ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how the Re-Entry Therapy, Information and Referral Network (RETIRN) model of intervening in cult-related cases emphasises the commonly observed and measured psychological processes and suffering experienced by individuals and families who have been affected by new religious movements and other relationships and groups. The model also emphasises the importance of unconditional positive regard in families, supportive and respectful interventions and a non-judgemental psycho-educational model. The development and consequences of involvement with new religious movements and cults will be shown to inform how these counselling models can be appropriate for working with individuals adversely affected by their involvement with these groups or relationships. The RETIRN model of intervention, while eclectic in practice, is person-centred and phenomenological in its core beliefs. It has stressed the importance of keeping an open mind to the client's experience and not pre-judging them as possessing any particular psychological features because of their involvement.
