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RECOVER FROM COERCIVE CONTROL
Blogs About All Things Cultish And Coercive Control


Can you see the turtles?: Cult Leaders Exploit Human Imagination
Several ago, my son—then 15—and I went to an art exhibition at a small community centre on the outskirts of Brisbane. It was a chilly...

Renee Spencer
Jul 284 min read
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What Does Freedom Mean Inside and Outside a Cult?
In truth, what cults call freedom is just a carefully rebranded system of its own—with its own hierarchies, unspoken rules, and consequences for disobedience. You’re not escaping control; you’re trading one structure for another. Only this new one doesn’t come with legal protections, social safety nets, or the option to question authority without punishment. It’s not freedom from the system—it’s just entry into a new one, cloaked in spiritual language and enforced through emo

Renee Spencer
Jul 246 min read
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What Are Narcissistic Fleas? A Human Response to Cultic Abuse
If you’ve ever come out of a relationship with a narcissist — whether a parent, partner, boss, or cult leader — you may find yourself...

Renee Spencer
Jul 54 min read
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Are All Cult Leaders Psychopaths?
There, I've said it. The silent question people refrain from due to politeness. And that is what these people rely on, polite people not...

Renee Spencer
Jun 303 min read
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Shame Spirals: How Cults Weaponise Shame—and Why Survivors Still Feel It After Leaving
Quote from Daring Greatly Shame is one of the most powerful and painful human emotions. It isolates. It silences. And when weaponised—as...

Renee Spencer
May 303 min read
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Illusion of Free Will: How Cults Use Coercive Control to Keep Members Trapped
Unraveling the Illusion of Free Will in cults is crucial for understanding coercive control. Learn how cults entrap and how to break free.

Renee Spencer
Sep 28, 20244 min read
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Comparing Cults to Domestic Coercive Control: Unpacking the Parallels
Discover the parallels between Cults and Domestic Coercive Control. Uncover the manipulation tactics and learn how to break free.

Renee Spencer
Sep 7, 20245 min read
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5 Reasons Why Forgiveness is Not Needed to Heal: Cult & Domestic Violence Victims
Discover why forgiveness is not essential for healing from trauma, especially for ex-cult and domestic violence survivors.

Renee Spencer
Aug 29, 20244 min read
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Education vs Indoctrination in Cults
Explore the stark contrast between education and indoctrination in cults.

Renee Spencer
Aug 25, 20243 min read
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Healing from Coercive Control in Cults: A Path to Recovery
Embark on a journey of healing from coercive control in cults. Reclaim your autonomy and rebuild trust with the right support.

Renee Spencer
Aug 11, 20243 min read
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The Silence After Escape: Why Ex-Cult Members Struggle to Speak Out
Understanding the profound silence of ex-cult members: fear, trauma, and the journey to finding their voice.

Renee Spencer
Aug 9, 20243 min read
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Reinterpreting Matthew 7:13-14: A Personal Reflection of the Middle Path Between Lucifer and Satan
Unravel the enigmatic personas of Lucifer and Satan in the Bible. Understand the nuanced facets of evil.

Renee Spencer
Aug 4, 20248 min read
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Reinterpreting Matthew 7:13-14: The Middle Path
Explore an alternative interpretation of Matthew 7:13-14, advocating for a balanced, compassionate path between extremes.

Renee Spencer
Aug 3, 20246 min read
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Respecting Faith and Belief: The Us Versus Them Mentality in Cults
Explore the destructive 'Us Vs Them Mentality' in cults & how it erodes respect for diverse beliefs. How to support healthy spirituality.

Renee Spencer
Jul 17, 20242 min read
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The Church of England in Australia: A Historical Overview of Its Relationship with Aboriginal Communities
Explore the complex history of the Church of England in Australia's relationship with Aboriginal communities.

Renee Spencer
Jul 16, 20243 min read
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The Catholic Church's Involvement with Aboriginal Communities: A Complex Legacy of Advocacy and Controversy
Explore the intricate relationship between the Catholic Church and Aboriginal Communities.

Renee Spencer
Jul 16, 20244 min read
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The Lutheran Church in Australia: Advocates and Controversies in Aboriginal Relations
Explore the complex history of the Lutheran Church in Australia's relations with Aboriginal communities, from support to coercive control.

Renee Spencer
Jul 16, 20243 min read
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Reflecting on NAIDOC Week 2024: Examining the Role of Major Churches in Aboriginal History
PART 1 OF 4 Explore the complex legacies of major churches in Aboriginal history during NAIDOC Week 2024.

Renee Spencer
Jul 16, 20243 min read
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The Erosion of Critical Thinking Through Coercive Control in Cults
The erosion of critical thinking in cults through coercive control; how manipulation, isolation, and fear suppress independent thinking.

Renee Spencer
Jul 15, 20243 min read
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The Essence of Compassionate Leadership in Spiritual Communities
PART 4 OF 4 Explore the essence of compassionate leadership in spiritual communities, prioritising empathy, respect, and human rights.

Renee Spencer
Jul 15, 20244 min read
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