Steve Hassan is an expert in the field of thought reform or coercive persuasion. He has written several books including "Combatting Mind Control" and "Releasing the Bonds". He is a former member of the Unification Church (the Moonies) and writes of his own experience in "Combatting Mind Control". Building upon Robert J. Lifton's eight criteria, he introduced the BITE model. BITE is an acryonym for Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control. Hassan has also pioneered the SIA model--Strategic Interaction Approach--which is designed to help survivors of thought reform/mind control recover after leaving thier abusive environment. More information about BITE and SIA can be found at his website: www.freedomofmind.com
from Steve Hassan:
What should I do if I suspect a family member or friend is getting involved with a destructive cult?
What should I do if I suspect a family member or friend is getting involved with a destructive cult?
I agree with Mr. Hassan and would stress to maintain contact, remain non-judgemental, and be patient. This will be a long process of recovery, but it will be worth it.
from Steve Hassan:
What should I do if I suspect a family member or friend is getting involved with a destructive cult?
What should I do if I suspect a family member or friend is getting involved with a destructive cult?
My best advice is to get help before you do or say anything. Continue to act naturally. Learn before you act. Think before you speak. Adopt a “curious, yet concerned” attitude with the person you suspect is in trouble.
Don’t get hysterical in front of the individual. Don’t attack or confront. Don’t ask him or her if they are in a cult.
Position yourself as a possible “recruit” and try to elicit as much information as possible. Ask questions in a friendly manner and insist on getting specific answers. Don’t settle for global generalizations or evasions. Ask for any literature, but be cautious about going to meetings without getting properly prepared first. From time to time I hear stories of people falling victim when trying to help someone else.
If a group is legitimate, it will stand up to scrutiny. Members will be forthcoming with information and that information will be verified by facts. If a group is legitimate, they will not pressure people to make commitments before there is complete disclosure. If a group is legitimate, it will not lie nor will it use phobias to enslave new members.
Get information. Maintain contact. Try to get the person to engage with you in a process of researching the group objectively. Talk with former members, particularly former leaders if you can. Destructive cults vilify critical former members and make up stories to make them untrustworthy. While that might be the case, use your own good judgment to listen to all of the facts objectively. Make your best decision based on your experience and the information you have collected. Periodically, as new information or experiences present themselves, you might review your evaluation.
Don’t get hysterical in front of the individual. Don’t attack or confront. Don’t ask him or her if they are in a cult.
Position yourself as a possible “recruit” and try to elicit as much information as possible. Ask questions in a friendly manner and insist on getting specific answers. Don’t settle for global generalizations or evasions. Ask for any literature, but be cautious about going to meetings without getting properly prepared first. From time to time I hear stories of people falling victim when trying to help someone else.
If a group is legitimate, it will stand up to scrutiny. Members will be forthcoming with information and that information will be verified by facts. If a group is legitimate, they will not pressure people to make commitments before there is complete disclosure. If a group is legitimate, it will not lie nor will it use phobias to enslave new members.
Get information. Maintain contact. Try to get the person to engage with you in a process of researching the group objectively. Talk with former members, particularly former leaders if you can. Destructive cults vilify critical former members and make up stories to make them untrustworthy. While that might be the case, use your own good judgment to listen to all of the facts objectively. Make your best decision based on your experience and the information you have collected. Periodically, as new information or experiences present themselves, you might review your evaluation.
I agree with Mr. Hassan and would stress to maintain contact, remain non-judgemental, and be patient. This will be a long process of recovery, but it will be worth it.
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