Struggle Care

21: Wait. Am I in a Cult? with Chris Wilson

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Today’s discussion is about high-control groups. If you aren’t familiar with this phrase, think of it as the clinical term for a cult, and most of us are familiar with that word. Let’s talk about it with my guest, Chris Wilson, who has spent many years studying this topic. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master’s in Religion, and is working on a Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Join us to learn more from Chris!


Show Highlights:

  • Why a high-control group is usually toxic, with the abuse of power and control that induces trauma in people
  • How Chris witnessed abuse and experienced trauma in her religious upbringing–and became passionately determined to help others
  • KC’s story of teenage drug addiction, rehab, and exposure to high-control groups
  • How a recovery group that helps a person can also be a high-control group
  • What makes a group a high-control group
  • They use control tactics and don’t teach coping mechanisms.
  • They prioritize predatory collectivism.
  • Why not all religions with strict rules and regulations are high-control groups
  • How high-control groups function with behavior control and punishment
  • How high-control group tactics can show up in the toxic workplace
  • How high-control groups implement information control and use thought-stopping cliches to stop people from evaluating what is happening to them
  • How high-control groups remove a person’s ability and opportunity to make all decisions about even the most mundane things in daily life
  • Tips from Chris and KC for joining a group and being aware:
  • Balance your passion with rationality.
  • Connect with others in the group and ask specifically about the “downsides” of the group.
  • Beware if the group touts themselves as the ONLY ONE doing things right.
  • Beware if the group leader claims to be clairvoyant, infallible, or claims to know you better than you know yourself.


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