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Blogs About All Things Cultish And Coercive Control


Why Do I Feel Guilty All the Time After Leaving Church?
You thought leaving would bring relief. More freedom. More space to breathe. Maybe even a sense of peace.
Instead… there’s guilt. A constant, nagging, heavy feeling that you’ve done something wrong — even if you can’t logically explain why.
If this is you, you’re not broken. And you’re definitely not alone.
What you’re feeling makes sense when we understand how high-control or fear-based religious environments shape the brain, the nervous system, and your sense of self.
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Renee Spencer
Feb 114 min read


When Grief Turns Into Denial: Why Conspiracy Narratives Thrive After Tragedy
In the aftermath of the Bondi attack, Australia has been sitting in shock. Grief like this doesn’t move in a straight line. It fractures. It disorients. It overwhelms our sense of safety and order. And in that psychological chaos, people reach for explanations that make the world feel less frightening — even if those explanations aren’t true.

Renee Spencer
Dec 16, 20252 min read


The Complex Nature of Fasting: A Double-Edged Sword
When practiced safely and voluntarily, fasting can indeed offer spiritual and even physical benefits. Short-term fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, support cellular repair processes, and heighten self-awareness. Many people find it brings calm, focus, and a deeper connection to their values.
But context is everything. When fasting is done freely, it’s a spiritual or health practice. When it’s used as leverage, it becomes psychological warfare.

Renee Spencer
Oct 16, 20255 min read


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 28, 20254 min read


“Confess, Comply, Conform”: How Cults Weaponise Forced Confession and Public Shaming
Under the guise of humility and accountability, authoritarian religious groups have long used forced confession and public shaming to instil fear, monitor loyalty, and condition obedience. Far from creating “safe spaces for truth,” these rituals become highly effective tools for domination—dressed up as righteousness.

Renee Spencer
Jul 25, 20255 min read


Rethinking Cult Exit Strategies in the Face of Psychopathy
So, I’ve been stepping into the spotlight lately, sharing what it’s like to be a parent who has watched their child get pulled into a...

Renee Spencer
Jul 2, 20255 min read


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 30, 20253 min read


The Impact of Coercive Control on Mental Health in Cults
Uncover the profound and far-reaching impact of coercive control in cults on mental health. Learn how to recognise the signs.

Renee Spencer
Jul 11, 20243 min read


The Messiah Complex: Modern Cult Leaders Claiming to be the Reincarnation of Jesus
Explore the dangers of the messiah complex, through the captivating stories of modern cult leaders claiming to be the reincarnation of Jesus

Renee Spencer
Jul 2, 20243 min read


Cults as a Mindset: Understanding the Psychological Landscape
Explore the psychological landscape of 'Cults as a Mindset' beyond secretive groups. Learn to recognise and address these patterns.

Renee Spencer
Jul 1, 20243 min read


Coercive Control in Religion: Destroying Identity and the Harm it Causes
Uncover the devastating effects of 'Coercive Control in Religion' on personal identity and well-being.

Renee Spencer
Jun 26, 20243 min read


Voices in My Head: Understanding Psychosis, Delusional Thinking, and Normal Thinking
Discover the complexities of the human mind and explore the spectrum of internal voices in my head, from normal dialogue to signs of deeper

Renee Spencer
Jun 23, 20244 min read


Unveiling the Dark Triad: Decoding the Smirk of Manipulation
The dark triad smirk is often detectable in cult leaders. Explore the meaning behind this subtle expression.

Renee Spencer
Jun 19, 20244 min read
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