‘An exploration of the methods used by therapists to address instances of re-traumatising in therapeutic meetings with former members of psychologically abusive cults.
by Denis Healy
Abstract:
Various authors have disagreed about whether or not cults are harmful to individuals; whether members experience trauma during their time in the cult; and whether they continue to experience cult related traumas in the post-cult life. And, if this is the case, is there a special form of post cult post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Does potential exist for re-traumatisation during therapy? And, if it occurs, what is the therapists’ attitude to the incidence of trauma and what is the recommended approach to address it?

Denis Healy – Research Project- Retraumatising in Therapy