You are not alone.

WHETHER YOU ARE:

— in a high-control group or cult
— trying to figure out if you are in one
— trying to help someone else get out of one
— seeking to better understand past involvement

There is help for you.
#igotout

 
 
 
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Mind control is the process by which one’s freedom of choice is compromised by agents that modify or distort perception, motivation, cognition and/or behavior. It is neither magical or mystical, but a process that involves a set of basic social psychological principles. Conformity, compliance, persuasion, guilt and fear are some of these social influence ingredients. Combined with charismatic, authoritarian leaders and/or dominant ideologies that are often deceptively orchestrated, over an extended period of time, they can create a powerful crucible of extreme mental and behavioral manipulation.
— Steven Hassan, PhD - Author of Combating Cult Mind Control
 
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Informative Videos


The psychological tricks that make cults so dangerous…

Thousands of groups known as cults have arisen over history. But most cults claim not to be cults, and many people involved might not even be aware they are in one. So how do cults lure people in?

Tui McLean explores the secret world of cults through a psychological lens, examining what a cult actually is, and how some cults have been able to make ordinary people do unthinkable things.

Video by Tui McLean
Animation by Michal Bialozej


What is a Cult?
~Steven Hassan Ph.D

Steven Hassen developed the BITE Model to describe the specific methods that cults use to recruit and maintain control over people. “BITE” stands for Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control. Many people think of mind control as an ambiguous, mystical process that cannot be defined in concrete terms. In reality, mind control refers to a specific set of methods and techniques, such as hypnosis or thought-stopping, that influences how a person thinks, feels, and acts.


 Why do People Join cults?
~Janja Lalich Ph.D

Today, there are thousands of cults around the world. Broadly speaking, a cult is a group or movement with a shared commitment to a usually extreme ideology that’s typically embodied in a charismatic leader. But what exactly differentiates cults from other groups – and why do people join them? Janja Lalich describes how cults recruit and manipulate their members. (from Janja Lalich’s website) 

 
 

 
 

How to get someone out of a cult
~Joe Szimhart

Cults, conspiracy theories and fringe belief systems have always been around, and Joe Szimhart’s job is to help people out of them. Szimhart is a cult interventionist and has been working in the field since the 1980s, when he left a harmful group. “The leaders didn’t seem to be living according to the strict code of ethics,” he said. Ever since, he has been helping others find information, including Rick Larsen, who now also volunteers his time supporting people like him after he saved his wife from an organization’s dangerous influence.

 
 

Ashleigh is the creator of Instagram page, CULTivate Awareness, through which she aims to raise awareness of cult dynamics, psychological abuse and coercive control. 

She is guided by her modus operandi: Prevent Harm, Help Heal.

 
 

Podcasts - Voices of Survivors

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Movies, Documentaries, TV Series

 

There are many Movies, Documentaries, TV series and shows that have been exploring and exposing undue influence and cultic abuse.

These are some of our favorites. If there are any others that you liked or that really helped you, let us know!


 
 
 

 

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It’s your journey…

The resources listed on this page have been helpful to (or written by) our contributors and / or recommended by the cult survivor community but only reflects a fraction of what’s available. We encourage you to look for other resources that resonate and feel right to you.

This website was created and managed by people who have experienced cultic abuse and had our own journeys of learning and recovery.

We got out. We found support. We are creating fulfilling lives, free from undue influence. We are doing it. So can you.

Get involved in the #iGotOut movement and let us know what has helped you the most.

 
 
 
 

 Emergency Resources

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, there are people who can help.


 
 
 
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