ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on deleterious hypnosis used by destructive cults, online predators, and malevolent people. Covert hypnosis often involves sexual misconduct. Healthcare clinicians who use hypnosis must be alerted to the harm caused by self-serving practitioners, or the profession will suffer through public distrust. This chapter describes the use of hypnosis in the hands of unregulated companies and authoritarian cults run by people who display traits of malignant narcissists. We share a case study of Hassan's recruitment into the Moon cult to introduce fundamental cult recruitment and maintenance concepts. Our solution uses three models that differentiate due from undue influence: the Influence Continuum, the BITE model of Authoritarian Control, and the Social Influence Model. Education and legislation are needed globally to protect the public and delineate the ethical uses of hypnotherapy.
