In Chapter 3 of the book Hassan talks about the use of the Strategic Interactive Approach to reach our relatives inside cults. He admits that cult exiting techniques of years before were not successful such as interventions , deprogramming, exit counseling . With the SIA approach it emphasizes teamwork between family members and reaching the cult member through love and trust building rapport with them by accessing their authentic personality.
I picked Chapter 4 to use in a thread as it goes into more detail than Chapter 3 about techniques to use in reaching our cult family or friends. It discusses building rapport with our cult family members. On pg. 51 Hassan states, " If someone was born into a cult, it could take years to decide to leave. But remember, many disillusioning experiences take place inside cult groups. As long as the member knows that there are people on the outside who care about him, he will feel that he has a choice. Create positive, loving experiences for him. Patiently show him alternative ways of living. For example, when Jehovah's Witnesses see that people who leave still believe in God, study the Bible, and lead moral lives, it is very persuasive. "
He continues, " Invite your loved one home. If he is in a group like the Jehovah's Witnesses, invite him to a party, not a birthday party. Send gifts and try to pick items that your loved one will use more than once- clthing for example. It will continually remind him of you. " He adds, " Make an effort to keep in regular contact. A picture postcard with a positive association and a message that says, " I miss you ", or " I love you. Please write back, " is better than doing nothing. Even if your letters and cards go unanswered, each piece of mail will remind him that you still care. Keep copies of everything ! "
Hassan also mentions to remember and think of you cult relatives activities he enjoyed outside cult activity. Places you used to live, or spend vacations. Think about activities he enjoyed, like sports, music, exercise, reading, or movies. And to use these as ways of sparking interest in your relatives.
Hassan mentions it's good to evaluate the destructive potential of the cult invoved by asking these 6 important questions :
1. Who is the leader ? What is his personal history ? Was he ever married ? Has he been divorced ? Does he have children?
2. What are the leaders credentials ? Does he have a criminal history ? A psychiatric history ?
3. What kind of education, training, or occupation did he have before starting the group ? Was he ever in a destructive cult ?
4. Does the leaders (s) make claims od exclusive wisdom, power, and spirituality ?
5. Are there any checks and balances of power in place ?
6. What has the cult leader written or said in speeches ?
In regards to the WT society leaders they definitely fit into some of these category's for sure ! So in regards to our JW relatives they are dangerously controlled- they just don't realize or know it. So I thought you'd enjoy some of the tidbits here from Chapter 4 in the book. I'm going to use some of these to reach my JW relatives. Any thoughts or expressions are appreciated ! If anybody has had some success in reaching their relatives with Hassan's methods, feel free to share as well ! Take care, Peace out, Mr. Flipper