I did the Hoffman Process about two years ago. I suppose it's not a cult, since I haven't given them any more money since, and was asked not to proselytize. I have a friend who is an ex-moonie, and barely rescued an ex-boyfriend from another cult, so I've seen them upclose and was very wary going in. It could be considered an encounter group, or group therapy; I'm not an expert and don't claim to know.
I did have to get permission from my therapist to go, and she and my psychiatrist at that time read through all the material and approved me going. They said they thought it wouldn't hurt and might be helpful. That, it was.
I did my research on Hoffman only to help determine if I should go, so it's not as vigorous as the moderator is asking; but it satisfied my needs to avoid anything too bizarre. I share this purely as an anecdotal story for folks considering this process. In my process all my teachers where certified psychologists and licensed therapists. I did my process at White Sulfur Springs, in Napa Valley. The decor looks like it hasn't been updated since the 70's, and the place smells of .. well, sulfer springs. I bought a lavender candle the first day to get through the general stinkiness, though you do grow accustomed.
ChrisM, the "health food" was pretty mellow, and had vegetarian and meat options (though no red meat, but chicken and fish was always offered) and there was always a dessert. Not much of a shock to my system. The food was from a local restaurant that specialized in local season produce, which might through you if you live on doritos.
Pros: The key pro is it seems to "work" for the majority of the attendees. I'd say 80% of my class were happier, and more centered and are so still. I went when I was at the end of my rope. My husband had left me, my job was falling apart, I'd just recovered from back surgery, my grandfather had died. one of my dearest friends had gone six months earlier, and he was profoundly changed for the better; he was happier, more settled in his career track, and had separated from a abusive spouse (two sides of every story... not sure divorce is always a bad sign.) I can say that my process gave me a way to get back in touch with myself, my values, and I am happier, stronger and healing slowly but surely from my year of hell. Although my marriage is done, I'm in a job that pays much better and fits my lifestyle. And I have a dear close friend I met through our process. Although they give you tapes and tools to use, I admit I do none of them and don't feel guilty. I feel the process itself shifted me in a way I needed at a time I needed it. Your mileage may vary.
Cons: it's pretty new-agey, it does rely on a "higher power" which I'm not a fan of since I am an atheist. Once they slipped up and used the word "god" which clearly was in an older version of the scripts and I was really jolted. Speaking of changes, I understand they have updated it over the years as they learn more from recent science, always fine tuning. I met someone recently who did it in the 70's, and then it was 8 weeks, not 8 days, and sounds like it may have been more est back then.
Another con; a number of the people in my process were what I call "spiritual tourists" they type who go from mediation retreat to esalen to native american spirit journeys. you know the type; they are annoying as hell.
Concerns: I roomed with a woman who turned out to be the head of a sleep research lab at a university. She explained that much of what we were doing was self-hypnosis. I found that freaky and spent that day seeing if I could wake myself up during the meditation parts; I could and went back to the experiential mode. The professor was happy to participate fully; I felt if she was good with it I may as well go with the flow.
Process: before you go you write a lot about your life. About 30 pages at least, remembering about your mother, father and childhood. It's all aimed at digging out patterns you develop as a child, and don't discard as an adult when they no longer serve you. And so is the next 8 days. You meditate, write, dance, play, write more, hit pillows with plastic bats, write more, draw, and write more. It is a year of therapy in 8 days, and I found it much more useful than this description can tell you. I came out noticeably glowing (people commented) and was able to play with my daughter and be present in my life in a way I hadn't been able to. Now, two year later, I feel like myself again, in a way I hadn't through my depression. That's the only result I want.
I had been going through antidepressant drugs, none which helped, before Hoffman. I'd been without them for two weeks before Hoffman, so I feel confident that was not part of my reaction to it and my system was clean. And I haven't taken any since. I have the strength to deal with my own life by myself now. I cannot say if this would be true for anyone else, so if you come across this forum
I recommend you research carefully before you go (if you go), and make sure it's a match for what you need. But because I believe it was such a beneficial influence on me, I have to contribute my story.
Good luck to you.
p.s. moderator; I'd say increased happiness is a fine outcome, and I trust U of Davis to choose what to measure in such a study. [
www.hoffmaninstitute.org]