This article is an electronic version of an article originally published in Cultic Studies Journal, 2001, Volume 18, Part 2, pages 109-139. Please keep in mind that the pagination of this electronic reprint differs from that of the bound volume. This fact could affect how you enter bibliographic information in papers that you may write.

Healing from Experiences with Unhealthy Spiritual Groups and Cults: Treatment Using Myths and Folk Tales

Leland E. Shields
F. Jeri Carter, Ph.D.

Abstract

Over the years much has been written describing experiences of individuals in abusive and exploitive spiritual groups and approaches to treatment of the issues they bring. Building upon the foundation of previous work, an approach to group treatment of this population is presented herein. Treatment of this population has the particular challenge of working constructively with individuals who have previously surrendered a disproportionate share of control to authority. The group treatment approach presented balances the delivery of information with respectful use of authority. Folk tales and religious stories are used to catalyze reflection and discussion of the meaning of the client’s experiences for each individual. Cognitive information about the practices of unhealthy spiritual groups is offered as supportive written material in a non-didactic manner. In this way, structure is provided to initiate the group therapy process, while allowing the group members maximum autonomy in the group.
 

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