Freedom of Mind; Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs

In the post 911 world, people are more susceptible than ever to charismatic figures who offer simple, black v. white, us v. them, good v. evil, formulaic solutions. The rise of the Internet; increasingly sophisticated knowledge about how to influence and manipulate others; and the growing vulnerabilities of people across the planet-make for a dangerous, potentially devastating combination. Dr. Steven Hassan's revised book, Freedom of Mind, provides the knowledge and awareness needed to help yourself and loved ones avoid or escape from such dangerous people and situations. The world has changed greatly in the last decade. The rise of the Internet, the emergence of global terrorism and of dangerous totalistic ideologies, and the shifts in global markets-these and other changes have created new opportunities for unscrupulous individuals, groups, and institutions to exert unethical control over others. Freedom of Mind exposes the techniques and methods that individuals, cults, and institutions of all types-religious, business, therapeutic, educational, governmental-use to undo a person's capacity to think and act independently. Meanwhile, people are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Sleep-deprived, overweight and looking to improve themselves, overloaded with often frightening images and information; anxious about the current economic decline, climate change, and government corruption on all levels. People are more susceptible than ever to charismatic figures who offer simple, black v. white, us v. them, good v. evil, formulaic solutions. Freedom of Mind book aims to fill the gap. It identifies and explains how to identify and evaluate potentially dangerous groups and individuals. Hassan details his groundbreaking approach, the 'Strategic Interactive Approach,' which can be used to help a loved one leave such a situation. Step-by-step, Hassan shows you how to: evaluate the situation; interact with dual identities; develop communication strategies using phone calls, letter writing and visits; understand and utilize cult beliefs and tactics; use reality-testing and other techniques to promote freedom of mind. He emphasizes the value of meeting with trained consultants to be effectively guided and coached and also to plan and implement effective interventions. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is knowledge and awareness. Acknowledgements xiii Introduction xv Chapter 1: Cult Common Denominators 1 Chapter 2: What Is Destructive Social Influence? 15 Chapter 3: The Strategic Interactive Approach 39 Chapter 4: Evaluating the Situation 51 Chapter 5: Building the Team 64 Chapter 6: Empowering Members of the Team 81 Chapter 7: Understanding Cult/Person’s Beliefs and Tactics 99 Chapter 8: Interacting With Dual Identities 111 Chapter 9: Communication Strategies 127 Chapter 10: Unlocking Phobias 148 Chapter 11: Promoting Freedom Of Mind: The Prep Meeting And Beyond 168 Chapter 12: Planning and Holding an Intervention 192 Chapter 13: A Call to Action 220 Bibliography 233 About the Author 235 Endnotes 237