Support Groups

Specialized support groups for individuals who have exited 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

Multiple Dates
Apr 24, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Queer Peer Support Group (Virtual)
Virtual Meetup
Save my Seat
Apr 24, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Virtual Meetup
A peer support space for Queer pals who've bravely broken free from high-control groups or relationships! 🌈✨
Multiple Dates
10 days to the event
May 04, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT
Peer Support Group (Virtual) With Mark and Jenny
Virtual Meetup
Save my Seat
May 04, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT
Virtual Meetup
This peer-led support group is tailored for individuals seeking community with fellow survivors of cultic groups or relationships. Former members of cults or high-demand groups or relationships are welcome.
Multiple Dates
28 days to the event
May 22, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Queer Peer Support Group (Virtual)
Virtual Meetup
Save my Seat
May 22, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Virtual Meetup
A peer support space for Queer pals who've bravely broken free from high-control groups or relationships! 🌈✨
Multiple Dates
38 days to the event
Jun 01, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT
Peer Support Group (Virtual) With Mark and Jenny
Virtual Meetup
Save my Seat
Jun 01, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT
Virtual Meetup
This peer-led support group is tailored for individuals seeking community with fellow survivors of cultic groups or relationships. Former members of cults or high-demand groups or relationships are welcome.
Multiple Dates
42 days to the event
Jun 05, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Queer Peer Support Group (Virtual)
Virtual Meetup
Save my Seat
Jun 05, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Virtual Meetup
A peer support space for Queer pals who've bravely broken free from high-control groups or relationships! 🌈✨
Multiple Dates
56 days to the event
Jun 19, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Queer Peer Support Group (Virtual)
Virtual Meetup
Save my Seat
Jun 19, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Virtual Meetup
A peer support space for Queer pals who've bravely broken free from high-control groups or relationships! 🌈✨
Multiple Dates
70 days to the event
Jul 03, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Queer Peer Support Group (Virtual)
Virtual Meetup
Save my Seat
Jul 03, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Virtual Meetup
A peer support space for Queer pals who've bravely broken free from high-control groups or relationships! 🌈✨
Multiple Dates
78 days to the event
Jul 11, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) Meetup
McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211, USA
RSVP
Jul 11, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211, USA
The Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) is a regular in-person meetup in Portland, Oregon for those who have left or are considering leaving high-demand religious groups.
Multiple Dates
84 days to the event
Jul 17, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Queer Peer Support Group (Virtual)
Virtual Meetup
Save my Seat
Jul 17, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT
Virtual Meetup
A peer support space for Queer pals who've bravely broken free from high-control groups or relationships! 🌈✨
Multiple Dates
169 days to the event
Oct 10, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) Meetup
McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211, USA
RSVP
Oct 10, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211, USA
The Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) is a regular in-person meetup in Portland, Oregon for those who have left or are considering leaving high-demand religious groups.

Previous Offerings

Since 2023, People Leave Cults has provided a variety of support groups, each led by a knowledgeable facilitator. Explore some of our past offerings below, and subscribe to our newsletter to discover what will be available in 2025!

Born or Raised in Cults

Support group for former cult members identifying as Second or Multi-Generational Adults (those born or raised in a cult).

This support group offering concluded in 2023.

Complex Trauma

Support group for former cult members who experienced trauma during their group involvement.

This support group offering concluded in 2023.

Marginalized Communities

Support group for former cult members who identify as a member of a marginalized community (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, etc.)

This support group offering concluded in 2023.

Peer Support Group

Support group for former cult members seeking community with fellow survivors.

This support group offering concluded in 2024.

Facilitated by Professionals

People Leave Cults proudly hosts support groups in partnership with our amazing facilitators! These incredible individuals bring collaboration, empathy, and a deep understanding of the diverse journeys of survivors, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

Born or Raised in Cultic Groups (S/MGAs):

2023 Support Group Offering

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.

Research on SGA's

Complex Trauma for Survivors:

2023 Support Group Offering

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.

Practice Details

Marginalized Communities:

2023 Support Group Offering

Abi Smith, MS, LPC-Associate
(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. Abi is an LPC-Associate supervised by Dr. Beck Munsey, serving clients throughout Texas.

Practice Details

Peer Support Group:

2024 Support Group Offering

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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