Presented By: Natalie Fabert, Ph.D., L.P Program Description: Psychologically abusive, high-control groups—commonly referred to as “cults”—are marked by the systematic exploitation of members through coercive tactics and unethical manipulation. Members may be subjected to a wide range of abuses, including emotional, spiritual, sexual, and physical harm. While cults vary in form (e.g., religious, political, commercial, transformational) they typically share defining features such as a transcendent belief system, a charismatic, authoritarian leader, and a closed structure of control that discourages critical thinking and outside influence. Cult survivors often experience moral injury, chronic shame, and other mental health symptoms, and many develop Complex PTSD. Social reintegration can be especially challenging, and many survivors struggle to find therapists who understand the unique dynamics of cultic abuse and recovery. Despite the serious mental health needs of this population, most clinicians receive little to no formal training on cults or their psychological impact. Participants will gain the basic, foundational knowledge and attitudinal awareness needed to provide competent care to self-identified cult survivors. Program Level: Introductory Learning Objectives: 1. Examine at least two typical routes to cult membership through a social psychological perspective. 2. Describe two biopsychosocial impacts of cult involvement. 3. Identify three common challenges to therapeutic rapport building with cult survivors and how to navigate through them. 1.5 CE credits will be available to attendees.