Cults and coercive controlCults and coercive control
All In The Mind
Popular culture is endlessly fascinated with cults, and they have the capacity to make ordinary people do unthinkable things. Today - how cults reel people in, how coercive control keeps them there and what it takes to get out. This episode was first broadcast in October 2022. And if you enjoyed listening, you should check out our episode The History of Brainwashing.
29:05•23 Mar 2024
How Cults Trap and Control: A Deep Dive into Coercive Tactics
Episode Overview
- Cults often recruit people during vulnerable times in their lives.
- Coercive control tactics are used to maintain power over members.
- Parallels exist between the control tactics in cults and domestic abuse.
- Leaving a cult involves overcoming intense psychological manipulation.
- Understanding how cults operate can help in supporting former members.
“Nobody sets out to join a cult; they're just coming across a group that looks great from the outset”
Ever wondered how ordinary people end up in cults? This episode of All In The Mind takes you on a fascinating journey through the dark and mysterious world of cults and coercive control. Host Sana Khadar speaks with Torah Cleviour, who spent 11 years in the Children of God cult, and Sarah Steele, an expert on cults, to unpack how these groups lure people in, keep them trapped, and what it takes to break free.
You'll hear Torah's gripping personal story, from his initial recruitment while feeling lost in Europe to the intense control and eventual escape. Sarah Steele provides a broader perspective, discussing the psychological tactics cults use and why anyone could be vulnerable to joining one. The episode also draws parallels between cults and domestic abuse, highlighting the similar coercive tactics used to control individuals. By the end, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the human psyche and the complex dynamics of manipulation.
Whether you're curious about the psychology behind cults or seeking to understand coercive control better, this episode offers valuable insights and real-life experiences. Tune in to learn how these groups operate and what can be done to help those affected. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion that could change how you view vulnerability and control.
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