People Farm

CONCERNING THERAPY CULTS Perhaps no one in contemporary society is confronted by greater temptation to abuse power than the psychotherapist. We reveal to therapists personal information we do not share with our families or trusted friends. When we are in turmoil, we rely on these professionals for guidance. Most therapists avoid the temptation to abuse the power they are given over clients’ hearts, minds and souls. But some therapists, less rigorous about ethics or less conscious of their own need for personal validation, fall into the power trap and take advantage of needy or frightened clients. In a group setting, the temptation is magnified—a charismatic group therapist may become intoxicated with power when several clients willingly relinquish control over their lives. And when a client, particularly a young person or anyone whose life is in serious transition, observes a group of intelligent people relying on a charismatic, bigger-than-life being, the temptation to join up can be as seductive as the therapist’s temptation to play God. When the therapist and the clients succumb to their respective temptations, a cult is born.