Today’s discussion is about high-control groups. If you aren’t familiar with this phrase, think of it as the clinical term for a cult, and most of us are familiar with that word. Let’s talk about it with my guest, Chris Wilson, who has spent many years studying this topic. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master’s in Religion, and is working on a Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Join us to learn more from Chris!
Show Highlights:
- Why a high-control group is usually toxic, with the abuse of power and control that induces trauma in people
- How Chris witnessed abuse and experienced trauma in her religious upbringing–and became passionately determined to help others
- KC’s story of teenage drug addiction, rehab, and exposure to high-control groups
- How a recovery group that helps a person can also be a high-control group
- What makes a group a high-control group
- They use control tactics and don’t teach coping mechanisms.
- They prioritize predatory collectivism.
- Why not all religions with strict rules and regulations are high-control groups
- How high-control groups function with behavior control and punishment
- How high-control group tactics can show up in the toxic workplace
- How high-control groups implement information control and use thought-stopping cliches to stop people from evaluating what is happening to them
- How high-control groups remove a person’s ability and opportunity to make all decisions about even the most mundane things in daily life
- Tips from Chris and KC for joining a group and being aware:
- Balance your passion with rationality.
- Connect with others in the group and ask specifically about the “downsides” of the group.
- Beware if the group touts themselves as the ONLY ONE doing things right.
- Beware if the group leader claims to be clairvoyant, infallible, or claims to know you better than you know yourself.
Resources:
Connect with KC: TikTok, Instagram, and Website
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
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