and/or recommended by widely recognized organizations such as theInternational Cultic Studies Association(ICSA). Requires systematic study and dedicated time to IT. She currently runs a psychodynamic group on creativity and trauma for those also in psychodynamic individual psychotherapy, where cult trauma is mainstreamed with other forms of trauma. a lot of counseling. Website: lofgrensanalys.se/en (in English) They often succeed in grabbing a few headlines or scoring a few sound-bites. Cult Intervention is defined as an educational process utilizing a professional consultant. 302.598.1330 (Cell) In 1983, she and her husband, Noel, left their associations with est, The Hunger Project and Sterling Institute and began a personal search for information to aid their recovery process. 84, No. Fact Source. She has a private practice in a suburb of Los Angeles and also runs a weekly Former Cult Member Support group in her office. Bill is a frequent speaker at ICSA conferences, and he and Lorna have been the recipients of the Authentic CAN Hall of Fame Award and the Leo J. Ryan Award. If you want to contact the publishers of this website, you can do so via ApologeticsIndex.org. If you are helping someone who is trapped in a cult, it pays to familiarize yourself with the terminology and issues surrounding cults. She is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, USA, and a registered psychologist with the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, USA. Over the years she has participated in numerous TV-programs and radio-programs to spread awareness about cultic groups and processes. Ensure accurate security tools are running properly, including anti-virus software and firewalls. For becoming a Cult trainer, all we look for is an open mind and a willingness to learn. After working on their cult recovery issues by reading all the available cult literature, attending conferences, and becoming involved with ICSA, Doug and Wendy started a ministry to increase the awareness and understanding of cults. The WMSCOG in NJ ultimately dropped the lawsuit and refiled the complaint in a New Jersey Court in 2012. Some hygiene routines take longer than others, especially if you need help maintaining your hair, say, or struggle with acne. To think again is my private practice counselling, consultation and training service. There is no such thing as a professional cultural expert license. Other terms you may hear are: high-demand groups, LGATs, intentional communities. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, The American Group Psychotherapy Association, The San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group, and The Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society. Step 3: Complete relevent training/internship. 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