Cult Survivors - What is the problem, and how to help?

Coercive control in high-demand groups-commonly known as cults-is a significant yet often overlooked mental health and human rights concern. In Aotearoa New Zealand, an estimated 50,000 people have been impacted as current or former members, facing serious psychological, social, and economic consequences.

Recent high-profile cases, such as Gloriavale and findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, have brought increased visibility to this issue and prompted more survivors to seek help. However, many find that mental health professionals lack the specialised knowledge and training needed to effectively support them.

This workshop aims to bridge that gap. Experienced psychologists Maria and Mark will help you make sense of the challenges these survivors face, and equip you with tools to assist them. This one day workshop for psychologists will have the following objectives:

• Define cults and differentiate them from other groups

• Identify the psychological manipulation tactics used by cults

• Understand the impact of cult membership on individuals

• Describe strategies for preventing recruitment and exploitation

• Identify therapeutic principles for healing and recovery

• Outline a detailed therapeutic model of intervention for Cult Survivors

The Presenters:

Maria Esquerra brings deep professional and lived experience to her work as a psychologist in Australia. With 14 years working in the psychiatric and disability field and 23 years as a carer, she is a survivor of the notorious 'Children of God' cult, also known as 'The Family'.

She advocates for survivors of coercive control, cultic and institutional abuse, and supports those navigating complex mental health systems. Maria provides expert evidence, facilitates survivor support groups including for those born in cults - and drives systemic change through media, policy, and community engagement.

Mark Ottley is National Psychology Lead for Habit Health in New Zealand, and an associate of Humanists International. He actively advocates for Human Rights, with a particular focus on Article 18- the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

His clinical work includes an interest in supporting survivors of high demand religious groups and cults in Aotearoa, including refugees and migrants who have fled authoritarian or coercive regimes

The Event:

The event will run from 9am to 4pm.

Morning and Afternoon tea will be provided.

The campus provides many options for attendees to purchase their own lunch.