JAN:
The main purpose of cult "programming" is of course to gain control over
their members, that is over their free will as well as financial reserves, I
presume. So more and more people get lured into different cults and societies
than ever before. Could you tell us what methods of deprogramming you recommend
most?
Mr. ROSS:
At one time, due to the reluctance of cult groups to allow members to dialogue
with their families and professionals about their involvement (or even to allow
families access to a loved one) --"involuntary
deprogramming" became the choice of some families as a last resort. That
is, they held their adult children involuntarily for brief periods of a few
days to hear their concerns, specific information about the group and analysis
about its persuasion techniques. However, today due to civil litigation funded
by cults this option for families has been eliminated. Instead, the only form
of cult intervention now practiced is voluntary--with the exception of minor
children under the direct supervision of a custodial parent.
"Voluntary deprogramming" is sometimes referred to as "exit-counseling", "thought
reform consultation", "intervention therapy" or simply cult
intervention. This is similar to a drug or alcohol intervention and consists
essentially of a family and/or concerned individuals, sitting down with an involved
adult and discussing their concerns. In a cult intervention information is presented
about the group that the member is most often not aware of. This is typically
facilitated by a professional cult intervention specialist--sometimes called
an "exit counselor", "thought reform consultant" or most commonly a "cult deprogrammer"
who works within an ethical framework.
This consists of a series of meetings that may last several days through which
information is provided that may include reviewing documentaries, news programs,
court records and certain reports about the group in question. This might also
involve a former member of the group offering personal insights. An intervention
can be seen as somewhat of an educational seminar. It is focused on the group,
personal involvement, the specific methodology certain groups may use to influence
people and how that process
of persuasion takes place.
JAN:
While reading for instance the book about "Heavens Gate", I was surprised
how many intelligent and highly educated people could get under the spell of
cult programmers. How does that indoctrination works and is it possible that
the people with higher education can be even more prone to their influence?
Mr. ROSS:
Typically cult groups target universities and colleges. Most likely those schools
that maintain campus housing. This represents an opportunity to approach young
people (usually 18-26) who are often away from familiar surroundings and support
systems for the first time.
There are many myths
about cults. Perhaps the most prevalent is that they only successfully can
recruit emotionally disturbed or unintelligent people. This is a false assumption
and often appears to be a form of denial. That is, "they could never get me."
In fact, many groups are largely composed of sophisticated, educated people--who
are often the most useful and productive.
Wayne Martin, the second in command at the Waco Davidian compound under David
Koresh was a Harvard Law School Graduate. Steve Schneider, the next in line
under Wayne Martin--was a seminarian. Within one group led by the "Bhagwan Shree
Rajneesh"--85% of the members were college graduates, 25% possessed postgraduate
degrees and 15% had doctorates.
Cults look for often naïve, young and perhaps isolated people that may be experiencing
a difficult period or situation in life. They offer clarity, answers and seeming
solutions to virtually any question or dilemma. Their leaders are most often
strong charismatic compelling figures.
Today many celebrities are involved in controversial groups that have been called
"cults"--such as Scientology
and the Kabbalah Center.
Historically
Hollywood and the entertainment industry have been rife with such connections
to controversial groups. Many people view celebrities as "role models" and may
be influenced by their endorsements of such groups.
JAN:
Contrary to programming, the deprogramming methods are directed towards
freeing of such persons from their bondage. Some people are afraid that after
deprogramming, there is some void left in a person's mind or even that the deprogramming
can go too far. Is there any truth in it?
Mr. ROSS:
No. Through "deprogramming" or cult intervention the only issues that are addressed
focus upon the specific group and group involvement. The subject of such an
intervention subsequently may leave the group and go on with their life reassuming
their own basic individual values and beliefs. They may retain certain aspects
of the group's worldview such as vegetarianism, meditation, pacifism or other
human interests. But they typically will integrate these convictions/commitments
into their own unique blend of ideas as opposed to the rather cloned/closed
worldview of the cult leader.
There may be some difficulties during a period of adjustment. Specifically,
picking up their life again and making their own truly independent decisions.
But this recovery period
will typically pass and is often assisted by helping professionals such as psychologists
and counselors.
JAN:
Are deprogramming methods more effective at early stages of indoctrination?
Are there any simple methods, which will help parents or friends to stop the
programming process or reverse it earlier while the damage is not that extensive?
And what should they do in later stages?
Mr. ROSS:
Most often the earlier a cult member is approached through an intervention the
more likely they are to be responsive. Specifically, the group has had less
opportunity to indoctrinate and influence that person and they probably have
less personal entanglements within the group.
The best method for preventing destructive cult involvement is preventative
education. If students and the public at large are more aware of destructive
groups beforehand they may better understand and resist their recruitment efforts.
Parents should encourage discussion and reading
about controversial groups likely to recruit on a campus their child will attend.
This should be done before sending them off to school.
Also, schools share some responsibility and should offer helpful orientations
that include general information about such recruitment efforts on their campuses.
This can be done effectively without naming certain groups, but instead by simply
offering information about the techniques they may employ for recruitment, possible
approaches and easy to understand "warning
signs".
When families observe a later, deeper stage of cult involvement they may find
it necessary to consider the involvement of a professional such as myself in
an intervention effort.
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