About ICSA Today
ICSA Today (IT) serves ICSA members by
providing information that enhances
understanding of all aspects of the cult
phenomenon, including how groups
function, how they affect members,
techniques of influence, dealing with
harmful effects, educational and legal
implications, and other subjects.
ICSA Today issues may include
• practical articles for former
members, families, helping
professionals, researchers,
and others
• opinion essays
• theoretical articles
• reports on research
• summaries of news reports on
groups
• information on books, articles, links
• information on ICSA members
• biographical profiles on selected
members
• personal accounts
• art work
• poetry
• short stories and other literary
articles
• special reports from correspondents
around the world
ICSA Today is published three times a
year.
Regular ICSA members receive the
print edition of ICSA Today and have
access to its Web edition. Students
and other special members gain
access to the online edition only.
Nonmember print subscriptions are
available. Submissions to the magazine
should be sent to the Managing
Editor, Ann Stamler: mail@icsamail.com
We prefer Microsoft Word or a program
compatible with Word. Articles should
be no more than 3,500 words. Please
include a jpeg photo (no less than 360
dpi) and biographical sketch (less than
150 words) with your submission.
Appropriate submissions are reviewed
by the relevant section editor and,
when appropriate, editorial
consultants.
International Cultic Studies Association
P.O. Box 2265
Bonita Springs, FL 34133
Phone: 786.509.9746
Email: mail@icsamail.com
Website: icsahome.com
A Message from ICSA Executive Director Jackie Johnson
Dear Friends,
It is with enthusiasm and humility that I begin my tenure as Executive Director of ICSA.
As I embark on this journey, I will be drawing on my experience as a social worker with
individuals and families who have been affected by cultic involvement and abusive situations.
I will be drawing also on skills developed during a career in executive administration
and management, with a special interest in mission, vision, oversight, strategic planning,
implementation, and growth. It is clear that ICSA is on that path, and I am thrilled to be a part
of it.
This issue of ICSA Today touches on some of the reasons I want to help lead this important
organization forward. It contains a powerful and moving essay about the pain of someone
seeking answers to life’s questions in a cultic group that only worsened her pain—and then,
through education and reflection, emerging a wiser and stronger person stunning artwork
in which the artist uses imagery and color to articulate her cult experience a review of a book
that sets forth with remarkable clarity how the most intelligent among us can be seduced by a
skillful narcissist, and by explaining this, helps others avoid the traps. Survivors, mental health
professionals, artists—these are some of the individuals and communities ICSA serves.
As you may know, I am a second-generation former cultic group member myself. I was raised
in Jehovah’s Witnesses from the age of 10 until I was able to leave, finally, at the age of 52. I am
currently shunned by my family, so I understand what many of ICSA’s members face on a daily
basis. Because I have experienced how validating and powerful ICSA has been in my life, I am
honored to participate in leading this amazing organization.
Through my work with the State of New York (Division of Juvenile Justice) and Dutchess
County, New York (Department of Behavioral and Community Health), I enjoyed success
managing large systems and diverse constituencies. As Executive Director of ISCA, my focus
will be on strengthening our organizational structure, ensuring transparency, expanding
engagement with ICSA members and friends, and marshalling support to achieve and sustain
our mission.
I am grateful and fortunate to be building on the contributions and dedication of ICSA’s
longtime Executive Director, Dr. Michael Langone. It is my deepest intention, along with
our Board of Directors, to continue moving ICSA forward. There will be future generations
of individuals affected by cults and other systems of abuse, and those survivors will need
access to education, support, resources, and research. The Board and I are committed to ICSA’s
continued growth and expanded reach.
Kindly,
Jackie Johnson
Executive Director, ICSA
Dr. Jacqueline Johnson, DSW, LCSW, earned her Associate of Arts in Humanities at Dutchess
Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Bard College, Master of Science in
Social Work at Columbia University, and her Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Practice and
Leadership at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Prior to becoming Executive Director
of ICSA, Jackie held positions in the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, the Dutchess
County, NY Department of Behavioral and Community Health, and Gateway Community
Service Board in Brunswick, GA. In her private practice, Dr. Johnson focuses on assisting
indoctrinated individuals find freedom from systems of control or coercive groups and
relationships.
ICSA Today (IT) serves ICSA members by
providing information that enhances
understanding of all aspects of the cult
phenomenon, including how groups
function, how they affect members,
techniques of influence, dealing with
harmful effects, educational and legal
implications, and other subjects.
ICSA Today issues may include
• practical articles for former
members, families, helping
professionals, researchers,
and others
• opinion essays
• theoretical articles
• reports on research
• summaries of news reports on
groups
• information on books, articles, links
• information on ICSA members
• biographical profiles on selected
members
• personal accounts
• art work
• poetry
• short stories and other literary
articles
• special reports from correspondents
around the world
ICSA Today is published three times a
year.
Regular ICSA members receive the
print edition of ICSA Today and have
access to its Web edition. Students
and other special members gain
access to the online edition only.
Nonmember print subscriptions are
available. Submissions to the magazine
should be sent to the Managing
Editor, Ann Stamler: mail@icsamail.com
We prefer Microsoft Word or a program
compatible with Word. Articles should
be no more than 3,500 words. Please
include a jpeg photo (no less than 360
dpi) and biographical sketch (less than
150 words) with your submission.
Appropriate submissions are reviewed
by the relevant section editor and,
when appropriate, editorial
consultants.
International Cultic Studies Association
P.O. Box 2265
Bonita Springs, FL 34133
Phone: 786.509.9746
Email: mail@icsamail.com
Website: icsahome.com
A Message from ICSA Executive Director Jackie Johnson
Dear Friends,
It is with enthusiasm and humility that I begin my tenure as Executive Director of ICSA.
As I embark on this journey, I will be drawing on my experience as a social worker with
individuals and families who have been affected by cultic involvement and abusive situations.
I will be drawing also on skills developed during a career in executive administration
and management, with a special interest in mission, vision, oversight, strategic planning,
implementation, and growth. It is clear that ICSA is on that path, and I am thrilled to be a part
of it.
This issue of ICSA Today touches on some of the reasons I want to help lead this important
organization forward. It contains a powerful and moving essay about the pain of someone
seeking answers to life’s questions in a cultic group that only worsened her pain—and then,
through education and reflection, emerging a wiser and stronger person stunning artwork
in which the artist uses imagery and color to articulate her cult experience a review of a book
that sets forth with remarkable clarity how the most intelligent among us can be seduced by a
skillful narcissist, and by explaining this, helps others avoid the traps. Survivors, mental health
professionals, artists—these are some of the individuals and communities ICSA serves.
As you may know, I am a second-generation former cultic group member myself. I was raised
in Jehovah’s Witnesses from the age of 10 until I was able to leave, finally, at the age of 52. I am
currently shunned by my family, so I understand what many of ICSA’s members face on a daily
basis. Because I have experienced how validating and powerful ICSA has been in my life, I am
honored to participate in leading this amazing organization.
Through my work with the State of New York (Division of Juvenile Justice) and Dutchess
County, New York (Department of Behavioral and Community Health), I enjoyed success
managing large systems and diverse constituencies. As Executive Director of ISCA, my focus
will be on strengthening our organizational structure, ensuring transparency, expanding
engagement with ICSA members and friends, and marshalling support to achieve and sustain
our mission.
I am grateful and fortunate to be building on the contributions and dedication of ICSA’s
longtime Executive Director, Dr. Michael Langone. It is my deepest intention, along with
our Board of Directors, to continue moving ICSA forward. There will be future generations
of individuals affected by cults and other systems of abuse, and those survivors will need
access to education, support, resources, and research. The Board and I are committed to ICSA’s
continued growth and expanded reach.
Kindly,
Jackie Johnson
Executive Director, ICSA
Dr. Jacqueline Johnson, DSW, LCSW, earned her Associate of Arts in Humanities at Dutchess
Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Bard College, Master of Science in
Social Work at Columbia University, and her Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Practice and
Leadership at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Prior to becoming Executive Director
of ICSA, Jackie held positions in the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, the Dutchess
County, NY Department of Behavioral and Community Health, and Gateway Community
Service Board in Brunswick, GA. In her private practice, Dr. Johnson focuses on assisting
indoctrinated individuals find freedom from systems of control or coercive groups and
relationships.
