COUNSELING FOR SPIRITUAL ABUSE
By Toxic Groups, Abusive Churches & Cults

Having difficulty with your job, your relationships, your family, your life — even years after leaving your toxic group, abusive church or cult?

I am a licensed therapist and cult recovery counselor. Since 1995, I have worked with more than 2,000 former members from a variety of toxic groups: Christian, Eastern, New Age, multilevel marketing, psychology, and other cults.

Many of my clients tried working with counselors before. But they felt judged or disbelieved by counselors inexperienced with cult veterans. I spent 23 years in a cult myself — I know what you are going through. I'll never judge, blame, or disbelieve you.

You may notice that I offer no lists of cults. Labeling groups as cults remains controversial — and can cause clients to feel like victims. I give every client the space to decide whether he or she experienced cultic abuse or not.

I believe in brief therapy, helping clients build on their own strengths to make changes that will lead to more comfortable, productive lives — quickly. But every group and individual is unique, so I work with clients at their own pace.

In the first four sessions, I educate clients about cultic processes. Next we move on to simple, practical techniques to overcome life challenges — in the here-and-now. You decide how long this phase lasts — perhaps four to eight sessions. Finally, we move on to recovery: structuring a new life — with new goals and values — free of cultic influence.

Because there are few experienced cult recovery counselors, I work by phone or Internet with clients from Hawaii to Europe in addition to office visits with local clients.

You may not realize the problems former cult members share. I recommend you review my Symptom Checklist.

Know that you are not alone. You can get support that leads to change. Together, my clients and I have worked successfully create new lives.

Please read my qualifications, then contact me to discuss your needs or ask questions. You can reach me at jmknapp53@gmail.com or 1.518.651.6490, or use this form.

How Mental Health Providers Can Consult with Me