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Chapter 13 - Treatment

from Section 3 - Treatment and Legal Repercussions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 June 2025

By
Hassan Steven ,
Zachary Schwartz  and
Austin Blum
Edited by
Tyler Durns ,
Charles Scott ,
Paul Whitehead  and
Barbara E. McDermott
Tyler Durns
Affiliation:
University of Utah
Charles Scott
Affiliation:
University of California, Davis
Paul Whitehead
Affiliation:
University of Utah
Barbara E. McDermott
Affiliation:
University of California, Davis
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Summary

This chapter explores the psychological impact of authoritarian cult involvement and the therapeutic strategies beneficial for recovery. Cults often employ intense coercive persuasion, resulting in significant psychological distress, including symptoms of dissociation, anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, psychosis. The chapter also highlights the importance of psychoeducation as a crucial component of treatment. Some fundamental psychotherapeutic approaches and strategies are briefly reviewed, calling for further research to identify the most effective interventions. There are unique challenges in treating former cult members – those born or raised in cults as well as those recruited. Extrinsic and intrinsic barriers to treatment include the availability of resources, limited understanding and appreciation of cultist phenomena among clinicians, and indoctrinated distrust of mental health professionals. The chapter concludes that while cult involvement can lead to severe psychological distress, therapeutic interventions have the potential to support recovery.

Keywords

cultsundue influenceradicalizationderadicalizationmind controldissociative disordersthought reformformer cult membersBITE ModelInfluence Continuum

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Type
Chapter
Information
A Clinical and Forensic Guide to Cults and Persuasive Leadership , pp. 251 - 272
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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