ABSTRACT

This is an interactive self-help workbook and psychological road map to enable survivors of coercive, cultic and spiritual abuse to find healing, recovery and growth.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to recovery, based on a tested model of post-cult counselling, and years of research and clinical experience. It is designed to help survivors of diverse abusive settings, including religious and spiritual, political, gangs, business, therapy and wellness and one-on-one relationships. The reader follows a beautifully illustrated journey through four Phases of recovery and growth, one Milestone at a time, to make sense of what has happened to them, learn how to walk free from psychological control and find resources for healing. The author includes stories from her own experience, detailing her path towards recovery and how she learned to come to terms with and overcome what happened to her.

Written in accessible language, this workbook serves as both a self-help book for survivors and former members, and a guide for therapists working with them.

part One|17 pages

Setting the scene

part Two|7 pages

Who am I?

part Three|20 pages

Preparing for the journey

part Four|269 pages

The Walking Free journey

part Region 1|14 pages

Leave physically so you can begin to recover psychologically

chapter Milestone 1|12 pages

Leaving physically

part Region 2|206 pages

Leaving psychologically

chapter Milestone 2|6 pages

Face your doubts

chapter Milestone 3|11 pages

Diagnose your group or relationship

chapter Milestone 4|8 pages

How confluent were you?

chapter Milestone 5|19 pages

Introjects, critical thinking and phobias

chapter Milestone 6|20 pages

Who are YOU?

chapter Milestone 7|30 pages

Understanding traumatic stress

chapter Milestone 8|16 pages

Boundary-setting assertive anger – and rage

chapter Milestone 9|11 pages

Healthy self-love

chapter Milestone 10|49 pages

Thought reform

chapter Milestone 11|7 pages

Recognising other controlling dynamics

chapter Milestone 12|22 pages

Unmasking the leader

part Region 3|26 pages

Heal emotionally

chapter Milestone 13|24 pages

Emotional healing

part Region 4|21 pages

Walking Free

chapter Milestone 14|14 pages

Reflections

chapter Milestone 15|5 pages

Moving on and Walking Free!

part Five|7 pages

Seeking therapy

part Six|7 pages

Advice for therapists