Background of a Cult-like Upbringing

Ariel's childhood was marked by a disturbing combination of manipulation and abuse, primarily orchestrated by her mother, who functioned as a cult leader within their family dynamic. Ariel describes her upbringing as lacking a sense of safety, where obedience to her mother's strict rules was crucial for receiving any form of love or validation. She recounts how her mother gaslighted her and her sister, maintaining that the outside world was dangerous, which resulted in a sense of fear and isolation from other children. Through this lens, Ariel presents her traumatic experience as a non-traditional cult, emphasizing the psychological control wielded by her mother.