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


When Fasting Becomes a Weapon: From Gandhi to Shakahola
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
2 days ago5 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 284 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 255 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 25 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 303 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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