21: Wait. Am I in a Cult? with Chris Wilson

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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