At this point it seems important to make some points and distinctions.
Landmark has awell-documented troubled history, which is reflected through numerous press articles, reports and personal testimonies. They have been sued for personal injury and there are breakdowns reported.
I would not recommend taking the risk of attending such a troubled program under any circumstances.
It is certainly not necessary, as there are many alternatives such as licensed mental health professionals for counseling, licensed marriage and family counselors, support groups through established community social services and continuing education available through local colleges.
All these resources, unlike Landmark have properly trained, credentialed, licensed and supervised staff that can effectively be held accountable by participants.
This provides safety.
Don't think you can outsmart them.
This is not a game and the inherent reported risks are quite serious.
Clinical psychologist Philip Cushman researched this subject and offered a paper about the pattern of historical problems posed by "mass marathon training" (otherwise known as LGATs).
See [
www.culteducation.com]
Cults and controversial LGATs take in smart well-educated people all the time.
For example, a brilliant surgeon was the focus of one intervention I handled regarding Landmark Education.
It appears that some of the discussion lately implies that if you "think harder" you can somehow immunize yourself regarding the effects of an LGAT.
Common sense would seem to dictate, why bother?
Also such advice appears to imply that the victims of LGATs may be responsible for the damage done to them within such programs, i.e. if they had only "thought harder" it would not have happened.
In my experience this is not true.
Caught within such a milieu the participant is not in control, the LGAT is. And the environment lends itself to the group leader's coercive persuasion techniques.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
Again, common sense would seem to lead people away from the needless risks linked to involvement with such groups.
At this point some distinctions also seem important.
Anyone that have been hurt by Landmark and feels they need to pursue a recovery program, would be best served by getting help from a qualified mental health professional, preferably someone with specific experience treating the victims of LGATs.
This message board is not for psychological counseling.
People who need such help should seek out a qualified professional.
This message board was meant for the exchange of general information and/or discussion about controversial groups, movements and leaders.
And of course for former members to share their experiences etc.
This board is not meant to somehow replace the services offered by a licensed mental facility or mental health professional.