Cult Grooming

On this page

  • Introduction (above)

  • Useful information

  • What cult groomers look like

  • What cult grooming looks like

  • The psychology of cults

  • Deprogramming

  • Watch

  • Take action

  • Where to report

  • Sources of support

  • Of interest

  • Books

  • Coming soon

There’s sometimes a fine line between a cult and a religion.

CAAGe takes a look at cults.

The World of Cults and Clergy Abuse is hard to navigate. Cult leaders are usually charismatic and often retain loyal, vocal followers, despite revelations of wrongdoing. Many have made positive contributions.

What some may call cults, others simply view as breakoff churches (sects). Those in the mainstream, such as the Mormans, Jehova’s Witnesses, etc, we have chosen not to include as cults - although abuse by their ‘clergy’ can and does happen, the groups themselves have broken from mainstream religion.

The cults we have included here are there because we felt their stories help us understand better what a cult is and does. Many people are groomed into cults, expecting a better life or lifestyle, or groomed by a charismatic spiritual leader into a toxic and/or inappropriate relationship. Others are born in cults but groomed into harmful patterns of behaviour.

There is no formal grouping of types of cults. Our groupings, below, are considered but somewhat arbitrary. Other sources separate types of cults into further groupings including destructive cults, polygamist cults, racist cults, self improvement cults, UFO cults,and terrorist cults. We may well extend what’s here at some point in the future - this work will probably never be finished, just continuously added to.

In truth, there is not even a formal definition of cults. The fact that none exists is, in itself, telling. There are few laws proscribing true cults. As with grooming, other laws are the ways to seek justice. In the time that CAAge has been running (six years at time of writing), the most scared our call handlers have been for callers has been people who have been groomed into cults. Leavers who believe they are still being harmed and controlled by the groups long after leaving is not atypical, and others cannot speak out because of family and friends remaining inside the groups.

We do not, and cannot, have all of the answers. We do have good listening ears and have put together below what we can to help people understand cults and cult like behaviours, so that people who have been drawn in can leave safely and supported.

We believe the following definition of cults to be accurate and well defined:

​A group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion to some person, idea, or thing, and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control (such as: isolation from former friends and family, debilitation, use of special methods to heighten suggestibility and subservience, powerful group pressures, information management, suspension of individuality or critical judgement, promotion of total dependency on the group in fear of leaving it), designed to advance the goals of the group’s leaders to the actual or possible detriment of members, their families, or the community.
— Louis West and Michael Langone, quoted by People Leave Cults

Understanding Cults

  • What is a Cult?

    Great starter article explaining what a cult is on MasterClass.com: What is a Cult?

    Note in particular the conviction that the outside world is against them.

    Inform, which publishes information about cults and minority religions, has a great little guide if you are asking: “Is it a Cult?”

    The International Cultic Studies Association has also looked at “How Does One Define Cult?”

  • Ten Signs of a Potentially Unsafe Group/Leader

    General advice by FACT - Families Against Cult Threats (US based)

    Ten signs

  • What is the difference between a sect and a cult

    A clear article explaining the origins of the words sect and cult, and in a non-critical, noon ‘tabloid’ way, explaining the difference between the two:

    Short Notes, SociologyGroup.com: Differences between sect and cult

  • hands held possibly in prayer

    Religion Versus Cults

    This seminal piece of work was produced by Rev. Richard L. Dowhower. It can be found in many places, but was reproduced here with permission.

    From "Guidelines for Clergy" by  Rev. Richard L. Dowhower, in Recovery From Cults, edited  by Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. and published by W.W. Norton and Company. 

    Religion Versus Cults

  • Stained glass church window

    What is a New Religious Movement (NRM)

    At CAAGe we haven’t included New Religious Movements (NRMs) in our work here on Cult and Religious Abuse.

    But with the existence of mainstream religious movements like The Latterday Saint Movement, it’s important for us to make a distinction.

    HOWEVER!!

    There is no clear legal definition of what a cult is, and in the UK at least there is a freedom of belief. Some argue that the term "cult" is simply a term used to demonise groups with unorthodox beliefs. 

    Sociology.com New Religious Movement: Meaning and Characteristics

    Penn Today: Is it a cult or a New Religious Movement?

    Aetherius: cult or NRM?

  • Rafael's Stanza

    When does a Political Movement Become a Cult?

    When does a political movement stop being innocuous and become a cult?

    This article in Salon.com offers a great explanation: When does a Political Movement Become a Cult?

  • oerson with brain exposed and bloody tears

    Cults and Terrorist Movements.

    Cults and terrorism have both similarities and differences.

    al Qaeda, for example, has been proposed as a group cult:

    - It has/had a controlling, charismatic figure as a leader (Osama bin Laden)

    - members are disconnected from the wider Islamic community

    - recruitment of members (targetting vulnerable people)

    - creates a sense of belonging and identity for followers

    - followers prepared to die for the cause

    - written handbook guiding behaviours

    HOWEVER, Cults prioritise self-preservation and growth of the cult group (inward looking), but terrorist groups usually aim for external political change, employing violence to achieve those ends

    Al Quaeda has survivved without Bin Laden. And in any case, Bin Laden made no claims of being a ‘chosen one’, divine or possessing special powers. His vision was to use violence to create what he viewed as a better world.

    Other terrorist movements calling on cult like behaviours include Boko Haram.

  • WARNING: Cult Awareness Network/New Cult Awareness Network

    Despite it’s ‘charity’ sounding name, it is worth knowing the following, quoted from Wikipedia:

    The Cult Awareness Network (CAN) was an anti-cult organization that provided information on groups that it considered to be cults, as well as support and referrals to deprogrammers.

    It was founded in the wake of the 1978 cult mass murder/suicide at Jonestown, Guyana.

    After CAN lost a lawsuit and filed for bankruptcy in 1996, Scientologists acquired CAN's name, phone numbers, assets, files and records, and reopened the organisation under the name New Cult Awareness Network.

What Cult Groomers Look Like….

What Cult Grooming Looks Like

The Psychology of Cults

To get inside the ‘mind’ of how they work

  • Are Cults Harmful?

    At CAAGe we came at this page with an automatic world view of cults as ´harmful´.

    They are obviously appealing or no-one would ever join, so thank you to Inform for asking the question we should have started with: Are Cults Harmful?

    (We haven´t changed our minds, by the way!!)

  • People 'felling the force'

    Understanding Cults, The Basics

    “ A group should not be considered a cult merely because of its unorthodox beliefs. It is typically authoritarian, headed by a person or group of people with near complete control of followers. Cult influence is designed to disrupt a person’s authentic identity and replace it with a new identity.”

    Summarised:

    1. No one joins a cult; they are recruited (groomed);

    2. Destructive individuals/cults use deceit and pressure to make people conform.

    3. Cult leaders are usually malignant narcissists.

    4. Cults change people.

    5. Cults cause lasting, long term effects for the people they have recruited, manipulated and controlled.

    Psychology Today: Understanding Cults, The Basics, by Steven A Hassan PhD

  • picture: "cult" on a building side

    How Cults 'Recruit' Members

    Research into how people are recruited into cults by the Parliament of Victoria’s “Inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups”

    “"Separate to those born into the cult who have no choice, the recruitment of new followers’ targets ‘vulnerable people’. They seek out people who are distressed or in a weakened emotional state due to those horrible and sad moments of life, like those who have just lost a loved one, or those who have recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, or single mothers. They will initially flood new members with kindness and support. The brain washing and manipulation is intense."

    Questionnaire Insights

  • "cult"

    Who gets sucked in and how

    This page from the UK´s Cult Information Centre (CIC) offersan oversight into who is susceptible to being sucked into a cult (it´s almost certainly not what you think) and how cults use psychological manipulation to suck people in, making it hard for them to leave:

    Cult Concerns: An Overview of Cults and their Harmful Methods in the UK

  • Woman with beutiful ball

    Ten things to know about the psychology of cults

    1. Cults are attractive because they promote an illusion of comfort.

    2. Cults satisfy the human desire for absolute answers.

    3. Those with low self-esteem are more likely to be persuaded into

    4. New recruits are “love bombed.”

    5. Women are more likely than men to join a cult.

    6. Many cult members have rejected religion.

    7. Cults maintain their power by promoting an “us vs. them” mentality.

    8. Cult leaders are masters at mind control.

    9. Cult members often have no idea they’re in a cult.

    10. Cult life can have a dangerous and lasting effect.

    Online Psychology Degree Info: What to Know about the Psychology of Cults

  • "Follow me"

    Why some people hand their lives over to cults

    "Abdication syndrome" occurs when followers hand responsibility for their lives over to leaders. According to the author, it may be due to a desire to return to early childhood.

    Inn essence it is agreement between a leader craving worship from others, and followers craving someone to worship.

    It’s an unstable relationship which leads inevitably toward conflict, chaos, and self-destruction.

    Psychology Today: Why some people hand their lives over to cults by Steve Taylor Ph.D.

  • Man encouraging silence

    The Psychology of Cults - esp cult leaders

    The full article is interesting, but the analysis of cult leaders reveals some common traits underpinning their aura, influence, and power.

    1. Narcissism, charm and charisma and a lack of personal remorse or guilt

    2. Spiritual abuse

    3. Pathological lying and manipulating facts for personal gain

    4. Authoritarianism. Dissenters become the enemy

    5. Taking advantage of (abusing) followers - people are there to be used, with no boundaries (except theirs!)

    6. Cults survive and thrive on media hype and sycophancy/blind following

    The psychology of cults, by DR Nadeen Jan for Geo News

  • "Cult"

    Cults of hatred

    From the American Psychological Association:

    Panelists at a convention session on hatred asked a task force to investigate mind control among destructive cults.

    They noted:

    “Cult leaders are usually psychopaths with a desire for power and often take ideas from politics, religion and psychology to fulfill their purpose, he said. Through mind control, they are able to filter their thoughts and behaviors into "fanatical faith and belief" among followers.”

    And a huge need for further research into cults and how people are groomed into them, with specific reference to terrorism.

    Cults of Hatred

  • "Insight"

Deprogramming

When people leave cults, they often have difficulty settling back into ‘normal’ society due to the amount of mind control/coercion that they have been subjected to.

Deprogramming claims to help. Deprogrammers are often hired by relatives, and the victim is forced to undergo the procedure.

Much of it is illegal and involves kidnapping, false imprisonment, sometimes violence. It is often as coercive as the cult they purport to be helping the victim escape, and raises some serious moral questions. Practitioners are often ex-cult members themselves.

Deprogramming emerged in the 1970s, when many of the options now aavailable to vvictims weren’t commonly available, such as counselling. Of vourse, not every counsellor has the right skill sets for every job - it may pay to look for one with experience in cult exit counselling.

This article, by People Leave Cults, offers a more viable approach to ‘deprogramming’: How to Deprogram a Cult Member.

Watch…

David Koresh and the Branch Davidians

The Nine O Clock Service

Bikram: Yogi, guru, predator

Jim Jones and the People’s Temple Cult

Warren Jeffs and the Mormon break away cult, the secretive, polygamous, Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)

Very clearly shows how cults work and are so hard to leave.

Take Action

Video Block
Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more
  • Malcolm Johnson, Lime Solicitors , is representing a number of survivors of abuse in the Jesus Fellowship Church, also known as the Jesus Army.

    Malcolm advises the Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association, which is at present working with the Church to set up a compensation scheme for survivors of abuse.

    Malcolm has taken a number of statements from survivors and he is interested to hear from anyone who was in the Jesus Army. He can be contacted on malcolm.johnson@limesolicitors or (020) 7264 4352.

  • Five Tangible Ways to Stop abuse in the Church: a video

  • If you have any information regarding Mike Pilavachi, please contact Soul Survivor to help with investigations

    e. info@soulsurvivor.com

    t. 01923 204200

How to Safely Leave a Cult

  • Lady by wall, looking troubled, about to leave

    How to Leave a Cult

    Co-authored by Natalie Feinblatt, PsyD, this Wiki How piece is a thorough, practical guide on how to leave a cult - safely!

    The full piece is here: How to leave a Cult.

    However, each section is carefully thought through and can be accssed individually:

    Getting Away This section doesn´t just assume that you can walk through the door, and addresses basics of planning to leave.

    Staying Safe: Understanding that the move may emotionally, even physically, unsafe, this section looks at the steps needed and considerations to keep yourself safe.

    Recovering from a Cult: To the uninitiated, walking away is enough for you to live happily ever after. The reality is that cults have ties. You have ben emotionally manipulate and may have vestiges of those beliefs. This section looks at the places to seek help, including counselling, support grops and tracing other leavers.

    The article cites American sources, so some of the help suggested may not be vailble in the UK and elsewhere, but this is a very practical guide in general.

  • Helping hands

    How to get someone out of a cult – and what happens afterwards

    This piece is authored by Suzanne Newcombe, in publication The Conversation.

    A Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at The Open University, Suzanne Newcombe is an honorary director of Inform - the Information Network Focus on Religious Movements.

    This well considered piece acknowledges the realities of the way that cults work and covers helping someone to not be sucked in as well as leaving.

    It looks at:

    • researching the cult concerned;

    • encouraging critical thinking, and the subject of gaslighting;

    • life after leaving, including spiritual and physical needs, and creating safe spaces to deal with what has happened.

    Recommended reading as t summarises what could fill a book quite succinctly in a single article: How to get someone out of a cult and what happens afterwards afterwards

  • "exit"

    How to Leave a Cult - tips to get your life back

    This article by (Nov 2023) by specialist Dr Natalie Feinblatt looks at the preparation required for someone to leave a cult.

    This includes:

    • Developing links with the outside world

    • Finding a capable therapist to help recover from the psychological manipulation

    • Reach out for support to (where possible) family and friends

    • Find other ex-members. CAAGe´s view is that no-one is ever likely to understand your experience better, and they may help prevent you being sucked back in, as often happens

    • Find new communities to help build a new life with, be that religious groups (with caution), social groups, interest based groups or any combination. CAAGe´s view is that this is important, but take it at your own pace. Don´t immediately commit to too much. The journey is one of ups and downs, breaking old habits - give yourself space to think and heal.

    The article: How to Leave a Cult, Tips to Get your Life Back

  • trapped butterfly

    The Definitive Guide to Helping People Trapped in a Cult

    The title of this 2021 piece by Steven A Hassan PhD perhaps overstates what to expect, but nonetheless it´s a useful, thought provoking piece into helping people who are being influenced by cults to their own detriment.

    Take aways are that:

    You should be patient and respectful when asking about the cult.

    Research similar examples and experiences and mind control techniques.

    Aim to build trust with the victim. (this s perhaps a little understated in the article, but it's a short article and not a book after all.

    Th article is here: The Definitive Guide to Helping People Trapped in a Cult

    Of particular note is the author´s generous sharing of his dissertation towards his PhD, which looks at control methods: The BITE Model of Authoritarian Control: Undue Influence, Thought Reform, Brainwashing, Mind Control, Trafficking and the Law. This could prove invaluable as a start point for anyone looking at cult control.

  • Wrist with daisies stuck onto it

    Caring for Cult Victims

    Rather than joining a cult, peopre are actively recruited.

    Originally published in Carer & Counsellor, Summer Edition 1997, the Cult Information Centre has shared it.

    The article covers:

    • how people are recruited - and become trecruiters;

    • How the coercion happens;

    • Cult characteristics;

    • Advice for counsellors;

    • The needs of ex-cult members

    The article is here (on CIC): Caring for Cult Victims

  • Man on stairs with suitcase

    Coming Out of the Cults

    Margaret Thaler Singer, Ph.D.is a renowned specialist in cults, called to speak around the World on the subject.

    In this piece, an extract from a piece in Psychology Today, she notes that ex-cult members have particular struggles upon ´escaping´.

    These include:

    Depression

    Sense of Loss

    Self Esteem issues

    Loneliness

    Indecisiveness

    Lethargy

    Confusion

    Fear

    Flashbacks and triggers

    Guilt

    For both ex-cult member (victim) and for the people around them, it helps to understand that these things are normal, and the article looks at both the ´what´ and the ´why´.

    Read on th ICA site: Coming out of the Cults

  • "Spotify" on a screen

    Spotify Playlist: Fighting Cults

    Spotify Playlist

    Includes podcasts and content from:

    Trust M , a weekly first hand account podcast about cults, extreme belief, and the fine line between devotion and delusion

  • Woman's face smiling through bars

    Why People Stay in Cults

    For the outside, leaving acult can seem as simple as packing a bag and saying goodbye.

    The reality is very different, and it helps to have a good understanding of why people STAY in cults, and why, therefore, life on the outside may be far from easy or simple.

    This article, by People Leave Cults, is a good summary of the multoiple reasons cults hold people in:

    Why do People Stay in Cults?

Sources of Support

  • Cult Escape aims to inspire courage and hope for anyone seeking freedom from religious control.

    Contact online: https://cult-escape.com/contact-us/

  • CIC is a charity providing advice and information for victims of cults, their families and friends, researchers and the media.

    Tel: 07790 753 035 on Tuesdays & Wednesdays only, from 10am to 5pm

  • Funding counselling services for cult survivors: http://www.encourage-cult-survivors.org/

  • Inform researches Cult and religious activities.

    Their website is here: Inform

    The kinds of things they can do appear in their case studies: Inform case studies

  • CAAGe ‘How to’: Legal Support

  • Provided by the Welsh Government, the Live Fear Free Helpline provides help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence

    Website: https://www.gov.wales/live-fear-free

    Contact Details: https://www.gov.wales/live-fear-free/contact-live-fear-free

  • MACSAS (Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors) supports people who have been sexually abused, as children or adults, by ministers, clergy or others under the guise of the Church.

  • Modern Slavery Helpline: Unseen’s Modern Slavery Helpline and Resource Centre is working towards a world without slavery by supporting, equipping and influencing. Tel: 08000 121 700

  • Recovering from Religion helps individuals learning how to live after questions, doubts, and changing beliefs. they connect people with support, resources and community. They offer both peer support and professional support.

  • For people feeling suicidal or having suicidal thoughts:

    Website: https://www.samaritans.org/

    Call free on 116 123

  • The Safe Passage Foundation provides resources, support and advocacy for people raised in restrictive, isolated or high-demand communities - “cults”

    Email: support@safepassagefoundation.org

    Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/safepassagefoundation/

  • The Survivors Trust has 120 member organisations based in the UK & Ireland providing specialist support for women, men and children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.

    Website: https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/

    Helpline: 08088 010818

    Text: 07860022956

  • Unseen (Modern slavery specialists) is working towards a World without slavery.

    Modern slavery & exploitation helpline phone number: 08000 121 700

    (Open 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year)

  • Women’s Aid offers a range of support services which help thousands of women and children every year.

Of interest…

  • Crown on barbed wire

    Cult Fiction: The Kool Aid Kings

    In this article, ’Sleuth Hound’ takes a deep dive into the diabolical world of cults.

    • Why do people join cults?

    • What kind of people are drawn to them?

    • Are we all vulnerable to the allure of the Kool Aid Kings?

    • Can we safeguard ourselves and others from the pull of these nefarious groups?

    Thought provoking reading: Cult Fiction and the Cool Aid Kings

  • "generation Cult" logo

    Generation Cult

    Generation Cult is an interview show about people born and/or raised in cults.

    Subjects include:

    • The Farm and The Neon Sun with Kate, who left High View Church Farm where children worked and lived in militant conditions

    • We Love New Books: Forager with Michelle, who was raised raised in an end-times group (doomsday) cult.

    • I See You Survivor with Liz, whose experience with the questionable The Troubled Teen Industry (TTI), residential programs for struggling teenagers leads her to view it as a cult.

    The victims come from a wide range of backgrounds, including yoga cults, the The Geftakys Assembly which imploded in 2003, Twelve Tribes, Mormans, Scientology, Moonies, Jehova´s Witnesses, Hare Krishna´s and more.

    Access here: The Generation Cult podcasts

Books on Cults

CAAGe will make a small commission on any purchases through the Amazon Affiliate Scheme. We picked these books for their content, but have not yet reviewed them.