The Sterling Institute of Relationship is essentially a spin-off of EST, though it incorporates various aspects of its format from controversial writer Robert Bly ("Iron Man") and John Gray ("Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus).
For more information about John Gray see [
www.culteducation.com]
"Sterling Husband" is attempting to mislead visitors to this site and those concerned about loved ones affected by this group and its leader. If he hasn't done the Sterling Weekend it sounds like he is in denial and simply doesn't want to know the facts, which are well-established.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
Note that the above page is filled with first-hand accounts from people that are not guessing. They have completed the weekend and/or experienced the effects of Sterling.
The group generates frequent complaints and has caused divorces, breakups and strained family relationships.
Justin Sterling, who is the founder and continues to control the Sterling Institute of Relationship has no recognized training in relationship training/counseling. He was convicted for fraud and his real name is Arthur ''Artie'' Kasarjian.
Sterling was once reportedly involved in EST, from which he apparently derived the basic structure and format for his weekend seminar.
Sterling is a high school graduate and runs the Institute for profit, and it has made him a multi-millionaire. He has no recognized credentialed expertise to recommend him other than his personal experience, which is a marriage that ended in a bitter divorce and supervised visitation of his only child, due to abuse allegations apparently believed by authorities.
His weekend seminar is a large group awareness training (LGAT) format that includes a naked bonding ritual for the men. All seminars are videotaped and many of the male participants have expressed concern that Sterling has tapes of them naked.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
Every participant must sign off on paperwork before attending that relinquishes any rights to their image and allows Sterling to videotape. It also enforces confidentiality, much like Landmark Education.
Sterling has been described as a misogynist.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
Also see [
www.culteducation.com]
He seems to feel women must submit to men.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
After attending the Weekend many men and women, much like "Esties" or "Landmark junkies," become Sterling devotees. They then attend support groups, volunteer and are often involved in recruiting.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
Also see [
www.culteducation.com]
There have been critical articles published about Sterling by Details Magazine, San Jose Mercury News and reports run by NBC News in NYC and LA. They were all negative and feature critical information. Sterling admitted his criminal conviction on NBC News.
One man interviewed by NBC News had a nervous breakdown. Again, this is not unlike reports about EST/Landmark.
Sterling has the same inherent issues or problems that most LGATs share.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
I was retained for two professional interventions regarding Sterling. They were both successful. One was a man and the other a woman.
Again, I found Sterling very much like EST/Landmark, and can easily understand why people say the organization "brainwashes" participants.
I would not recommend Sterling to anyone under any circumstances and feel it is a destructive and potentially dangerous organization.
"Sterling Husband" is right about one thing. The Sterling Weekend costs more than $300.00, actually more than double that amount. And there are other costs, both financial and emotional, that continue after that.
IMO--It's not worth the price, and appears to be pretty worthless.