Cult Awareness & Recovery

We’re delighted to let those in the Talking Works network know about a fantastic learning opportunity for therapists regarding high-demand groups and recovery for former members,  this time with internationally recognised cult recovery therapist, educator, and IndoctriNation podcast host Rachel Bernstein, LMFT.

Rachel will be presenting two workshops in Auckland and one event in Wellington: 

• Friday 30 October – Full-Day Professional Development Workshop (9.00am–4.30pm, Te Manawa, Westgate, Auckland). Register & more info here. 
• Saturday 31 October – Advanced Half-Day Interactive Workshop (8.30am–12.30pm, Rationalist House, Grafton, Auckland). Register & more info here. 

The Friday workshop provides practical, evidence-informed training for professionals working with survivors of cults and other high-control groups, covering topics such as coercive control, communication with current and former members, rebuilding identity and trust, and trauma-informed recovery.

The Saturday session is designed to complement Friday’s workshop (or can be attended as a stand-alone event), offering a smaller, highly interactive setting where participants can explore case studies, ask questions, and gain deeper insights into supporting recovery.

These workshops will be valuable not only for mental health professionals, healthcare providers, social workers, educators, clergy, chaplains, and community workers, but also for friends and family members of those involved in concerning or high-control groups, who often find the information immensely helpful in understanding how best to support a loved one.

If you’re unable to make it to Auckland but happen to be in Wellington, we’d also love to see you at Rachel’s evening public awareness event, which is designed for anyone wanting to better understand cults, coercive control, and high-control groups. It’s a great opportunity to introduce friends, family, or colleagues to the topic. Register & more info here.

You also might like to listen to the Cult Chat trio interview Rachel on a recent podcast here, to hear more about her work and training.

If you know others in your professional or personal networks who may benefit from these opportunities, we’d be very grateful if you could forward this email & links. Your support helps us reach the people for whom this information may make a real difference!

We hope to see you at one or more of these events.  Any questions are welcome.