Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 18, 2001, Page 74
Healing from Experiences with Unhealthy Spiritual Groups
and Cults: Treatment Using Myths and Folk Tales
Leland E. Shields
F. Jeri Carter, Ph.D.
Abstract
Over the years much has been written describing experiences of individuals
in abusive and exploitive spiritual groups and approaches to treatment of the
issues they bring. Building upon the foundation of previous work, an
approach to group treatment of this population is presented herein.
Treatment of this population has the particular challenge of working
constructively with individuals who have previously surrendered a
disproportionate share of control to authority. The group treatment approach
presented balances the delivery of information with respectful use of
authority. Folk tales and religious stories are used to catalyze reflection and
discussion of the meaning of the client‘s experiences for each individual.
Cognitive information about the practices of unhealthy spiritual groups is
offered as supportive written material in a non-didactic manner. In this way,
structure is provided to initiate the group therapy process, while allowing the
group members maximum autonomy in the group.
Unhealthy spiritual communities exist on a continuum from somewhat dysfunctional
congregations of mainstream religions to what some may define as ―cults.‖ (Further
consideration of what may be included on this continuum is included below.) The
terminology ―unhealthy spiritual community‖ (USC) will be used in this paper instead of the
more common word, ―cult,‖ in order to represent that clients may seek assistance in healing
from a broad range of spiritual or religious communities. The level of trauma experienced by
an individual will also vary considerably based on the age, gender, developmental level,
nature of the participation of the member, and the degree of dysfunction of the community.
Treatment approaches must accommodate the level of trauma in a commensurate fashion.
The approach presented below has been designed to address those having suffered
moderate trauma due to their involvement in USCs. Clients involved in USCs as children
who experienced neglect, physical and sexual abuse would be at higher risk for severe
traumatization, and less likely to be appropriate for the group treatment described below
without modifications to the methodology.
It has been suggested that exit counselors and therapists working with ex-members of cults
be familiar with the specific communities of their clients (Hassan, 1990 Langone, 1993).
While helpful for therapists, familiarity with the communities may be essential for exit
counselors in providing material for critical reflection of the group in which the client was
involved. Even when the client has already decided to leave the USC, counselor-provided
information can still be helpful in assisting the healing of trauma. For example, many ex-
members share feelings of guilt and shame due to their involvement in the groups (Singer,
1996). These feelings are often exacerbated by the accusatory questions and reactions of
those around them curious to know how someone like ―them‖ may have become involved in
such an USC (Shaw, 1996). For these clients, basic information about sophisticated
recruitment techniques used by some USCs may normalize their position and assist them in
regaining their self-esteem. Factual information on this topic and others commonly relevant
to many or all ex-members of USCs is helpful to clients as part of treatment.
Healing from Experiences with Unhealthy Spiritual Groups
and Cults: Treatment Using Myths and Folk Tales
Leland E. Shields
F. Jeri Carter, Ph.D.
Abstract
Over the years much has been written describing experiences of individuals
in abusive and exploitive spiritual groups and approaches to treatment of the
issues they bring. Building upon the foundation of previous work, an
approach to group treatment of this population is presented herein.
Treatment of this population has the particular challenge of working
constructively with individuals who have previously surrendered a
disproportionate share of control to authority. The group treatment approach
presented balances the delivery of information with respectful use of
authority. Folk tales and religious stories are used to catalyze reflection and
discussion of the meaning of the client‘s experiences for each individual.
Cognitive information about the practices of unhealthy spiritual groups is
offered as supportive written material in a non-didactic manner. In this way,
structure is provided to initiate the group therapy process, while allowing the
group members maximum autonomy in the group.
Unhealthy spiritual communities exist on a continuum from somewhat dysfunctional
congregations of mainstream religions to what some may define as ―cults.‖ (Further
consideration of what may be included on this continuum is included below.) The
terminology ―unhealthy spiritual community‖ (USC) will be used in this paper instead of the
more common word, ―cult,‖ in order to represent that clients may seek assistance in healing
from a broad range of spiritual or religious communities. The level of trauma experienced by
an individual will also vary considerably based on the age, gender, developmental level,
nature of the participation of the member, and the degree of dysfunction of the community.
Treatment approaches must accommodate the level of trauma in a commensurate fashion.
The approach presented below has been designed to address those having suffered
moderate trauma due to their involvement in USCs. Clients involved in USCs as children
who experienced neglect, physical and sexual abuse would be at higher risk for severe
traumatization, and less likely to be appropriate for the group treatment described below
without modifications to the methodology.
It has been suggested that exit counselors and therapists working with ex-members of cults
be familiar with the specific communities of their clients (Hassan, 1990 Langone, 1993).
While helpful for therapists, familiarity with the communities may be essential for exit
counselors in providing material for critical reflection of the group in which the client was
involved. Even when the client has already decided to leave the USC, counselor-provided
information can still be helpful in assisting the healing of trauma. For example, many ex-
members share feelings of guilt and shame due to their involvement in the groups (Singer,
1996). These feelings are often exacerbated by the accusatory questions and reactions of
those around them curious to know how someone like ―them‖ may have become involved in
such an USC (Shaw, 1996). For these clients, basic information about sophisticated
recruitment techniques used by some USCs may normalize their position and assist them in
regaining their self-esteem. Factual information on this topic and others commonly relevant
to many or all ex-members of USCs is helpful to clients as part of treatment.
