Blogs About All Things Cultish And Coercive Control

Traditional news outlets are not perfect. They are influenced by commercial pressures, political access, time constraints, and sometimes genuine blind spots. Mistakes happen. Framing choices matter. And historically, there have been moments where media institutions failed the public. But recognising those failures is not the same as abandoning all standards of evidence.

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.

High-control groups and conspiracy ecosystems are often discussed as separate phenomena. One is framed as cultic or extremist. The other as political, cultural, or “just opinions.” But when you look closely, they frequently rely on the same psychological architecture. That doesn’t mean everyone who believes a conspiracy theory is in a cult. It means that similar methods of influence can produce similar outcomes — especially under conditions of fear, uncertainty, and grief.

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...

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

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.

Discover the powerful grip of coercive control in cults and the psychological barriers that make leaving so complex.

PART 3 OF 4 Explore the path to personal and social well-being through healthy spirituality.

Uncover the profound and far-reaching impact of coercive control in cults on mental health. Learn how to recognise the signs.

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

Explore the captivating journey of the term "cult" from ancient Rome to the modern era, revealing its evolving meanings and societal impact.

Discover your path to freedom with the Cult Recovery Toolkit. Reclaim your autonomy, rediscover your identity.

Uncover the diverse world of cults with our comprehensive guide to the different categories.

Discover the complexities of the human mind and explore the spectrum of internal voices in my head, from normal dialogue to signs of deeper

Explore the interplay of beliefs in Australia, from the contributions of diverse religious traditions to the challenges posed by cults.

Uncover the intricate 'Mechanics of Brainwashing' and how the brain responds to psychological coercion.

Explore the deep psychological impact of cult experiences leading to PTSD, the symptoms, and recovery approaches on this educational blog.

Uncover the nuances of cult dynamics with our educational blog, distinguishing "Big C" and "Little c" cults.

Understanding the Complexities of Trauma Trauma is a complex and multifaceted experience that can have profound effects on individuals....

Unveil the traits of spiritual narcissism & protect yourself from their manipulative tactics. Learn to recognise the signs to look out for.