This is the question I am most frequently asked when first meeting with clients. When you’ve emerged from a group/religion/community and aren’t sure what happened to you, therapy can provide a safe space to explore this question.

Rather than focusing on who the group is, I prefer to ask the question “How harmed do you feel you were by the group?” Using Dr. Steven Hassan’s BITE model and Influence Continuum, we can begin to deconstruct your experience and understand the forces that impacted you.

I am trained in trauma therapies, CBT, Emotion-focused, and others. However, instead on relying on one specific approach, my work relies on a four-pronged approach that’s more flexible and makes the work more suited to individual needs;

VALIDATE - Your experiences are real and your feelings are valid. In our work together, it will be important for both of us to acknowledge and honor your personal journey, as it is unique to you. Your emotions, whether positive or negative, deserve to be recognized and respected.

EDUCATE - Psychoeducation (educating about mental health, coercion, and coping skills) is at the core of deconstruction. I’ll learn from you about what your experience has been, and teach you about the manipulation and coercion you experienced.

CONNECT - When you’re ready, we’ll work together to find a healthy, safe way for you to connect with other survivors from your group or other high control groups.

CONSULT - (This one’s on me!) I’ll ensure that I’m doing my part educate myself about the group you were involved in and consult with other professionals as appropriate (while still maintaining your confidentiality).

I consider myself your taxi driver. You’re in charge of where we’re going. I have the maps to navigate, the vehicle to keep you safe, and the ability to operate the vehicle. Your job is to tell me where you’d like to go, to trust me (the the greatest extent you are able), and to hang in there through the bumpy times.

Absolutely. Yes.

Honoring your privacy is at the very foundation of our work together.

Maintaining my licenses is dependent on my following the laws, statutes and rules published by:

• Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, which you can view here.

• Utah Commerce Division of Professional Licensing, which you can view here.

In the interest of full transparency, you’re also welcome to view my Informed Consent, which every client signs before beginning therapy with me.

I follow your lead. Do you call it a cult? Then I call it a cult. Do you call yourself a survivor? Then I call you a survivor.

We can also decide together on what language to use when describing your experience.

Your autonomy is of the utmost importance to me, so you take the lead here.

Breakaway Therapy is a virtual therapy practice so all meetings are held over a HIPAA-compliant teletherapy platform called Simplepractice. This is also where we do all of our scheduling and billing, so you can be assured that your information is safe and protected.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and take place once a week. You can find pricing information here.

If you’re struggling to function in your daily life and feel that you need more support, we can discuss twice weekly sessions or 80-minute sessions, but if that’s still not adequate, an IOP (Intensive Out Patient) or even an in-patient program might be a better fit for you. Since those programs tend to come with a larger price tag, I’d suggest inquiring with your insurance company to find one that might be right for you.

I have had brief experiences with LGATs (Large Group Awareness Trainings) and other highly controlling social groups, and have known several people in my personal life throughout my life who were currently or previously involved in highly controlling religions.

However, I do not believe that lived experience is necessary to do this work. Without personal association, I don’t bring any of my own biases or assumptions to your experience. I can truly come to your story with a “blank slate” in terms of what your story is. I bring knowledge about psychology, psychotherapy and how groups can manipulate and control members. I come to the table with tools for how to help you and how to help you help yourself.