Since Scientology gave birth to Silva Mind Control, Leadership or Mind Dynamics and est, in the 1960s, there has been an industry in 'large group awareness trainings' (LGATs), including The Forum, Landmark Education, Lifespring and Tony Robbins. Wikipedia tells us LGATs 'may compromise participants' mental wellbeing'. Dr John Hunter realized that the LGAT he attended at his boss's request claimed the symptoms of hypomania (excessive elation) as 'transformations'.

After two decades of research, John has published an excellent book suggesting that LGATs and many other forms of conversion use stress and humiliation to generate the brain's reward chemical dopamine which is then released in a gush of elation - hypomania. Studies have shown that these euphoric states are transient and often result in broken marriages and careers as well as mental breakdowns and even psychosis.

John's new book is a vital insight into the ways in which even highly intelligent people's critical thinking is bypassed. He argues that many religious conversions may be based in this simple neurological process. A must-watch!

Exposing LGATs: The Dark Side of Personal Growth Seminars

Dr. John Hunter on A Dose of Reason

Dr. Hunter's book

The music of Mavis Staples