Quote
evergreen
For findingmywaytoday:
I say go with your gut feelings.
Also, some of us do need more support than this forum. Although. this forum is one of a kind for English speakers. You won't find anything else like it. I feel very lucky (see I didn't say fortunate) to have found this discussion. Additionaly, I found a workshop for former cult members through the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA). Actualy the one I am going to attend is for adults that grew up in a cult. But they sponsor local montly meetings for all former cult members. I also do a group therapy for formal cult members through someone who is specialized in deprogramming. I think I needed a little more help. Some people are fine with this forum (or the yahoo group). I couldn't separate from SGI successfully the first time. I would like to get it right this time around. If you feel you need more intensive intervention, I think a therapist would only help the transition. It doesn't have to be a therapist who does deprogramming neccessarily. It can be someone who can work with you on the core issues such as self worth and depression.
If you use the logic or worldview of SGI then you will be sucked back in everytime. They want you to be dependent and not to have a brain of your own. They want you to feel guilty. It benefits them to keep you in their midst. Not all the members are vicious or coniving. But they all have a weakness somewhere where they need a cult. I don't have those weaknesses as much as I used to. But I had to own up to the two way street of being a former cult member and what may have tied me to a group like SGI. No I am not beating myself up. But if I don't change my behavior I will end up in another cult.
Please keep us posted on your progress
evergreen
I would like to add one thing. Make sure the therapist isn't SGI or an SGI supporter. Anyway, I was able to leave quite smoothly with the encouragement and friendships developed on the net, some of whom I have remained friends with for fourteen years, met, had a few beers and a few laughs, even a few fights. One such friend contacted me today and we had a great set of correspondences. I don't even hate the SGI, the sordid leaders, and the brainwashed members [even though I get threats and slanders, nearly on a daily basis]. Were it not for them, I would not be enjoying the wonderful life I now have. I guess that falls into the category of Buddhist paradox.
Nichijew