Brooke Walker spent her childhood in a church community in Arizona, surrounded by families living in harmony while connecting with God.

However, Walker claims that this church was actually a cult.

From the age of 8, Walker was part of this group, where members were discouraged from questioning leaders “without facing repercussions.” Children sometimes had the option to choose different parents to live with, and guidance was sought from a medium who said she could channel a 15th-century Englishman.

Bethany Joy Lenz also wasn’t aware she was involved in a religious cult. She thought she was simply enjoying the company of friends who accepted her beliefs. This group ended up costing her a significant job opportunity, millions of dollars, and years of separation from her family.

So, when does a group transition from a structured religion to a cult? It’s a complex issue; the American Psychological Association defines a cult as “a religious or quasi-religious group marked by uncommon or unusual beliefs, isolation from the wider society, and an authoritarian hierarchy.” If you’re questioning your group’s nature, you may already be in a cult.

Why can religious cults be particularly challenging to disentangle from? Many people are drawn to them due to the spiritual connection with a higher power.

“Religious cults often capture our interest because we tend to place greater trust in spiritual leaders, assuming they operate with a moral framework. They offer immediate community and the assurance of spiritual safety and a connection with God,” explains Rachel Bernstein, a licensed marriage and family therapist and cult expert.

Cults and ‘religious abuse’

As a child, Walker had little say in her family’s decision to join the group and abide by its teachings. It took her decades to break free. In her podcast “How to Leave a Cult,” she describes how the church came to dominate a small town in the mountains, established a school, and merged Christian and Hindu traditions in a non-denominational environment, all while insisting that members attend the medium’s “trances.”

“The group’s spiritual doctrines were intricately woven into everyday life, creating an atmosphere where questioning leadership was deemed disruptive and inappropriate,” Walker explains. “Any doubts or inquiries were interpreted as a lack of faith or disloyalty to their beliefs.”

She alleges that those who dared to ask questions were “met with gaslighting and sometimes even physical mistreatment.”

Walker is astonished by how many others have reached out to her with similar stories of trauma. “Many individuals are living with significant effects of some form of religious abuse,” she notes. She is uncertain if the group still operates today.

Lenz, known for her role in “One Tree Hill,” spent a decade in a cult she refers to as the “Big House Family,” a name she created for anonymity. She attributes her search for this misguided community to her experience with divorced parents.

So, what actually occurred? It all began with a bible study group among artists, but the gathering gradually isolated her from her loved ones, including her parents. The leader dismissed her aspirations of playing Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway, deeming it a poor choice; the group’s financial handlers squandered $2 million of her funds on dubious investments, leaving her nearly penniless. Rumors swirled around the “One Tree Hill” set and spread throughout Hollywood. Ultimately, she married the cult leader’s son, despite understanding he was not the right partner for her, and welcomed a daughter.

The “Big House Family” exploited her vulnerabilities, she asserts. “Cults customize their recruitment tactics to match what potential recruits desire,” states psychologist Natalie Feinblatt.

What are the warning signs of cults?

If any of this resonates with you, consider these precautions:

• • Learn about cults. Educate yourself on the signs of cult involvement and determine if you are experiencing ethical influence versus unethical manipulation. Additionally, “recollect who you were before joining the group,” suggests Hassan. “What were your previous goals? What did you stand for?

• • What did you think you were getting into? Listening to critics and former cult members might provide a valuable perspective. For those in religious cults, it’s advisable to consult a theologian trained in seminary to help clarify the teachings. Rachel Oblak, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, suggests exploring Robert Jay Lifton’s Criteria for Thought Reform and Lalich’s Bounded Choice model.
  • Trust your feelings. The process of leaving may occur more smoothly than you imagine: “Many cult members start to feel uncertain as they recognize the unreasonable demands and illogical explanations from their leader,” explains Joseph Szimhart, a specialist in cult information and behavioral health.
  • Be kind to yourself. People who are very intelligent and well-educated can still become involved in cults. This doesn’t imply a lack of intelligence or naivety.
  • Think about seeking mental health assistance. “Therapists can support you through the intricate emotions and practical issues that arise when leaving,” states Feinblatt. “It’s crucial to prioritize your physical and emotional safety during this journey.”

It’s also worth noting that there are positive and healthy ways to engage in religious practices. With that in mind, taking a break should be an option. “A reasonable group or leader will accommodate this without criticism or stigma,” says Rick Ross, founder and executive director of the Cult Education Institute. Lenz also mentions: “Exploring different viewpoints should pose no risk.”