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Many professionals and organizations have attempted to define a "cult." Many of these definitions are controversial in academic circles because they are so broad as to include all "new religious movements (NRMs)." (The International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) has a good article on the ambiguity of the term "cult.")

How do I define a "cult"? To be honest, as a psychotherapist, I do not concern myself overly much with defining which groups are cultic. My concern is with my clients' understanding of their experiences.

I tend to focus on "cultic relationships." I define a cultic relationship as a relationship between any group and an individual in which the individual experiences such high-intensity demands on their time and resources that they experience dysfunction in one or more core life areas: family, friendships, love relationships, career or school, finances, community, law, spirituality, recreation, physical well-being, emotional well-being, and mental well-being. (Using this definition, you could define a "cult" as any organization that knowingly or unknowingly encourages cultic relationships in its members in order to meet the goals of the cult leader(s) for power, sex, money, drugs, or whatever.)

I focus on the cultic relationship because, in psychotherapy, personal responsibility is a more powerful concept than blame.

"Blame" is largely about the past: Who did what to whom when. It's clear that the blame for cultic abuse lies largely with the cults. They stand ready to exploit the vulnerabilities of their members — vulnerabilities such as loneliness, depression, idealism, gullibility, fear, ambition that all humans are subject to at one time or another.

"Responsibility" is largely about the future: Who will take the steps necessary for change in a positive direction. In psychotherapy, responsibility always lies with the client. Only the client can make meaningful change to improve his or her life.

This is true in treating cult veterans as well. The cult may have encouraged dysfunctional behavior, but only the client can end that behavior and move on. My work as a therapist is to facilitate the client discovering for him- or herself the steps to take to root out the destructive aftereffects of a cultic relationship.

If you believe you had a cultic relationship with an organization and continue to have difficulties, please consider contacting me. I'll make an appointment for a free initial consultation. Together we'll explore whether I am the right therapist to help you find solutions to your problems.

Take Your First Step to Recovery: Contact Me