Topics

Delegates included ex-members of various cults, psychological counsillors, clergy, teachers, family of cult members, etc. Participants acquired a broad background of knowledge of coercive groups and relationships, and sound counsel, accompanied by practical workshops.

Professionals and other delegates were introduced to the skills needed to assess victims of thought reform, how to address the issues with loved ones, and obtain the resources to treat those who have been victims of a coercive group, cult or cultic relationship.

Topics Covered in Lectures or Workshops

• Psychological Manipulation, Mind Control, and other dynamics of Cults and High Demand Groups
• Educating the public and parents
• Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Modalities
• Working with PTSD and Trauma related Symptomatology
• Working with Cult-involved Families
• Anxiety and Decision Making, Boundaries, Spiritual Concerns and Dependency Issues after the Cult
• How Grief becomes disenfranchised when losing a child to a Cult

The conference was designed for

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• GP's and Health Professionals
• Professional Counselors
• Social Workers
• Politicians
• Clergy / Pastors
• Ex-Members & Family
• School Chaplains / Counselors
• Students

The effects of mind control and coercive persuasion are some of the most misunderstood and deeply hidden problems that victims of these groups and relationships have endured. The outcome translates into tremendous psychological, emotional, social and financial loss for themselves and for loved ones.

CIFS value this opportunity to provide a venue for discussion and a platform for media attention to the issue of abusive cults and the reality of coersive mind control.