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Cult Recovery Professionals
People Leave Cults is dedicated to helping survivors of abusive groups and relationships in their post-cult journey.
One of the ways that we foster community in the cult recovery space is through collaborations with helping professionals with a diverse array of education, experiences, and expertise.
By sharing this information with you, we share our hope that by improving cult recovery resources for former group members, we can continue to fight the impact of destructive cults in the years to come.
People Leave Cults is proud to highlight professionals who demonstrate empathy and understanding in their work with survivors and see the value in fostering community within the cult recovery space.
Cult Recovery, Complex Trauma, and Art Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach
Presented by Ashlen Hilliard MSc, PSS; Dr. Erin Falconer PhD, MSc, LMSW; Natalee Bigger Stockdale MA, ATR-BC, LPCC, NCC
Target Audience: Survivors and Helping professionals
This presentation delves into the intersection of cult recovery, complex trauma, and the innovative application of art therapy as a transformative modality for survivors.
Presented and prepared for the American Art Therapy Association’s (AATA) Virtual Conference [Clinical Settings Track] on October 27, 2024.
Learn more about this resource and why it matters, or click to purchase below!
Cult Media Messaging: Feeling Comfortable with Sharing Your Story
Presented by Dhyana Levey, MSc – Founder of Cult Media Messaging.
Target Audience: Survivors interested in sharing their story
People who have left cults are sometimes approached by members of the media to discuss their experiences. Participating can have upsides and downsides.
Learn more about this resource and why it matters, or click to purchase below!
An Exploration of the Nature of Internal Experiences (Religious, Mystical, Feelings) And the Role They May Play in Conversion and Group Commitment
Presented by Patrick Ryan, Ashlen Hilliard, Joe Kelly, Yuval Laor
Target Audience: Survivors interested in sharing their story
Disclaimer: This session was delivered for the 2023 ICSA Conference. The speaker of this session does not speak on behalf of ICSA as an organization.
Abstract: Using 4-5 case examples, we will discuss how internal experiences may be understood from the perspective of different disciplines. We will discuss experiences including: perceiving golden light bodies, levitating, Kundalini and glossolalia.
The Relationship Between Reproductive Coercion, Psychologically Abusive Environments, and the Extent of Group Identity in a Sample of Those Who Have Left Cultic Groups
Presented by Ashlen Hilliard
Target Audience: Anyone
Disclaimer: This session was delivered for the 2023 ICSA Conference. The speaker of this session does not speak on behalf of ICSA as an organization.
Ashlen Hilliard presents her research conducted as part of the MSc Psychology of Coercive Control Program. Reproductive coercion interferes with an individual's rights and freedoms related to reproductive health decisions and decision-making to maintain power and control over the individual and prevent autonomy (Grace & Anderson, 2018). The accounts of those in cultic groups who experience a lack of reproductive autonomy are vital when reviewing existing definitions surrounding reproductive coercion. Existing understandings in the literature on reproductive coercion highlight that this particular form of coercion may be perpetrated by current or former intimate relationships, parents, or extended familial relationships (Grace & Anderson, 2018). However, in the context of those in cultic groups, the source of reproductive coercion may extend beyond an intimate relationship or family member. Potential sources of influence that may disrupt reproductive autonomy in cultic groups may include but are not limited to, the presence of a cult leader, cultural factors, or group ideological beliefs. Ashlen’s research is the first exploratory analysis of the complex experiences of individuals who have experienced reproductive coercion while under the influence of a cultic or destructive group setting. Her research fills an identifiable gap in the literature by specifically studying how reproductive coercion manifests in destructive group settings, which has only been anecdotally alluded to from survivor accounts.
Q&A was not recorded.
Perspectives on Group Involvement: Exploring the Experiences of Those Who Joined a Group and Those Born or Raised in a Cultic Environment (Second-Generation [SGA] and Multigeneration [MGA] Adults)
Presented by Ashlen Hilliard, Joe Kelly, Lisa Kohn, Patrick Ryan
Target Audience: Survivors and helping professionals
Disclaimer: This session was delivered for the 2023 ICSA Conference. The speaker of this session does not speak on behalf of ICSA as an organization.
This session will examine models/theories of group involvement (Cult, Influence, Deception, Lifton, Hassan, Singer) and the applicability they may provide for understanding and recovering from a group experience. Four former members (first generation, second-generation, and multigeneration) will discuss the usefulness of these models in their recovery. We will discuss the potential pitfalls when communicating with former members and offer effective strategies for staying connected.
International Cult Awareness Day: Reflections From Cult Intervention Specialist Pat Ryan
Presented by Ashlen Hilliard and Patrick Ryan
Target Audience: Anyone
*Please note, in this interview, we discuss difficult topics such as su*cide, kidnapping, and s*xual assault. Please take care and visit https://www.cultawarenessday.com/ if you need resources.
November 18th is International Cult Awareness Day and the 45th Anniversary of the Jonestown Massacre.
Learn more about the purpose of this day, our goals, and reflections from Cult Intervention Specialist, Pat Ryan, about the day's broader impact on the cult recovery field. Create your own content for Cult Awareness Day! Use #cultawarenessday or message @peopleleavecults directly to be featured on our social media channels.
Reproductive Coercion - Policy and Practice Across Contexts and Communities: ESRC Festival of Social Sciences Event
Presented by by Ashlen Hilliard, Nicola Brophy, Dr Linda Dubrow-Marshall, and Dr Rod Dubrow-Marshall, Co-Programme Leaders, MSc Psychology of Coercive Control, University of Salford.
Target Audience: Anyone
Special thanks to the University of Salford Manchester, the UK's Economic Social Research Council, and the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences.
Ashlen Hilliard shares a condensed overview of her research on reproductive coercion alongside a very moving presentation by Nicola Brophy on her experiences, ending with a discussion with a panel of experts on coercive control.
The fight for reproductive rights has been in the headlines across the world, from the US Supreme Court's rulings to debates surrounding reproductive health in our local communities. Understanding how an individual experiences coercion that leads to the loss of reproductive autonomy empowers such conversations. Theological beliefs, cultural factors, and/or abusive power dynamics in interpersonal relationships can all be used as controlling mechanisms surrounding reproductive choice. Learning from the diverse experiences of those who have suffered a loss of reproductive autonomy across multiple contexts can help us understand the complexity of the issues we face and inform how we respond both individually and as a community.
Counseling Cult Survivors From S/MGA Cult Survivor Perspectives
Presented by Dr. Cyndi Matthews, LPC-S, NCC and Abigail Smith, Abi Smith, MS, LPC-Associate
Target Audience: Helping Professionals and survivors
The presenters dive into what cult survivors who are SGAs (second-generational adult former cult members) and MGAs (multi-generational adult former cult members) want in counseling. Coming out of a high-demand group / cult is like "arriving in a foreign land unprepared". Survivors find themselves discovering and/or creating their authentic self at the same time processing their trauma. You can read more about Cyndi's research on counseling S/MGAs:
Clinical / Therapeutic Assessment of Former Cult Members: What are Other Clinician's Using in Therapy?
Presented by Dr. Cyndi Matthews, LPC-S, NCC and Abigail Smith, Abi Smith, MS, LPC-Associate
Target Audience: Helping Professionals
The presenters explore the clinical and therapeutic assessment of former cult members by examining current practices among clinicians, reviewing relevant research, and discussing individual experiences. They also highlight assessments specifically designed for cults and present findings from a survey conducted with 112 clinicians regarding the treatment methods they employ with ex-members.