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…
As a result of the January 6 attempted insurrection, over 540 suspects have been identified, and at least 440 of them have been formally charged by the Department of Justice. On April 16, 2021, the first guilty plea was entered by Jon Schaffer, a member of the Oath Keepers militia group. Schaffer, who is 53 …
Evaluating Undue Influence: Scheflin’s Model as a Framework Read More
The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact has upended everyone’s lives. In addition, people are forced to be online for long periods of time and we are all subjected to disinformation, propaganda, and assaults on what is normal and decent. Anxiety, stress, illness and death affect everyone directly. Consequently, our mental health impacts our immune …
Many of you are aware that I have been writing a large number of blogs concerning the current President of the United States, Donald Trump. I have been working tremendously hard on an extremely short deadline to produce a book that connects the dots with my involvement with the Moon cult since 1974 and my …
Announcing My New Book with Simon and Schuster Entitled The Cult of Trump Read More
On June 25 – June 27, 2019, I had the honor of attending an amazing gathering of over 800 case investigators, law enforcement, judges, and therapists convened by the Governor and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. This was an invitation-only event, closed to the public. Trafficking experts presented and offered training workshops. …
Light the Way to Freedom to End Human Trafficking: 2019 Summit in Austin, Texas Read More
This week, I share an interview with my old friend and colleague, Steve Eichel, Ph.D. He is a forensic psychologist, an authority on hypnosis, expert witness, counselor, author, and educator. He specializes in destructive cults, coercive persuasion, brainwashing and deprogramming. In 1989, he wrote his doctoral dissertation on the subject of deprogramming. Dr. Eichel’s introduction …
Trump, Cults, and Deprogramming: A Discussion with Forensic Expert Dr. Steve Eichel Read More
This is my first peer-reviewed academic journal article. It’s genesis began when I gave a talk entitled, The “anatomy of undue influence used by terrorist cults and traffickers to induce helplessness and trauma, so creating false identities” at the prestigious 2017 Congress of the International Academy of Law and Mental Health in Prague. I blogged about …
The Anatomy of Undue Influence: Scientific Study and Elsevier Journal Article Read More
Indian Activists Advocate the Use of Scientific, Analytical Thinking, Not Just Superstition This week’s blog features an interview with my friend Narendra Nayak who is the President of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA). His organization consists of eighty constituent groups who together seek to promote scientific thinking. For example, members have been a …
Right-Wing Extremist Terrorists Target Humanists Who Teach Critical Thinking Read More
The Freedom of Mind approach to recovery and healing from destructive cults is customizable and designed to meet the needs of most any person who has been influenced by a cult. People who were born or raised in a cult have spent their early developmental years under cult control. Other people may have entered into …
The Freedom of Mind Approach to Recovery and Healing from Destructive Cults Read More
Mind/ Body Healing This past weekend I joined with 24 other mental health professionals to participate in an advanced workshop, “Honing Your Hypnotic Voice: Delivering Strategic Interventions for Mind/ Body Healing,” given by Carol Ginandes, PhD, ABPP sponsored by the New England Society of Clinical Hypnosis, which is my local affiliate of the national organization …
Hypnosis, Guided Meditation, Deep Visualizations–Consumers Beware! Read More
Development of the Strategic Interactive Approach Family members and friends often feel angry, confused, hurt, frustrated and helpless when they realize a loved one has gotten involved with a controlling person or group. They often notice a radical personality change. They either try to argue the person away, are reassured or told to mind their …
Undue Influence Undermines Autonomy It is completely understandable that people might resist any request to help a person who has been unduly influenced. The person might say, “Why should I? They are an adult. I don’t think it is right to interfere with their decision.” If the person isn’t asking for help, why get involved? …
Errant Belief #4: “He’s an Adult. We Have No Right to Interfere.” Read More
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