Me, My Autism and Cults
It's estimated that there could be up to 10 million people who've had recent involvement with cults. But how do we recognise one and what could make some of us more vulnerable?
It's estimated that there could be up to 10 million people who've had recent involvement with cults. But with no internationally recognised definition of what a cult is, how do we recognise one and what could make some of us more vulnerable?
In βMe, My Autism and Cults,'' Richard Turner explores whether his autism may have led him to become a member. Today, Richard teaches at York college, and is also a counsellor who supports cult survivors through their recovery.
As Richard journey's back to the Church he claims controlled him, we meet his friend Ashley, an ex-member of the North American cult, NXIVM. Together, they uncover some of the techniques the two organisations shared.
Dr Alexandra Stein is from the UK based Family Survival Trust and an internationally renowned expert in the psychology of cults. She shares her conclusions around the βcultish behaviours' that all such organisations appear to have in common.
Presenter: Richard Turner
Producer: Matt O'donoghue
Podcast
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Heart and Soul
Personal approaches to religious belief from around the world.
