Blog

A Paradigm Shift for Health: A Biopsychosocial Model of Hypnosis

By /

In my work, I spend a lot of time talking about how authoritarian cults use undue influence and mind control. But just as it is important to work to understand the unethical tactics that these cults use to influence others, it is important to learn about how one can use influence ethically and positively for the benefit of others. On the most recent episode of my podcast, The Influence Continuum…

A Paradigm Shift for Health: A Biopsychosocial Model of Hypnosis Read More

A Cure to the Metaverse: Relational Maturity- Aureet Bar-Yam Hassan’s Developmental Theory

By /

The Internet and social media have the potential to serve as a uniting force and are tools that can be used in positive ways. Certainly, during the on-going COVID-19 crisis, the Internet has been a vital way to continue working and learning, and maintaining at least a minimum of social contact, which is vital to the emotional health of human beings. The virus was first discovered in China and the genetic code of the virus was uploaded…

A Cure to the Metaverse: Relational Maturity- Aureet Bar-Yam Hassan’s Developmental Theory Read More

Parental Alienation: Turning Children Against Their Parent – with Dr. Amy Baker

By /

In my work with ex-cult members, I have been aware of the use of parental alienation tactics for many years. It occurs in situations where one parent leaves a cult, but the other parent remains. In such cases, cult policies usually call for extreme measures to “demonize” the ex-member and turn their children…

Parental Alienation: Turning Children Against Their Parent – with Dr. Amy Baker Read More

Synanon and Enthusiastic Sobriety: Cults Disguised as Drug Treatment

By /

Cults take on many disguises to recruit and control members, including religious organizations, marketing schemes, drug treatment, and even yoga or martial arts groups. But the tactics of recruitment and control are very similar, and the malignant narcissists who profit from the cults also act in similarly destructive ways.

Synanon and Enthusiastic Sobriety: Cults Disguised as Drug Treatment Read More