Guidance for former cult members

We are aware that the transition out of a cult can be quite difficult, and there can be many after-effects of cult involvement. These difficulties can be overlooked, or misunderstood.

It would be very understandable if you were feeling any of the following:

Confusion, about what to believe, and how to make good decisions for yourself and your future…

Shame, when realizing you were involved in a cult, and if, as part of your involvement, you acted in a way that you’re not proud of…

Guilt, possibly associated with having broken ties to loved ones, or for having recruited others into the cult…

Sadness and loss over saying "goodbye" to those ideals in the group you thought you could admire, the fellow members you thought were your true friends, or the time spent following something which turned out to be false…

Fear, that this may have been your last hope for happiness, success, or enlightenment, that you are no longer protected by the powers of the leader and are vulnerable to evil, that you will make bad decisions for yourself without the group’s guidance, or that you will be punished for leaving.

Trouble with staying focused and thinking clearly, with handling the "old problems" coming back which had been put on hold while in the cult, and with knowing who to trust.

Loneliness, after leaving intensive relationships, and now needing to reconnect with family and friends who live in a manner that the cult criticized.

If you are experiencing any of these, or other lingering effects, give us a call at 212-632-4640. We can help.

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