What is a Cult? Margaret Singer, Cults in our Midst, 1996. 1. An all encompassing
movement which members devote a majority of time and energy. 2. Headed ...
Cyndi H. Matthews, PhD, LPC-S, NCC New Horizons Center for Healing TAMU-Commerce; UNT-Dallas November, 2013
My Interest in This Topic Two Clients Jonestown; Waco:
David Koresh; FLDS: Warren Jeffs Growing up: Moonies What about the children?
Elissa Wall: Former FLDS Member Stolen Innocence At first paralyzed by fear: “What if they’re right?” “What if I’ve made a mistake
and I really am going to hell?” Everything in the outside world is strange and unfamiliar
How do I dress and do my hair? How do I handle
money/financial issues? How do I find work? What about an education? I miss my family and friends Family and friends continue to pray for her demise and lash out against her
What is a Religious Cult? Life-encompassing religious organization that seeks to control members’ choices, decisions, and lives (Singer 2003; Zablocki 1997). Concern regarding high potential for manipulation, abuse, control, and exploitation of group members Individuals born and raised in cults experience a variety of psychological and emotional challenges once they leave their groups and begin the process of integrating into society (Lalich & Tobias 2006; Moyers 1994; Wall 2008).
Difference Between a Cult and a Religious Organization? Is it a cult or not?
Religion
Matter of degree – not whether it is or not. You can be in a cult and not have a cult experience. -Enclosed community versus “In the world.”
Cult
What is a Cult?
Margaret Singer, Cults in our Midst, 1996 1. An all encompassing movement which
members devote a majority of time and energy 2. Headed and created by a self-appointed (also by God) leader who proclaims to be in contact with a supernatural being or has supernatural powers 3. Organized around members’ devotion to this leader and the organization itself
What is a Cult? Cont. (Singer, 2003)
4. The leader tells members (either explicitly or
implicitly) to lose relationships with the outside world including friends and family 5. The outside world is seen as inferior and it teaches members they are part of an elite group 6. Causes any of its members harm (can be physical, social, or emotional) 7. An organization where members spend time together on a daily basis
What Thought Reform Techniques Do Cults Use? (Singer, 1996; Lifton, 1961)
Step by step behavioral process of conditioning to get
members to make a deeper commitment
Control information & communication, confession, purity
Control the physical and social environment – esp. time Systematically create a sense of powerlessness in the person Limit support group; group speak; attack previous or outside world
Manipulate rewards and punishments to inhibit behavior
from former person’s identity Manipulate rewards and punishments to promote group’s belief systems or behaviors Closed system of logic from an authoritarian structure
Cult Critic vs. Cult Apologist International Cultic Studies
Association (ICSA) Cult Apologists (current members, other researchers) Defends; emphasizes choice, positive aspects of being part of a cult: Less drug use; idealistic values; decreased depression Cult Critics (most researchers) Emphasize mind control; abuse; negative psychological affects of group (during and after)
Terms
Cult - controversial Used by cult critics Predominant in literature Most searched term on internet High Intensity Faith Group & Highly Restrictive Religious Organization Used by apologists and critics Softens cult stereotypes and negativity High Demand Organization Used by apologists and critics Very vague – includes psychoanalytic, political, new age groups, etc New Religious Movement Used by apologists
Some Statistics: The International Cultic Studies Association
(ICSA) estimates more than 2,500,000 individuals in the United States and Canada have joined cultic groups over the past 30-40 years (McCabe, 2007)
estimates there are more than 5000 cultic
groups operating in the USA and Canada from 5 members to millions in each group (Singer, 2003)
More Statistics Five (5)% of those who pass through cults
during their lifetime stay long enough to have and raise children in these groups (McCabe,
2007)
Low estimate: there are approximately
125,000 people in the U.S. who were either born or raised in a cultic group (McCabe, 2007)
Over 1/3 of therapists/counselors report
having worked with a former cult/high intensity faith group member (Lottick, 2005)
Background
st 1
Generation
Who joins? Middle class, intelligent individuals, going through normal life transitions (usually idealistic/altruistic individuals) (Frame, 2003) Those who are influenced by persuasion and subtle manipulation tactics (25% by strangers, 75% people they know) (Langone, 2010) 2nd generation – born into the group – know no other way
Background
st 1
generation
Why do they join and then stay? Need for belonging is met – support, love, acceptance (Aranoff, 2000; Langone, 1994) Gain a new identity (Aranoff, 2000) May believe in underlying teachings (Aranoff, 2000) Certainty in answers – black and white thinking (Langone, 1994)
Less depression/anxiety than before joined group (Buxtant & Saroglou, 2008)
2nd generation - know no other way
Background
st 1
&
nd 2
generation
What makes it difficult to leave? Peer pressure from group members (Burke, 2006) Lose contact with outside world – no outside ties & no outside information (Danley, 2004) Fear of repercussions – eternal damnation, group members, lose relationships in group (Burke, 2006) Thought reform / manipulation (Boeri, 2001) Physical & emotional exhaustion – so busy no time to think (Frame, 2003)
Background
st 1
&
nd 2
Generation
Why do they leave? Contact with outside world, family, loved ones – connect with who they used to be (Danley, 2004; Langone, 1994)
Discover hypocrisy of leader(s) (Danley, 2004) Discover hypocrisy of members (Danley, 2004) Discuss doubts with an intimate (Langone, 1994) Become disenfranchised with group’s ability to deliver
on its promises (Langone, 1994) Forced to leave (Wall, 2007) Education, counseling, internet sources (Matthews, 2012; Matthews & Salazar, 2013)
Background
st 1
Generation
What happens once they leave? What do they
experience?
Feelings of betrayal, loss of trust, sense of being
“spiritually raped” or abused (Langone, 1994) Feelings of emptiness, depression, anxiety, lacking selfconfidence (Langone, 1994) Suicidal and self-destructive tendencies (Dahlen, 1997) Feelings of loss and grief – over years lost, loss of group support, loss of members/friends in group (Coates, 2010)
What about Second Generation?
Most research focuses on 1st generation
and how to reconnect, rediscover, reintegrate Individuals born and raised in cults are more likely than other individuals to experience: Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) Neglect Attachment Disorder Lack education/marketable job skills Lack decision making-skills; socialization skills Suffer from anxiety, PTSD, depression, low selfesteem, suicidal ideation
Purpose of My Study – Qualitative (Interviews)
The Void
Grounded Theory
Address the void and explore differences concerning second and first generation adult former cult group members and their subsequent experiences, needs, and concerns Former cult members shared their experiences in an attempt to: provide counselors with a contextual picture increase understanding and competence of
professional therapists and counselors when dealing with these individuals
Participants Purposeful Sampling Second generation adult former high intensity faith group members – born and raised in cults 18+ years of age (Adult) Participant’s group met the definition of cult as defined by Singer (2003) 15 former cult members Referrals from other therapists
Referral from Dallas Cult-Therapy Group Referrals from ICSA 13 Bible-Based, 2 Eastern origin – 8 different cults 14 females, 1 male; all Caucasian Ages 18-56 Been out of cult 2 – 35 years
Interview Questions
Introduction:
What do I need to know about your experience in
the group to help me understand you? Research Question 1: Deciding to Leave Talk to me about your decision to leave the group. What kinds of concerns led up to your final decision to leave? Research Question 2: Leaving Describe to me the process you went through in leaving the group. What kinds of issues made it difficult for you to leave? What made it easier for you to leave the group?
Research Question 3a: Life Outside Tell me what it has been like for you integrating into life outside of the group. What kinds of things did you struggle with initially? Research Question 3b: Life Today What do you continue to struggle with as a result of your former group life? Tell me what you miss about your former group life. Tell me what you don’t miss about your former group life. Summary: What else would you like me to know about being in the group, leaving the group, or integrating into life outside the group?
Criteria for Evaluating Constructivist Grounded Theory (Charmaz, 2003, 2008) Credibility: ability to support claimed findings Progressive subjectivity (Mertens, 2010)
Journal, committee, personal reflexivity Peer and expert review Prolonged and persistent engagement Member checking Triangulation Discrepant/Negative data Audit Trail
Themes
1. Patriarchy and Gender Roles
7. Abuse
2. Decision Making
8. Outside Influences
5. Relationship with Parents
11. Fear and Courage*
3. Obedience to Authority 9. Sense of Identity* 4. Group and Relationship 10. Emotional Consequences* Support
6. Religiosity and Spirituality
12. Long Process of Change*
* over-arching theme
1. Patriarchy and Gender Roles
All participants experienced patriarchy
and rigid gender roles in family and church – used as a method of control Patriarchy and rigid gender roles led to subjugation of women and domination by men Some women chose to leave because they wanted more than cult could offer After leaving participants experienced marriage difficulties and difficulties with superior/subordinate relationships
Patriarchy and Gender Roles “I got married, we had kids, and we had four kids. I was the perfect wife, mother, homemaker . . . You’re going to become dependent. And not question it . . . And I wasn’t happy” (Participant #5-1-3).
Counselors: Assess patriarchy and gender roles – educate client regarding manipulation/control techniques of cult Egalitarian roles, assess power dynamics
2. Decision Making
In the cult authority figures make all
decisions – members not allowed to question Some left because they were tired of obeying and blindly following leader’s decisions Some enjoyed making new decisions – others felt lost and confused Difficulties with black and white thinking, magical thinking, having one right answer
Decision Making “I didn’t have anything. I
lost my gyroscope is what I think because if I wasn’t in the truth – it’s either the truth or it’s a lie. So what all else do I believe that are lies? Can I smoke? And at the same time I still wasn’t sure if I was going to stay or if I was going to leave my husband. I started to question everything. I had to.” (Participant #2-1-16)
Counselors: Teach clients about cult mind control Teach goal setting practice with small decisions Help clients learn from mistakes Teach decision making skills and help clients explore “the grey” area
3. Obedience to Authority In cult forced to submit to
authority without question Those who questioned subject to humiliation and possible abuse Some left because they did not agree with authority figures or means of control Today have difficulty trusting authority figures – initial reaction is to rebel
Obedience to Authority “I didn’t know what I was submitting and obeying
to because I never saw behind the scenes. It’s kind of like Wizard of Oz. That’s what I tell people. My experience was like Wizard of Oz. Not until you get behind that curtain do you really know what’s happening. And the minute that I saw what was really happening (chuckles), ‘No, this is not what I signed up for.’” (Participant #2-1-11) Counselors: analysis of power, client/counselor egalitarian relationship, help clients empower themselves
4. Group and Relationship Support
In cult all relationship support
comes from cult – isolated from world Some left because they did not “fit in” with cult During leaving process shunned or ostracized by cult members Today difficulty with relationships, deal with loss of family & friends, loss of personal history, feel judged by others because of cult background
Group and Relationship Support “Every person that I
had ever known in my entire life would not be able to speak to me at all. Even a greeting . . . I had to start over socially” (Participant #9-1-13).
Counselors: Help find social and
emotional support groups Discuss healthy boundaries and trust in relationships
5. Relationship With Parents Parents have full authority over children in cult (fathers have authority, mothers nurture; fathers use anger/punishment, mothers use guilt/shame) Parents put children’s needs second to cult Teenagers leaving rebelled against both parents and cult Those leaving with parents found transition smoother Leaving parents behind emotionally straining Anger at fathers, confusing relationship with mothers Parents continue to put cult first, children second Guarded conversations with parents
Relationship with Parents Counselors: expectations with my Understand clients relationship with my working through dad – it’s not going to past abuse and be a Hallmark card . . . family of origin the church is the only issues at same time thing that matters to Help clients cope him” (Participant #9-2). with anger, pain, and grief of leaving parents behind
“I just had to lower my
6. Religiosity and Spirituality Religiosity and spirituality synonymous while in cult
– obey and be blessed Cult only way to Heaven, Nirvana, or enlightenment – organization perfect Some left because questioned doctrine or leaders Outside sources, books, internet blogs/chats provided support to leave Questioned self and relationship with God when leaving Today religiosity and spirituality are now different Today lack of trust towards any church organization
Religiosity and Spirituality Counselors: spiritual. I believe in a Normalize spiritual and Creator, Being, or Nature religious anger and but I don’t call it God. I confusion find in religion that men get in the way, religion is Educate regarding cult about men. Spirituality is thought reform and about the Creator, being a manipulation holistic person” Encourage spiritual growth (Participant #11-2). and questioning Encourage asking questions of religions and their leaders before joining
“I consider myself
7. Abuse
All participants experienced abuse: psychological/emotional, physical, sexual in name of cult group (spiritual abuse) Participated in abuse of “disobedient” or “defiant” members Some left because could not tolerate abuse they suffered or inflicted upon others Some left because angry, depressed, or physically ill because of abuse Abuse during leaving: threats, shunning Today still deal with depression, anger, guilt, physical symptoms, feel vulnerable to abuse Difficulty disciplining own children today
Abuse
“I was scared all the time . . . I never had nightmares before that. I had problems sleeping and my thoughts were racing too much” (Participant #6-1-5).
Counselors: Assess for past abuse and trauma Help clients explore and unravel threats and curses Parent education Explore guilt about past abuses toward others
8. Outside Influences Outside influences seen as evil (school, work,
counseling) – most participants were homeschooled Participants donated all time, energy, and money to cult Outside educational influences and counseling gave participants new ways of thinking/doing/being Counseling and schooling empowered and strengthened those leaving – continues to help today Feel behind in education, finances, and employment Difficulty with how to spend time
Outside Influences “People of the world . . .
bad associations will lead to bad habits. You were not to associate with other people” (Participant #8-1-1). “My whole life was at the church” (Participant #1-1-23).
Counselors: View counseling as psycho-educational (financial, living arrangements, educational and career plans) Help clients empower themselves to integrate into society
*9. Sense of Identity Cult taught members how to be and act –
personalities formed in cult Most had two personalities – one in cult and one outside Some left because did not “fit in” Once they left they felt lost and confused about who they were – had to redefine self Reported feeling lost, confused, different, behind, child-like, naïve Glad to discover true personality without cult
Sense of Identity “I had to find and
recognize an inner voice. At first I ignored it in the cult. I wasn’t allowed to and I couldn’t follow my gut. I am trying to learn to recognize it now. I feel it in my gut” (Participant #14-2). “The fake person is gone” (Participant #2-1-22).
Counselors: Encourage exploration of personality – authentic self Expect confusion, depression, and feelings of alienation in self-exploration
*10. Emotional Consequences While in cult reported feeling judged, guilty, and
angry as a result of manipulation, abuse, control Some left because of anger towards parents and/or leaders Experienced guilt, anger, and exhilaration while leaving – variety of emotions Continue to deal with guilt, anger, shame, and depression today
Emotional Consequences Counselors: “I was pissed and I Assess for feelings of still am! . . . They owe guilt, shame, anger, me an apology! I did depression & PTSD nothing wrong! . . . I Help clients work feel wronged by them through emotions . . . They don’t know Assist clients in becoming how to treat people” more self-accepting and (Participant #9-1-18). less self-critical Process grief and loss
*11. Fear and Courage
Leaders manipulated and controlled by inducing
fear in members (threats, shunning, humiliation, abuse) Taught to fear outside world In spite of fear found the courage to leave Found courage through others leaving with them or someone helping from outside Today continue to face “demons in their closets” as a result of unresolved issues Find courage to speak out for others
Fear and Courage “It takes a lot of courage to
leave and make something of your life. You have to have the courage to fight against your family and to face a world you have been taught is scary and evil. I had the fear of being judged by the cult members and also by the people in the world. I was afraid of shunning, like when they shunned Simba in The Lion King. He was disgraced – and it did happen to me. (Participant #8-2)
Counselors: Help clients understand fear tactics used in cult Explore fears and phobias – realistic? Remind clients of courage it took to leave cult to help face new challenges
*12. Long Process of Change Leaving took much thought and reflection “It was really hard leaving. I felt like I was falling for about 18 months. Like Alice in Wonderland” (Participant #2-1-25). Continue to face issues today – feel forever
affected and damaged because of cult experiences “There’s lots of hard drive in there. And sometimes
I have to isolate that . . . And then I have to evaluate it based on what is really the deal” (Participant #91-32).
Counselors: normalize long process - explore guilt
Implications for Counselors Know about manipulation/thought control tactics of
cults & educate clients bout these tactics Assess the client’s individual experience – exploring their unique experience Teach new skills for decision making and goal setting – helping clients look at a variety of options & the positive aspects of making mistakes Explore support outside of the cult – teach relationship skills, help find social & emotional support Explore grief experienced by leaving family, friends, and past behind Encourage spiritual & religious growth
Implications for Counselors Explore effects of abuse (threats, curses, physical & sexual
harm, emotional & spiritual harm) Explore guilt of inflicting harm on others while in cult – self-forgiveness Help clients integrate into the outside world by teaching basic life skills – finances, educational & career planning, parent education, discipline Normalize depression, mistrust, guilt, confusion, feelings of anger, and alienation Remind clients of courage it took to leave the cult – further develop these skills Recommend books and online support groups
Any Questions?
