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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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Coercive Control vs. Trauma: Understanding Renée's Cult Rankings
When people see my cult ranking system, they sometimes assume it’s a trauma scale. It’s not. My rubric doesn’t measure the emotional pain a group causes—though many do cause immense suffering. Instead, it measures coercive control: the tactics groups use to limit a person’s agency, autonomy, and freedom.

Renee Spencer
Jul 33 min read
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Why Leaving is Hard: The Psychological Grip of Coercive Control in Cults
Discover the powerful grip of coercive control in cults and the psychological barriers that make leaving so complex.

Renee Spencer
Sep 22, 20244 min read
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Embracing Healthy Spirituality: A Pathway Well-being
PART 3 OF 4 Explore the path to personal and social well-being through healthy spirituality.

Renee Spencer
Jul 15, 20244 min read
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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
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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
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Etymology of the Word 'Cult': From Roman Times to Today
Explore the captivating journey of the term "cult" from ancient Rome to the modern era, revealing its evolving meanings and societal impact.

Renee Spencer
Jun 30, 202410 min read
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Unlock Your Freedom: A Comprehensive Cult Recovery Toolkit
Discover your path to freedom with the Cult Recovery Toolkit. Reclaim your autonomy, rediscover your identity.

Renee Spencer
Jun 29, 20243 min read
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Understanding Cult Categories: A Caution for All Groups
Uncover the diverse world of cults with our comprehensive guide to the different categories.

Renee Spencer
Jun 26, 20243 min read
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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
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Cults in Our Midst: Navigating Belief and Cultural Identity in Australia
Explore the interplay of beliefs in Australia, from the contributions of diverse religious traditions to the challenges posed by cults.

Renee Spencer
Jun 22, 20243 min read
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The Mechanics of Brainwashing: Psychological Coercion and the Brain’s Response
Uncover the intricate 'Mechanics of Brainwashing' and how the brain responds to psychological coercion.

Renee Spencer
Jun 22, 20242 min read
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PTSD and the Cult Experience: Understanding the Psychological Aftermath
Explore the deep psychological impact of cult experiences leading to PTSD, the symptoms, and recovery approaches on this educational blog.

Renee Spencer
Jun 22, 20245 min read
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Understanding Cults: The Difference Between "Big C" and "Little c" Cults
Uncover the nuances of cult dynamics with our educational blog, distinguishing "Big C" and "Little c" cults.

Renee Spencer
Jun 20, 20244 min read
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Understanding Trauma: The Difference Between "Big T" and "Little t" Trauma
Understanding the Complexities of Trauma Trauma is a complex and multifaceted experience that can have profound effects on individuals....

Renee Spencer
Jun 20, 20243 min read
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Spiritual Narcissism: 8 Traits to Watch Out For
Unveil the traits of spiritual narcissism & protect yourself from their manipulative tactics. Learn to recognise the signs to look out for.

Renee Spencer
Jun 19, 20244 min read
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Breaking Free: 7 Tips for Leaving a Destructive Cult
Discover the courage and strength it takes to leave a destructive cult. Uncover the 7 tips for reclaiming your life and breaking free.

Renee Spencer
Jun 19, 20242 min read
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The Pain of Leaving a Cult You Once Loved
Leaving a cult is a painful and disorienting experience, filled with grief and anguish. But it's also an act of reclaiming your life and aut

Renee Spencer
Jun 9, 20244 min read
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Contrasting Religions and Cults: Harmless and Harmful Dynamics
Explore the contrasting dynamics of religion and cults, from Buddhism's peaceful teachings to the harrowing example of the People's Temple.

Renee Spencer
May 30, 20243 min read
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