Religious, Spiritual Trauma & Cult Recovery
It’s time to find the true you
Leaving a toxic group or relationship is terrifying and liberating, you’re stepping into the unknown because you know it’s time to choose yourself first. Whether you’ve left, are considering leaving or are seeking support when a friend or family member is in an abusive group, we’re here to help.
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Unpack your story, validate and make sense of what you’ve been through
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Reclaim your life and voice
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Develop healthy coping mechanisms and communication skills
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Experience a deeper sense of connection with yourself and others
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Experience support from a fellow cult survivor who can relate to your experience
The Hidden Impact of Coercive Control
Cults and coercive control come in all shapes and sizes. Did you know there are actually many types of cults? From business to spiritual/religious, family, political, and one-on-one cults (i.e., toxic or abusive relationships). Sometimes, it might be difficult even to realize the group or relationship you are in is toxic; this is the impact of coercive control. It separates you from your own internal awareness and confidence.
The experience of being in a cult, abusive or toxic relationship or group is multi-faceted and might include symptoms like:
Relationship Challenges • Difficulty with Decision Making • Loss of Confidence • Loss of Identity • Cognitive Difficulties • Dissociation • Financial Problems • Shame and Guilt • Avoidance • Depression • Anxiety • Somatic Symptoms • Hypervigilance • Hypersensitivity • Mood Swings • Difficulty Connecting with Your Body • Difficulties Setting Boundaries
In our work together, we will often touch on the following topics:
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Understanding cults & coercive control
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Discovering your own personal values
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Unpacking your experience
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Recognizing your ‘cult personality’ and your true self
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Learning new tools and techniques for communication, boundary setting and living life in integrity with your values
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Reconnecting with your inner spiritual world and developing a new, safe, spiritual practice
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Speaking out, writing, etc
I work with clients who are in any stage of the exit process, from just beginning to ask the question ‘is this really right for me?’ to those ready to walk out the door and never look back, those who were forced out of the group, and even the families of current or former cult members.
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Leaving a coercive control group or cult is a feat in and of itself, I would know; I spent eight years in a new-age spiritual cult myself. As a cult survivor, I recognize the excruciating need for experts in the field of cultic abuse recovery. It’s imperative to work with someone who knows and understands cults, coercive control and undue influence to help you navigate the world on the other side of your experience within the group. In addition to my own experience and learning I have trained with Steven Hassan, PhD a known expert in the field of cultic studies and coercive control.
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My specific knowledge, experience, and expertise regarding cults and coercive control support include most new-age spiritual belief systems, Scientology, MLMs, abusive relationships, alternative health and wellness, medical abuse, and some Christianity / Fundamentalism.
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Utilizing a compassionate and informed approach, I assist people who have been involved in such groups, helping you navigate the complex process of disentanglement. Exit counseling involves providing emotional support, education on coercive control dynamics, and empowering you to make informed choices about your new life. I aim to guide you toward reclaiming your autonomy, fostering personal growth, and establishing a foundation for a healthier and more independent future.
If you're questinging if the group, religion or relationship you're in is healthy or if it might be toxic, abusive or kinda culty, you're in the right place. Most therapists don't have training in coercive control, cult dynamics and religious trauma which can be exhausting to survivors who are looking for help. Having to explain your cult, how it worked, and even sometimes why it was bad shouldn't be on the shoulders of the survivor, but it often is.
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I spent eight years in a new-age spiritual cult, and it was through my process of leaving, deconstructing, and rebuilding my life that I found a great passion for helping others do the same. Working with someone who has first-hand experience with the vague and often confusing ways that abuse and harm take place within emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually abusive cults, high-control religions, groups, and relationships can make a profound impact on your healing. You don't need to explain how a cult works, and my background and education in coercive control means I likely already know at least a little bit about how your cult operates.
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The cult I was in was heavily influenced by Scientology and some facets of Christianity and Buddhism. I also have experience with abusive relationships and family dynamics, particularly those that are covert and subtle. I've experienced first-hand the effects and impacts of mind control, unethical hypnotism, implanted phobias and fears, and the high exit costs of leaving such a group.
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Leaving a toxic group is a scary process, but it's ultimately freeing. I've never looked back on the toxic relationships, groups, and cults that I've left, wishing I had stayed longer. My joy in helping people recover from this type of harm is the open canvas you have to re-create your life and your belief systems in a way that honors you and your unique experience of the world.
