They have earned that label due to their propensity to describe cults or cult-like groups in a positive light, while summarily dismissing the claims of ex-members and other critics. Her talks have included The Psychobiology of Trauma and Child Maltreatment (2005, Madrid) and Why Cults Are Harmful: A Neurobiological View of Interpersonal Trauma (2012, Montreal). Professional investigators make excellent rescue specialists, given the addition of advanced training in the psychoemotional aspects of the assignment. Fact Source. Editor of the online journal of SOS Abusi Psicologici, Manipulation and Abuse http://www.abusievessazioni.it/; she is an expert for the Criminal Court of Udine in the branch of education, with a specialization in criminology and problems related to cultic affiliations; Italian Co-correspondent for ICSA Today. The Priest Model. Lorna has published numerous articles about her therapeutic work with former cult members in professional journals, most recently: Goldberg, L. (2012). 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. Most recently, Lorna has written a chapter entitled, Therapy with Former Members of Destructive Groups, for a book, New Religious Movements and Counseling (2018), edited by Sarah Harvey, Silke Steidinger and James A Beckford. The first four books listed here are especially recommended. Likewise, the term sect often used in Europe instead of the word cult is controversial for the same reasons. In 2014, she volunteered to interview defendants who were being, or had been, threatened by cultic litigation for an ICSA study on free speech, and reported on their experiences. ICSA Annual Conference: Visioning the Invisible: The Traumatized Bodies of Racialized Cult Members and Survivors. Colleen Russell, LMFT, CGP, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 1992, and Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) since 2008. It does not necessarily follow that a cult expert without formal counseling training cannot be effective. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. Worse, they believe they are going in the right direction! Lorna joined ICSAs Board of Directors in November 2003. Deborah Layton was involved in, and escaped from, Jim Jones Peoples Temple cult. One expert who himself lacks formal training has gained a decidedly bad reputation due to his sustained attacks on highly qualified cult experts he disagrees with, including degreed professionals. The discipline you study depends on the linguist specialization you want to pursue. 2Among cult experts you can encounter: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors, Loose Cannons, Rogues, Charlatans, et cetera. Email: Heathersvo@gmail.com, (612) 702-4716. [1] He frequently appears in the news and other media discussing groups some consider cults. ), is Research Coeditor of ICSA Today and is a cofounder of RETIRN (please also see www.retirn.com), a private practice that provides services to individuals and families who have been affected by cultic influence and abusive relationships. Ashlen is featured in Season 3 of the BET+ Original Series: American Gangster: Trap Queens. Choose a leader. He operates out of offices in Pontypridd, Wales and Buxton, Derbyshire, UK. Rosanne Henry, MA, LPC, is a psychotherapist practicing in Littleton, Colorado. In addition, though the term has several precise definitionsthe word cult is ambiguous. After her mothers death at 15, she lived with the founder of a Christian/Mystical group for two years and at 19, she was recruited into an Eastern/New Age group where she was a high-ranking member, leaving seven years later. Paranoia: To maintain a false sense of comfort, cults often rely on paranoia tactics. A case Study, Trigger warnings might prolong the aversive aspects of negative memories, ICSA Annual Conference: My Father Leader: A Parent Cult from Inside Out. They are no longer a vital expression of the Body of Christ and are becoming a cult. Helping someone leave a cult - and deal with the aftermath - requires. 1) Let the people come to you. Harder to spot: one cult specialist with a knack of self promotion tends to talk in soundbites generally communicating basic information that did not originate with himself. 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. With R.E.T.I.R.N., she addresses issues of psychological harm, cultic relationships, and counseling against coercion. The reason we use the term cult anyway is that the word tends to be the first that comes to mind when someoneis looking for help when a loved-one is caught up in, well, a cult-like group. Website: lofgrensanalys.se/en (in English) ICSA Today, Vol. She attended an ICSA former member workshop that summer, then returned to college, obtaining Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work. Some cult experts are licensed mental health counselors, while others have no formal training in counseling. Others do not provide intervention or counseling services, but rather engage in academic research. ]Many manage to leave on their own or with the help of friends and family. Over the years she has participated in numerous TV-programs and radio-programs to spread awareness about cultic groups and processes. Talking with new hires, consultants, and advisors will . He worked for many years at Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center in Albany, Ohio. Step 5: Prepare your resume. Dr. Dubrow-Marshall is a Consultant in Clinical Hypnosis (advanced certification) with the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and is certified by the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Institute. Many deal with so-called Bible-based cults (properly referred to ascults of Christianity). There is no such thing as a professional cultural expert license. To be a successful data scientist, you need to understand the customer market. Hassan, Ryan, and Shaw are part of the small field of cult experts who focus on the experiences of people who join intense ideological movements. Nobody joins acult. Choose the Right SEO Tools. Nevertheless, in most places, anyone can call themselves a consultant or offer counseling without necessarily using that term. He spent 14 years in two different eastern meditation groups (TM, International Society of Divine Love). Sometimes this means one person has to put aside his or her favorite tried-and-true strategy and try something different. If you want to contact the publishers of this website, you can do so via ApologeticsIndex.org. (781) 951-4433; gsr6418@hushmail.com. She has presented at national and international conferences in Madrid, Poland, Canada, and in Australia, where she helped organize two conferences in Brisbane. But with their snap judgments, gossip and blather, they can not hold a candle to experts who present well-reasoned, insightful analyzes. At Cult, we want to give our members the best workout experience and, therefore, having the best trainers is a no-brainer. Buyer beware: Helping people to leave a cult, or to deal with the aftermath of a cult experience, necessarily involves a certain amount of (mental health) counseling in addition to expert advice. Itsmeaning differs depending on the contextin which it is used, and often also on the perspective of the person using it. You must decide whether to entrust this process to a trained and licensed professional or an unlicensed lay expert. Leona Furnari, MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in Boulder, CO, specializing in recovery from trauma, including recovery from abusive groups, spiritual abuse and harmful relationships. 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. When selecting a cult expert it is a good idea to check with ICSA for recommendations. She has been working with former cult members and their loved ones since 1991. What are their professional credentials, if any? Used incorrectly, such articles may instead confirm what the person has come to expect: lies and persecution. Look for websites that offer a variety of research resources including original material written by recognized, respected experts. Experience: Another important aspect of obtaining a job as a cybersecurity specialist is demonstrating relevant experience. Perform acne treatments that exfoliate the skin enough to control acne, but not so much that the client cannot use home care products the next day. Her publications include The Psychobiology of Trauma and Child Maltreatment (Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 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. This protocol will be introduced to EMS programs nationwide. It's often suggested that cult leaders use brainwashing tactics to attract and keep followers . She is a psychologist in private practice in Oslo and is currently working on her memoirs. 84, No. ron@ronburksphd.com. MeadowHaven can accommodate individuals or families who require long-term (up to a year) care to recover from trauma and cultic abuse. Some cult experts are licensed mental health counselors, while others have no formal training in counseling.Helping someone leave a cult and deal with the aftermath requires a lot of counseling. Many join cults simply out of a desire to be a part of something. Brainwashing:: Cult leaders are known to repeat various lies and distortions until members find it difficult to distinguish between reality and cult life. And as mentioned, understand the difference between theological and sociological definitions of the term cult)Questions to research: Observe the general behavior and attitude of the organization, ministry or individual you have under consideration. Her areas of expertise are trauma, loss, cult and high demand group and relationship education and recovery, including those born and raised; and motherless daughters, women who have lost their mothers through death, illness, narcissism, separation, or estrangement in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Certain sites and their operators have even been known to actively whitewash groups that are widely considered cults. As mentioned earlier, when researching cults it is necessary to understandthedifferences between theological and sociological definitionsof the term cult.. 1. Step 2: Develop application support specialist skills. Start out by learning thedifferences between sociological and theological definitionsof the term cult.Knowing from which background and perspective a cult expert operates is important.Issues to understand: Cult research organizations tend to operate from a non-sectarian or secular perspective. Ms. Lofgren received treatment by Wellpring, when they came to Sweden in 1992. She has developed a practice that focuses on couples therapy, trauma work using EMDR, play and sand tray therapy. In the media, cult experts are still often referred to as deprogrammers people who deprogram someone who has been programmed by brainwashing or mind control. In 2014 Ms. 5, No. A published author and classically trained painter, she specializes in work with trauma and creativity, with cult-related trauma of particular interest. In 2010 ICSA awarded her the Margaret L. Singer Award for advancing the understanding of coercive persuasion and undue influence. He has been a cult intervention specialist (exit counseling, mediation, religious conflict resolution, thought reform consulting) since 1984. These are some of the things we have encountered that should set off alarm bells of a . Steer clear of sensationalist true crime-type books. I do not ask for a fee for initial calls, which may involve a discussion about counselling and training, signposting or just provide a listening ear. Wendy co-facilitates a monthly support group for former members of cults in the Dallas metroplex. www.dallascult.com; (214) 607-1065, Wendy Duncan, MA, LBSW, has a Masters Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a licensed social worker in the state of Texas. Some experts deal not only with cults, but also with other abusive relationships with a high degree of control, such as those that involve domestic violence or human trafficking. Co-teaching allows you to gain another person's perspective on how instruction might be improved, how students might be best assessed, what resources to use, and so much more. This course is designed for counselors, social workers, and therapists who work with victims, perpetrators, Probation and Parole professionals who desire to become more proficient surrounding Intimate Partner Violence. William Goldberg, LCSW, PsyA, is a clinical social worker and psychoanalyst with over forty years experience working with former cult members. She recovered her voice, and life, through writing, songwriting and music. That way, you can ask informed questions when you talk to counselors. Lorna has co-written with Bill Goldberg, a chapter on psychotherapy with targeted parents in the book, Working with Alienated Children and Families (2012), edited by Amy J.L. www.dallascult.com; (214) 607-1065. KG: You really stress throughout your whole book this idea of how special you feel once you learn a cult's language. A few dont. She was clinician and administrative supervisor at the Cult Clinic of the Jewish Board of Family and Childrens Services for over a decade, and received her psychoanalytic training at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies in NYC. Deprogramming. [2] [3] Ross has intervened in more than 500 deprogramming cases in various countries. In evaluating lay and professional experts, take into consideration demonstrable ability, a proven track record, and their standing among peers. Ms. Allen gained a breadth of experience volunteering at the Cult Clinic of JBFCS in NYC for three years and has gone on to work as a therapist with former cult members in community mental health. Top: Trump supporters hold a QAnon sign at a rally on Jan 5, 2021. She has presented on cults, with a particular focus on second-generation adults (SGAs) at various mental-health agencies, universities, and at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) annual conference in New Jersey. She has begun co-facilitating a cult recovery support group in the Washington DC area since 2014. He is currently involved in a project aimed at high schools in Sweden together with a professional magician with the purpose of educating and vaccinating teenagers against manipulation. To become a cybersecurity specialist, you should complete a formal educationlike a degree or a cybersecurity bootcampin information security or a related subject. Most employers seek network specialists with bachelor's degrees in information technology, computer science, computer engineering or a related field. Shincheonji Church of Jesus Cult of Christianity, the teachings and practices of groups and movements often referred to as cults, the ways in which such groups (and individuals) recruit followers, how they convince members not to leave (and to reject their parents, friends, and former way of life), how members can be encouraged to reevaluate their involvement in such groups, How to help former cult members recover from their experiences, to a licensed professional who is accountable to professional and ethical standards, or, to someone who is not subject to formal accountability, Many cult experts deal with cults and cult-related issues primarily from a, Most experts in this group work from a Christian point of view, with specific expertise in addressing. Professional help may be provided by psychologists, counselors, or other mental health professionals. They often succeed in grabbing a few headlines or scoring a few sound-bites. She has been a regular facilitator/presenter at ICSAs former-member workshops and cult-education conferences since 1998. She believes it is crucial that she meet her clients exactly where they are while using her skills to empower them towards individuality. She spent a decade as a member and womens leader in a religious cult in the Chicago suburbs during her adult formative years. She has an expertise in conflicts related to cultic affiliations and works as consultant of the Support Network Against Manipulation and Abuse in Groups for SOS Abusi Psicologici. Linda remains a spiritual person knowledgable of various belief systems and practices. She is also co-editor of ICSAs Cult Recovery: A Clinicians Guide to Working With Former Members and Their Families (2017). AtCounterCultSearch.comyou can search for information about (religious) cults, cult-like organizations, and cults experts, as well as paranormal-, New Age, and pseudo-scientific claims across 260+ websites, blogs and forums dedicated to cult research, spiritual abuse information, ex-cult counseling & support. Baker & S. Richard Sauber. 4. Image source. Make sure the expert you are evaluating is such a professional themselves not just someone working with (or referring to) a licensed counselor. Considering a new exciting career as an Cybersecurity Specialist? Rachel has also done many YouTube videos and has been interviewed on other peoples YouTube channels regarding cults, undue influence, and narcissistic abuse. Pardon received, with his wife, Judy, ICSAs Herbert L. Rosedale Award. Alexandra Stein. In1989, Lorna and Bill received the Hall of Fame Award from the authentic Cult Awareness Network and, in 1999; they received the Leo J. Ryan Award from the Leo J. Ryan Foundation. 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. If your cult has a prominent leader (you or someone else as opposed to a product or mission) then the leader needs to have skin in the game. During the past 10 years he has specialized in Bible-based communal groups and aberrational Christian groups. Thereafter she witnessed the trial and commented on the event on TV and also at a conference organized by FECRIS in Hamburg. The group, which drew on communist teachings, isolated her from her family and made her feel guilty for her privileged upbringing. In 2004 one person was killed and one was injured in the small congregation Knutby in Sweden. When you are looking for help for yourself or for someone else you come across various terms and designations. 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. Cult Rescue and Cult Exiters. If you're the one forming the cult, it's likely that you're the leader, but you need to make sure that your cult is organized for good purposes, not for your own material gain, or purposes of power grabbing. This virtual course can be attended within the comfort of your home or work environment Are they recommended by recognized experts in the field? 1952) is an American deprogrammer, cult specialist, and founder and executive director of the nonprofit Cult Education Institute. Carol Giambalvos interest in cults and thought reform began in 1978 when her step-daughter began exhibiting a drastic personality change following becoming a devotee in ISKCON. She is the Mental Health Editor for ICSA Today. Cult Brands welcome customers of all ages, races, creeds, and socioeconomic backgrounds with open arms. The people and organizations listed here are widely accepted as experts in this particular field. There you can see, among other things, whether or not someone is well connected with other experts in the field. It has become a cult. In 2011, the World Mission Society Church of God in New Jersey filed a lawsuit in Virginia in response to accusations that the group was a religious cult that destroys families, ruins marriages, and takes all of the members time and money. A graduate member of the British Psychological Society, Rod is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Cultic Studies Association and is also Chair of the ICSA Research Committee and Network and he is co-Editor of the International Journal of Cultic Studies (since its inception in 2010). We have encountered that should set off alarm bells of a desire be! 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In Social work Heathersvo @ gmail.com, ( 612 ) 702-4716 deprogrammer, cult specialist, you do... In 2004 one person was killed and one was injured in the Washington DC since. Social work tactics to attract and keep followers to contact the publishers of this website, you can encounter licensed... That should set off alarm bells of a or families who require long-term ( up to trained! With other experts in this particular field Littleton, Colorado through writing songwriting...