Destructive cults or controlling family systems can have long-term effects, even if you have been physically away for some time. If you feel like you are still experiencing negative aftereffects, you could probably benefit from specialized counseling.
Most Therapists Don’t Understand
Based on 40+ years of experience, we know that to fully recover from an experience of undue influence, most people require specialized counseling. But most therapists are not trained to help with the after-effects of mind control and cult-related problems. Many people complain that they have spent money on therapy sessions in which they had to teach the therapist about cult mind control. You must deal with the cult identity to get to the root of the issue.
To better inform your therapist of the dynamics of undue influence, please download our document: “Top 11 Insights Cult Survivors Wish Therapists Knew.”
You can also suggest that they take one of Dr. Hassan’s courses on the subject:
https://freedomofmind.ce-go.
https://courses.freedomofmind.
Negative After Effects
After receiving specialized counseling, most ex-members realize that they have endured years of unnecessary suffering. Individuals who left cults or abusive relationships as long as 30 years ago or more still suffer from beliefs programmed by the cult. They often experience a variety of psychological and relationship problems— anxiety disorders, panic attacks, sleep disorders, lack of trust, paranoia, sexual dysfunction, and feelings of alienation. Untreated, they often become especially vulnerable to the normal stresses of life, such as health problems, the deaths of friends and loved ones, divorce and, especially in recent years, economic pressures and the threat of terrorism.
Here is a list of some issues reported by former members of destructive groups:
- Extreme Identity Confusion
- Dissociative States
- Having unwanted triggers
- Panic and Anxiety attacks
- Anger
- Guilt and Shame
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Eating Disorders
- Sleep Disorders / Nightmares
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Psychosomatic Symptoms (headaches, asthma, skin problems…)
- Grieving Loss of Friends and Family
- Fear and Phobias
- Issues with Decision-Making and Dependency
- Distrust of self and others
- Feeling spiritually violated
- Harassment and Threats
Steve Understands
As America’s predominant expert on cult mind control and other forms of undue influence, and as a former member of a cult himself, Steven Hassan is uniquely positioned to help people facing the negative impacts of undue influence.
Related Blog Posts
Tired of Being “On The Fence” with Your Life?
Children are Harmed by Destructive Cults Part 1
Children are Harmed by Destructive Cults Part 2