To Those That Have Been in a Deceptive, Abusive Group
(What happened to me? Can I ever recover?)
If you were recruited by a deceptive, abusive Bible-based group you became enmeshed in the government of that organization. Groups such as these use varied forms of mind control (thought-conditioning), manipulation, coercion, deception, peer pressure, guilt, fear, phobias and threat tactics which lead members to absolute obedience and non-questioning. Deceptive ministers twist Bible scripture to enhance their control on the unsuspecting and vulnerable. Due to the implementation of these deceitful tactics, recruits often suffer a loss of identity, will, and ability to think critically. He may no longer control his own life due to the reasons mentioned above; instead, following the loss of critical thinking skills, he surrenders his life to the authority and direction of the authoritarian leader. Upon exiting, you may have struggled with recovery issues while having to repair yourself from the damage and personal loss due to spiritual, psychological, emotional, financial and often physical abuse.
Psychological Ramifications:
The control of information, propaganda tactics and secrecy cause critical thinking skills to cease which creates conformity. Members suffer from a loss of will and hope, along with self-esteem. The group leaves the thinking skills impaired and the decision-making abilities dormant. Dependency on the group is fostered. Disassociation replaces interpersonal skills. These are just a few of the ramifications from cultic involvement.
Traumas After Exiting:
Most all survivors of an exploitive group experience to some degree psychological trauma in the form of phobias, guilt, low self-worth, deep depressions, post traumatic stress, inability to concentrate, anger, guilt and fear. Many experience "floating," also known as trancing out and dissociation. Floating inhibits recovery from the devastating experience. On top of all that, the survivor must get reincorporated into the "real world." For many this can be life-threatening.
The implications resulting from involvement can be devastating. Individual lives may be shattered; however, these effects do not need to continue through life. A member had no choice when recruited, but does have a choice in the healing process.
The Exit And Healing Process:
Healing and recovery begins when you make a personal decision to take back your power and control by reporting the emotional, psychological, physical, spiritual, financial, and all too often, sexual abuse inflicted on you. This is easier said than done, but very possible to accomplish.
Each survivor has the opportunity to sort out the past and find the answers to his/her questions that will allow healing from the emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress. The traumas are caused from the deception, coercion, manipulation, guilt/fear, abuse and the array of mind control techniques which prevail through the organization.
Recovery is essential to a smooth re-entry back into society; therefore, it is vital that you challenge that effort. Many who do not challenge, find themselves in another deceptive, mind-manipulating group or floundering.
If you have been victimized by disfellowshipping or abused in any way, don't keep the pain to yourself. You are not alone. More and more people are sharing their experiences with others. Let others who understand help you. Survivors do not have to succumb to the control and fear tactics that once permeated their life.
You are now free--to think, question, make decisions, and speak up. You have a personal story; please share it with us. Get connected to people who have been there and can relate to your situation.
Recovery Consists of the Following:
Recovery takes time and must be complete in order to resume a functioning and positive life. It encompasses education on mind control and exploitive groups, psychological healing and spiritual healing (replacing the lies with the truth and understanding grace is vital). This process consists of:
1.Evaluating your involvement. Why were you recruited? What attracted you to the group? What was going on in your life at that time?
2.Evaluating the group. Intellectually and theologically.
3.Scrutinize the group's ethics. Where does the MONEY really go? Learn the methods of thought reform/mind control used by the group. Investigate the group's practices of deception, manipulation, persuasive techniques, etc. Research the group's history and its leaders.
4.Personal Recovery. Recognizing after effects such as depression, anger, floating, fear phobias, isolation, loneliness, loss of self-worth, physical ailments and lacking feeling. Starting a help-yourself program and/or counseling.
5.Sorting out spiritual issues. Recognizing spiritual abuse and tactics used by mind manipulating groups to distort the Bible to support their agendas. Reconnecting spiritually and regaining trust.
6.Education. How does the group you were in compare to the thousands of other abusive groups? Understanding the phenomenon of such groups is the only protection from re-recruitment into another one with the same characteristics.
Hope for the Future:
Upon exiting, many individuals learn of a new freedom they never experienced while in the organization. As personal human rights are restored, so is your freedom to question and research without fear or guilt. Continue to persevere in your recovery. You will begin to learn about the great strengths you have within yourself and you will find many opportunities and courage you never would have had. The negative experiences can be turned into future strengths if you pursue the healing process. Your success depends on the action you take for yourself. You can take back the power by taking care of yourself. May you freely participate in all the wonderful God-given blessings that He bestowed on you.
THE MOST DANGEROUS LIE IS THAT WHICH MOST CLOSELY RESEMBLES THE TRUTH
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance- for fear we imprison the mind
Cult Awareness & Information Centre
Ph. 61-(0)7-3216 8016
JanG