Recover From Coercive Control
Hi, my name is Renée. I like walking in forests. Sometimes I wear a red cape while doing do (yes, that is me in the above photo). This in an act of empowerment and rebellion–my daughter's cult leader tried to claim that dressing up in a cape was proof of satanism. Like really, since when was the wolf in grandma's clothing the victim and little Red the villain?
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I have a deep appreciation for symbolism and metaphor. Exploring these through the story of Little Red Riding Hood has been transformative and has helped me confront many issues associated with high-control groups. We can all have moments of vulnerability in with we are lead astray from the path with promises of pretty flowers.
I enjoy creative expression in many forms–art, mixed media, photography, soap making, African drumming, house renovations–basically anything that involves the creative process.
About Renée
The technical stuff
Throughout my life I have had many encounters with coercive control from high control groups and communities that could be defined as cults. The worse experience, however, has been losing my daughter to a destructive cult–as documented in "The Dark Realty of the Kidney Cult".
These negative experiences have alerted me to the need for more awareness about how to identify a cult so as to prevent others from going through the same ordeal. I am now passionate about trying to prevent others from experiencing coercion as a direct victim of a high-control group and/or as a friend or family member.
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My work history includes over twenty-five years secondary school teacher and ten years in mental health. My qualifications include psychology and art therapy. I am registered with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia).
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I am involved with the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the impacts of cults and high-control groups, and co-authored the submission "Beyond Belief".
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My advocacy role involves being vice-president of SOCCHG (Survivors of Coercive Cults and High-Control Groups) and one of the administrators of the Facebook group ACSN (Australian Cult Survivors Network). ​​
Renée's Tertiary Qualifications
Bachelor of Education (Secondary - Visual Art)
University of Melbourne 1994-1998
Masters of Mental Health (Art Therapy)
University of Queensland 2017-2018
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
University of Melbourne 2020-2024
Break Free. Reclaim Your Power.
Coercive control is a pattern of manipulative behaviours used by cults and high-control groups to dominate, isolate, and suppress. Its impact can be deeply traumatic, leaving emotional and psychological wounds that linger long after the experience ends. But healing is possible—and it begins with reclaiming your voice.
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Recover From Coercive Control exists to support survivors, raise public awareness, and spark real change in Australia. Whether you're in the early stages of leaving, seeking clarity, or years into your recovery, you're not alone. This is a space for empowerment, education, and connection.