Episode 3: Cults & Mind Control (AKA the one where we tried new recording equipment‪)‬ What the BLEEP is Wrong With Us?

Ashley & Sarah listen to Stephenie’s story of her journey navigating a religiously manipulative organization & a relationship with a man 6 years her senior, all while trying to graduate high school. Listen to her experience and our discussion on the tactics that were utilized, context & some helpful resources that are available out there. (Also, yes... Sarah has dogs... and dogs in her neighborhood.) 
 
Resources Discussed This Episode:
Dare to Doubt - Detaching from harmful belief systems. Goals: To encourage understanding of religious trauma and Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS).To make finding help easier for those fleeing and recovering from spiritual abuse, mind control, and destructive groups. To support doubting and former believers through practical resources and inspiring stories.
 
Reddit: Cults Forum - Anything and everything about cults. 75.6k members
 
Freedom of Mind Resource Center  - supports those affected by undue influence by providing coaching and consulting services and supports individuals, families, advocacy groups, educational institutions, professionals, law enforcement, government entities, and non-governmental organizations by providing training and educational resources.
 
Steven Hassan’s books:
Freedom of Mind
&
Combating Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best-Selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults 
 
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
 
 
General Mental Health Resources:
 
Talkspace.com Offers comprehensive online mental health treatment options to meet all your needs via live video, messaging or phone. Their website often has promotions/discounts available & it is as easy as completing a brief questionnaire, selecting your therapist from a list of recommendations based on your replies, and then starting therapy!
 
BetterHelp.com  Our Mission: Making professional counseling accessible, affordable, convenient - so anyone who struggles with life’s challenges can get help, anytime, anywhere. Similar to Talkspace.com, also advertises the ability to switch counselors at any time and the ability to message your counselor through the webpage or app any time. 

NATIONAL CRISIS AND SUICIDE HOTLINES:
 
Girls & Boys Town National Hotline
(800) 448-3000
 
National Hopeline Network
(800) SUICIDE
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-TALK (8255)
 
National Youth Crisis Hotline
(800) 442-HOPE (4673)
 
Veteran's Crisis Line:
To reach caring, qualified responders within the Department of Veterans Affairs connect with the Veterans Crisis Line. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This free support is confidential, available 24/7, and serves all veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve, and their families and friends.
Call 1-800-273-8255 or Text: 838255, Support for deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889
Online Chat is Available: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

ILLINOIS RESOURCES: 
 
Illinois Call4Calm Text Line
If you or a loved one are struggling with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and need emotional support, text TALK to 552020 for English or HABLAR for Spanish (Message and Data Rates May Apply. See Terms & Conditions of Use). This service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People seeking assistance will remain anonymous and will provide only their first name and zip code, which enables the service to link you to a counselor in your area who is knowledgeable about available local resources.
 
Illinois Warm Line
If you or one of you family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953. Wellness Support Specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use recovery in their own lives. They are trained in recovery support, mentoring, and advocacy and are ready to listen and support you. The Warm Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a f