Support Groups
Specialized support groups for individuals who have left cultic groups or relationships.
Led by Professionals
Support groups are led by experienced professionals in partnership with People Leave Cults, focusing on empathy and shared understanding of the diverse experiences of survivors.
Accessible to everyone
Support groups are most effective when everyone has the opportunity to participate. Our facilitators provide instruction on utilizing our video conferencing tools, and closed captions are offered for accessibility.
Unique offerings
Every support group is unique and designed to address the diverse needs of survivors who are recovering from cult inolvement. We strive to address contemporary challenges encountered by survivors.
How it Works
1 / Accessibility
Facilitators will review Zoom functions with attendees. Closed captions are available. You will always have the option to turn on or off your camera and mic. Please contact us if you need any more accommodations.
2 / Ground Rules
Support groups begin with facilitators reviewing ground rules for creating safety. Attendees are also invited to collaborate on creating ground rules so we all feel safe.
3 / Participation is Voluntary
Participants can self-disclose what they feel comfortable sharing. You can engage in the support group to your level of comfort. We've spent enough time in hot seats in cultic environments!
4 / Opportunity to Provide Feedback
We want to hear from participants about your experience. Facilitators welcome the opportunity for feedback and areas where we can improve.
Available Meetups
Previous Groups and Facilitators
People Leave Cults proudly hosts support groups in partnership with our amazing facilitators! Since 2023, these incredible individuals bring collaboration, empathy, and a deep understanding of the diverse journeys of survivors, fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Jenny Cornbleet and Mark Futterman
Jenny Cornbleet and Mark Futterman escaped separate cults together after enduring years of spiritual and psychological abuse from manipulative groups. Now they focus on creativity, learning, and healthy connections, providing peer support for survivors of high-control groups through non-profits. They aim to help others deconstruct manipulative thought systems and discover authentic values. Excited to partner with People Leave Cults, they admire its vision and success in empowering survivors. In their free time, they enjoy humor writing, philosophical discussions, engaging fiction, and food-centric travel.
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*Facilitated Marginalized Communities
Support Group in 2023
Abi Smith, MS, LPC (they/them)
Abi is a queer and neurodivergent therapist dedicated to supporting queer and neurodivergent individuals and relationships. They have experience with autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, complex trauma, and various relationship dynamics. Abi employs an intersectional, affirming, and social-justice-oriented approach, utilizing techniques from queer theory and various therapeutic methods. They believe in a collaborative therapeutic relationship, clients as experts in their own lives.
*Facilitated Complex Trauma for Survivors Support Group in 2023
Erin Falconer, PhD, MSc, LMSW (she/her)
Dr. Falconer offers psychotherapy and consultation for individuals and families affected by coercive control, cultic abuse, and complex trauma. She holds an MSW from Columbia University and a PhD in Psychology focused on PTSD neuroscience from the University of New South Wales, along with post-graduate study in coercive control psychology and a Masters in Neuroscience. Currently, she is enhancing her trauma-focused therapy training while providing psychotherapy in New York under supervision. Her practice addresses the unique challenges faced by those experiencing cultic influence, utilizing a psychodynamic and eclectic approach informed by various therapeutic modalities. Dr. Falconer is licensed in New York and Ontario, Canada.
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*Facilitated the Born or Raised in Cultic Groups (SGAs/MGAs) Support Group in 2023
Cyndi Matthews, PhD, LPC-S, NCC (she/her)
Cyndi Matthews, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, is a Counseling Clinician with over 18 years of experience in private practice and as an Associate Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Dallas). She holds Ph.D. and two Master's degrees in Counseling and Business. Her work focuses on social justice, advocating for marginalized populations, including cult and domestic violence survivors, and the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Matthews has specialized in counseling for former cult survivors and is currently retired, not accepting new clients.