Cult Deprogramming Therapy for Californians
Former Cult Members
“I have to get out of here.”
“I’m out… and now I have nothing.”
If you’ve thought one of these, I understand what you went through and what you are going through now.
If you’re questioning…
Does the organization you belong to meet most or all these criteria?
- They keep you unaware of what was really going on behind the scenes and how they are working to change you one step at a time.
- They control your social life, physical environment, and/or time.
- They make you feel powerless as an individual, like you can only succeed with them.
- They use rewards and punishments, and manipulate experiences, to get you as far away from your former social identity as possible.
- They use rewards and punishments, and manipulate experiences, to promote only the group’s ideology, belief system, and group-approved behaviors.
- They operate within a closed system of logic and authoritarian structure that does not allow any feedback or questioning and cannot be modified except by leadership.*
If the answer is yes, then you are indeed in an abusive and exploitative group.
If you know, and you’re still in…
I am a safe person for you to talk to. It is illegal and unethical for me to disclose any information about you, or even that you are seeing me, to anyone you have not given me explicit written permission to communicate with…
I want to help you get out in the safest and least traumatic way possible. While it will undoubtedly be difficult, let’s work together to make the transition happen and strengthen you against attacks or attempts to get you back in.
If you know and you’re out…
Time to put your life back together or create an even better one than what you had before. I understand the unique challenges faced by former cult members. Whether you joined as an adult or were born and raised in the group, I have the experience and expertise to help you heal and learn to thrive in the real world.
Contact me today to begin your recovery from cult involvement!
*Adapted from Dr. Margaret Singer’s “Conditions for Thought Reform,” 1995
What is cult deprogramming therapy?
Cult deprogramming therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals recover from the psychological manipulation and control often experienced in cults. It’s a journey of self-discovery and healing, aimed at reclaiming your personal freedom and well-being.
Key aspects of cult deprogramming therapy include:
1. Understanding cult dynamics
As an expert in cult recovery, I understand the tactics used by cults to control members, such as sleep deprivation, information control, and emotional manipulation.
2. Rebuilding critical thinking
Therapy helps you develop healthy skepticism and critical thinking skills to challenge the cult’s indoctrination, misinformation, and destructive mind control influence techniques.
3. Trauma support
Cult experiences can be highly traumatic. I’m trained in several different trauma-informed therapy approaches that can help you process and heal from emotional wounds.
4, Building healthy relationships
Often, cults isolate members from external members. Therapy facilitates rebuilding healthy and supportive connections.
5. Developing independence
Deprogramming therapy empowers you to make your own choices and reclaim control over your life.
Techniques used in therapy for former cult members
I use cutting-edge trauma therapy techniques to address the unique challenges people face after leaving a cult. Some of the methods I use are:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): EMDR uses bilateral eye movements, along with other techniques, to help individuals reprocess disturbing memories associated with their cult experience. This can alleviate emotional distress and improve emotional regulation. Learn more about EMDR therapy here.
- Brainspotting: This technique helps identify and address “brainspots” – eye positions linked to unresolved trauma. By focusing on these brainspots, individuals can release pent-up emotions and gain new perspectives on their experiences. Learn more about brainspotting here.
- Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): KAP is a holistic therapy that combines medicine with traditional therapy sessions. Ketamine, a medication known for its psychedelic effects, can sometimes help individuals access painful memories and process them more effectively in a therapeutic setting. Learn more about KAP here.
Embarking on cult deprogramming therapy is a courageous step towards embracing your truth and seeking a life that reflects your deepest values and aspirations. If you’re considering this journey, know that you’re not alone. Many have navigated this challenging path before you, driven by a profound desire for change that aligns more closely with their personal values and quest for truth.
Benefits of therapy for ex-cult members
Leaving a cult can be a daunting and emotionally exhausting experience. However, your mental health is worth it. As a therapist with extensive experience helping current and former cult members, I’ve seen firsthand the positive transformations that can happen.
Here are some of the key benefits you can expect from therapy for cult members.
Cult deprogramming therapy is a life-changing investment that can empower you to heal from the past and build a brighter future.
Meet Dr. Natalie Feinblatt | California therapist for cult members
If you’re a current or former cult member (or questioning whether you’ve had cult involvement), I see you. In my 20+ years of experience providing therapy, I’ve helped countless people break free from the undue influence of cults and put their lives back together.
I’m not here to be another authority figure in your life telling you what to do. Rather, therapy with me is meant to act as a safe space for you to process your experience and create a life that’s based on your own unique values.
Here’s a bit more about my background.
- Credentials: California Psychologist License CA PSY24163, Colorado License PSY0005336, Florida License TPPY297
- Education: Bachelors in Psychology from UCSD, Masters and Doctorate in Psychology from Pepperdine University
- Location: In-person sessions in Santa Monica, telehealth available throughout California, Colorado, and Florida
- Specialties: Trauma, Addiction, Dual Diagnosis
FAQs about therapy for former cult members
What is the difference between deprogramming and cult exit counseling?
These terms may be used interchangeably to describe mental health counseling for former cult members. However, in some contexts, you’ll see them used differently.
In the past, deprogramming has been used to refer to an outdated practice that involves involuntary confinement and often coercive methods to remove someone from a cult. Please note that this is not the service I provide.
Cult exit counseling is a term that some people use to refer to therapy for former cult members. Sometimes, people use this term to refer to a service that extracts people from cults. Please note that this is not the service I provide.
My services are for consenting adults who are looking to process their own cult experience (or are questioning whether they’re in or have been part of a cult). Our working relationship is founded on trust, equality, and empowerment.
Is cult deprogramming therapy confidential?
Yes, cult deprogramming therapy is highly confidential. As a mental health professional, I’m bound to strict ethical guidelines. This means that I’m forbidden to talk about your treatment without your explicit written consent.
There are a few exceptions to confidentiality that are legally mandated. These include
- Risk of harm to yourself or others
- Suspected child abuse or neglect
Have more questions about the limits of confidentiality? Let’s chat.
Will therapy involve confronting the cult directly?
In cult deprogramming therapy, the focus is on empowering you to heal and reclaim control over your life, not necessarily directly confronting the cult. This means therapy sessions won’t typically involve direct interaction with the cult or its leaders.
However, here’s how the topic of confrontation might be addressed in our sessions:
- Processing your experiences: Therapy can help you explore your feelings about the cult and the control it exerted. This may involve discussing interactions you’ve had with the cult or its leaders.
- Developing boundaries: Therapy can equip you with strategies to set boundaries with the cult if you choose to have any further contact.
- Supporting your decisions: Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to confront the cult directly is yours. I’ll provide support and guidance regardless of your decision.
Direct confrontation with a cult can be risky. Therapy can help you weigh the potential consequences and determine the safest and most effective approach for you.
Start your recovery journey today.
Breaking free from a cult or other exploitative group might feel impossible right now—and that’s okay. I’m here to support you no matter where you’re at in your cult recovery journey.
I’ve helped many former cult members make sense of their experiences and build a new life for themselves, and I’d be honored to help you, too. Connect with me today to get started.