Well, I'm confused!?! Who is Elliot Benjamin, and why would AFF proffer a seal of approval to ND Walsch by printing this piece? A "reasonable degree of caution mixed with a healthy grain of salt" hardly seems adequate given the discourse here about the perils of hypnosis, narcissism, charisma, etc. The first few paragraphs contain typical cultic "hooks", e.g., saving th
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks, guys, for the information and your suggestions. I have some experience with Buddhist practices, so my initial response was to get curious about my former teacher showing up in my thoughts/feelings. I've explored it like any other pain. One night I had an insight that led me to expand my reading to include books about countertransference and boundary violations. I now have a grow
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I've had no desire to meditate since leaving my spiritual teacher. I wanted to throw the baby out with the bath water, as it were, and, for good measure, throw out the bathtub, the soap, towels, etc.! For several years I did meditation practices that focused my breathing, and now, in any random moment of inner quiet, I find my attention going to my breath.This would not be a "bad"
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

While reading the Temerlins' articles, I'm remembering more of the problems with boundaries and my ex-guru/therapist. There was rampant regression in our group, and it seemed induced by the leader. A roomful of adults could be gleeful or anxious like a kindergarten class with their attention riveted to the teacher. Y ( I'll call her "Y" since male leaders here are often
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks so much, Corboy, for the material about therapists and boundaries. It helps me understand the more subtle, distressing dynamics that were in play during the 18 year relationship I had with a clinical psychologist who had transformed herself into a New Age therapist by the time I started working with her, and gradually redefined herself as a healer, then minister and prophet. She intentiona
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"