John M Knapp LMSW

Hi, everybody! :) I am a licensed psychotherapist who has worked with over 2,000 current and former cult members since 1995. I've worked specifically with ex-TWI members. I joined GSC this July -- lurking and posting from time to time. Starting Wednesday evening, October 1st I will be holding an online cult support group at public-talk.com. (I am in the US Eastern Time zone.) It will meet once a week. I designed the group for people who left their group, but still face challenges functioning in life. Difficulties might include: career/education, relationships, finances, health, depression, grief, shame, re-establishing spirituality -- pretty much any challenge caused by your time in your cult. (You might be interested in reading a list of post-cult symptoms at http://KnappFamilyCounseling.com/cultsymptoms.html .) Some benefits people report from cult support groups: * Great chance to share experience in a safe, moderated space -- ask questions and get answers! * Confidential, safe, and secure * Support from people who experienced what you did -- and don't think you're crazy! * Work with a therapist who understands -- I spent 20+ years in my own cult * A place to share and learn solutions that have worked for others * Inexpensive access to professional therapeutic help (as little as $10/session) * For many people, group may be faster, more powerful than individual counseling -- and less scary! * Downloaded transcripts let you re-read and consider insights at your own leisure * Learn crucial info on cult recovery The group is open to anyone who is recovering from cult abuse by any group. The group is limited to 10 members, first-come, first-served -- you might want to make your reservation soon. To learn more -- or if you have any questions at all -- please write me at jmknapp53@gmail.com. Look forward to recovering with you! :D J. About Me: I am a 23+ year former member of Transcendental Meditation in recovery from cults for 13+ years. I've been a cult activist since 1995 and have worked with over 2,000 current and former members of eastern meditation groups, new age groups, multi-level marketing groups, christian/bible-based groups, and many, many more. I have specifically worked with a number of former TWI members. I became a mental health professional in 2005 as a licensed psychotherapist (LMSW). You can read more about my practice at http://KnappFamilyCounseling.com/ . These days almost 2/3 of my work is with bible-based groups. It just seems to be the need of the times.

Hi, Twinky, Just noticed this question in your post. There are some critics of the anti-cult movement that accuse it of cult-like behavior. I can see their point, in some ways. Some anti-cult organizations foster a groupthink or orthodoxy of their own -- belief in "brainwashing" and similar ideas. And there's an expectation that members follow that orthodoxy -- although not in as rigid a way as many cults do. And some individuals charge what I believe is more money than I am comfortable with for their counseling, expert witness, and other services. Readers should know that I don't have an organization. I'm an individual therapist with no employees or volunteers. I respect the anti-cult movement for their achievements, but I believe in some of the ideas and de-emphasize others. (For instance, I'm pretty hazy on the whole concept of "brainwashing.") And I post my fees, which are on a sliding scale based on income, right on my site so that people can judge for themselves whether they believe they are fair or not. I also don't at this time get involved with court work like expert testimony, custody work, or similar things because I don't enjoy the work. Anyway, some say anti-cult organizations are "cultic," many disagree. I urge caution to anyone joining any organization -- no matter how noble their motives. Ask yourself and the group tough questions. And ask any therapist you consider working with tough questions, too, before getting involved. Thanks for another great question, Twinky! J.

Thanks, JSN, I had forgot about that comment. I meant nothing specific by it. Most cult veteran sites are plagued by trolls and attempts to shut them down or otherwise break security. Some allege these attempts are by members of cultic organizations. I have no knowledge about trolls or security breaches here, however. J.

Yes, but usually there is other evidence, if one is involved in a court law. It's not really possible to prove abuse took place -- in a court of law -- based on "he said, she said." This doesn't mean the abuse doesn't take place. I'm sorry, lucyvanpelt, I don't understand your question. I don't remember using the word "troll." If I can help, I'll try. J.

Yup, some people call these "castaways." I work really only work with people who see the need to change. There are "exit counselors," such as Rick Ross, Joe Szimhart, and others, who may be called in by family or friends to do an intervention to help a person see the need to leave twi or another group. For various reasons, I don't do that kind of work. But I have respect for those who do! Occasionally, I've done work with people, like the JW I mentioned, who haven't decided to leave their group. In his case, he is trying to save a family relationship that has given him an ultimatum to leave the group -- or else. So he sees a need to change his situation because of the pain he is experiencing, but sees no need to leave JWs. This is rare for me. Usually when someone reaches out to a self-professed cult counselor, they are interested in recovery from their cult. Twinky, thanks for the ideas on difficulties you see people are faced with. Keep 'em coming! J. P.S. I put the link up to GSC on my links page.

Great post, Twinky! I have no information regarding any group on my site -- with the single exception of my group, Transcendental Meditation, which I include because it allows me to talk about my own experience. I keep no lists of cults, rather I talk about cultic relationships. The most I do is mention a few categories of cultic groups: New Age, multi-level marketing, Bible-based, and so forth. Your point about being too trusting is a great one. I will add it to the list of symptoms. (If you like I'll add an attribution, as suggested by Twinky at GSC.) People tend to have too porous boundaries after leaving a group. Their boundaries were so violated by the leaders, the group, the teachings, that many do not have a healthy sense of boundaries from others. Particularly people with similar beliefs, like in this case other Christians. It can lead to bouncing from one group to another, troubles with intimate relationships, being victimized by scams, etc. I agree the Café seems to be a wonderful resource. I should have thought to add it to my links page myself! I'll do so this morning. You're right, I work with people who are already on the path to recovery -- they've made the decision to leave. To do therapy, it's pretty much necessary to do so. Do you know this old chestnut: "How many therapists does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one. But the lightbulb really has to want to change." (Sorry! I have a corny sense of humor.) (Although I'm working with a Jehovah's Witness right now who wants to remain in the Church. I try to meet people right where they are and accept their goals at face value.) Thanks again, Twinky, for your post! J.

AAACK! Please not Dr. Phil! Actually, I probably won't post too much more. I fear overstaying my welcome. But I'll follow this thread as long as people have any questions for me. J.

Hi, guys, Thanks for the plug. Actually GSC has a small list of cult recovery resources off their homepage, under "Links." Some great people are mentioned there. There are fair number of counselors with cult experience, each with their own personality, methods, and philosophy. (I hope to be listed among them soon on the Links page. But I'd be proud to be listed at the bottom of this list of professionals!) I think a number of exit counselors or mental health professionals get good results for their clients. I'd urge anyone thinking about counseling to do some shopping. Make sure you have a good rapport with the counselor, ask about their credentials/licenses, and be direct about questions of fees and length of treatment. Make sure you get answers -- and that you agree with them! I meet some people's needs -- and not others. I give referrals to other counselors when people ask. Hi, excathedra, Yes, I'm aware of this trait of TWI. A number of cults, both religious and secular, use something similar as a means of control. If you have a problem, it's not with God, the leader, the method, the Bible, the group, etc. -- the problem is with YOU. This works to isolate people, because they are afraid to tell their truth and be judged by other members. It also fosters dependency on the group, who has all the answers, because since there's something wrong with YOU, you can't trust your own feelings, thoughts, doubts. It's a really nasty part of cult control. Trust me, "happy thoughts" or adherence to dogma are NOT what I'm advocating! J. ----- John M. Knapp, LMSW Therapist. Counselor. Coach http://KnappFamilyCounseling.com/cults.html

Hi, excathedra, No offense taken! It's a fair question. I also meant no offense. I work with so many groups. And unfortunately each one has claimed their own portion of standard English as buzzwords to control people. It's very difficult to work with so many groups and not accidentally step on a buzzword -- which may cause pain inadvertently. I really apologize if I made anyone reading this thread uncomfortable. The use of "challenges" is used a lot by some therapists. It is meant to emphasize that problems have solutions, can be overcome. It's also an antidote to naming everything as a "psychopathology," such as depression, "co-dependency," "issues," and lots of other jargon words from therapy that have come to have really hurtful meanings in common speech. Once meant to aid healing, psychological jargon has almost become the new swear words! "Challenges" became prevalent with what's called the "strengths perspective," which emphasizes people's strengths rather than their problems. (For instance, I talk about the strengths of former cult members here: http://KnappFamilyCounseling.com/cultstrengths.html.) Many therapists and academics have found that emphasizing strengths and de-emphasizing diagnoses and problem labeling gives people the confidence to attack their problems head-on. People are much less likely to feel like victims, which can hinder recovery. This is especially important in cult recovery. Not all cult counselors use the same language. Many have different views on even core concepts. I don't mean to suggest that every cult counselor you bump into will use the language I do -- or will even necessarily agree with me! It's really important to work with a counselor you feel comfortable with. It's the number one predictor of success in recovery from any problem/challenge. John M. Knapp, LMSW Counselor. Therapist. Coach.

Hi, guys, Sorry for any confusion my post caused. It was really me, John Knapp, posting -- although the poster showed up as "JustSayNO." Some kind of system error took place. I'm not sure what happened. I hadn't registered for the site yet, but I just hit "reply" anyway. Apparently the system logged me in as JustSayNO, but it never asked me for a password or anything. I foolishly thought the system had given me a default handle. Now, that I think about it, I've never seen that happen anywhere else, so I don't know why I thought that. I didn't have JSN's password or other login information. Sounds like a security hole that needs to be fixed! I'm sorry for any inconvenience or worry that I caused. I've already replied to an email from JSN and one from Michael explaining what happened. I am a legitimate cult counselor and have done some work with TWI members. I think Michael will be posting a link to my site on his cult resources page. I understand why the GSC community would be concerned about trolls or security breaches. I share your worry! If I can answer any questions or be of ANY help, please don't hesitate to post me directly here or email me at jmknapp53@gmail.com. (A couple of forum members have written me already.) John M. Knapp, LMSW Therapist. Counselor. Coach. KnappFamilyCounseling.com/cults.html