| The present study is a critical analysis of the psychology literature on individual psychotherapy with adult ex-cult members. The purpose of this study is to give a comprehensive overview and critical analysis that will provide a synthesis of overriding themes, examine the strengths and weaknesses, and propose future areas of study on the topic of individual psychotherapy with adult ex-cult members. The literature shows that while not every former cult member has a negative response to their experience, many do suffer from post-cult psychological issues. The most commonly recommended psychotherapeutic intervention in the literature on this area is psychoeducation, followed by facilitating an integration of the negative and positive aspects of the client's cult experience. This review will also take into consideration trauma treatment approaches, including those that incorporate spirituality, as many former cult members are trauma survivors as well. |
