International Cultic Studies Association: Information about cults, cult groups, and new religious movements. ICSA studies psychological manipulation, cult groups, sects, and new religious movements.

Information on cults, cultic groups, psychological manipulation, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, brainwashing, mind control, thought reform, abusive churches, extremism, totalistic groups, new religious movements, alternative and mainstream religions, group dynamics, exit counseling, recovery, and practical suggestions for those affected by or interested in these subjects.

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Who We Are and What We Do

Founded in 1979, the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) is a global network of people concerned about psychological manipulation and abuse in cultic groups, alternative movements, and other environments.

ICSA is tax-exempt, supports civil liberties, and is not affiliated with any religious or commercial organizations.

ICSA's mission is to apply research and professional perspectives to the problems encountered by family members and former group members adversely affected by a cultic involvement and to forewarn those who might become involved in potentially harmful group situations.

In order to fulfill this mission, ICSA provides:

·       conferences, typically attended by 200-300 people, including 50-100 speakers

·         workshops for former members of cults or related groups, families of people involved in cults or related groups, mental health professionals, and others

·         an e-library with more than 19,000 documents on cults, new religious movements, sects, spiritual abuse, and related groups and topics

·         an e-newsletter and a journal that describe new developments in the cultic studies field

·         an information phone line

·         perspectives on how to evaluate and use information to deal effectively with problems related to cults, new religious movements, sects, spiritual abuse, and related groups and topics

·         Support for cultic studies research

·         opportunities to network with families, former members of cults or related groups, helping professionals, researchers, and others interested in the cultic studies field

·         Peer Consultation (research, assistance, education, legal)

·         Training (clinical, educational, research)

·         opportunities to volunteer and to contribute to publications, conferences, art exhibits, educational programs, research, and other projects.

ICSA consists of and responds to the needs of people interested in cults, new religious movements, sects, spiritual abuse, and related groups and topics, including:

·         researchers

·         helping professionals

·         former members of cults or related groups

·         families of people who are or have been involved in cults or related groups

·         educators

·         legal professionals

·         clergy

·         journalists

·         students

ICSA is guided by a distinguished Board of Directors and Executive Advisory Board.

More about International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA).

How to use the International Cultic Studies Association's cult information site.

Paul Martin died at 2:00 a.m. on August 14, 2009. He was the founder of Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center, a residential facility for former members of cults and cultic groups.