Mental Health Professionals

Do not assume that a group involvement is merely a sign of normal adolescent rebellion and identity searching, and that "this too will pass."

Do not assume that a group involvement reflects only unconscious individual psychopathology and/or a dysfunctional family system. Though these may be factors, do not focus on the person's or family's past to such a high degree that you overlook possibly traumatic effects of an abusive group experience.

Avoid confirmatory bias, that is, the common human tendency to notice, seek, and/or be alert to information that supports our initial impressions or formal assessment.

Do not approach a cult-related case as a strange, deeply mysterious phenomenon requiring esoteric expertise. Cult-related problems are, at their heart, consequences of unusually powerful social influences interacting with the spectrum of human personalities, needs, and goals.

Cults vary tremendously and change over time. Do not overgeneralize from cult definitions to a specific group.

Those who join cults as adults or young adults form their identity in the mainstream world and, therefore, can return to their "former self" and relationships when they leave a group.

Those who are born or raised in cultic groups form their identity in the group. When they exit a group they leave family and friends behind and enter a new and sometimes frightening world.

Clinical experience suggests that a significant percentage of former cultists suffer from PTSD.

People who leave cultic groups often experience volatile emotions and difficulty trusting people, including professionals. Be patient with them.

If you work with former cultists or family members of cult-involved persons, take advantage of ICSA's resources, including support from fellow professionals.