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A Proposed Twelve Stage Process of Recovery from RTS / CTS
Unconscious, self-destructive attachment to the church or cult and any linkage between cult involvement and dysphoria (including shame, guilt, worry, remorse, regret, learned helplessness, depression, anxiety, frustration and/or resentment).
Sufficient movement into the second, third, fourth or fifth of The Five Progressive Qualities of the Committed Cult Member to induce initial awareness of dysphoria. (Because unless or until the addict becomes “sick and tired of being sick and tired,” there will be no motive to change.)
Contemplation and consideration of the possible reasons for the dysphoria.
Identification and acceptance of the possible reasons for the dysphoria.
Commitment and action to deal with the possible reasons for the dysphoria.
Disidentification with and psychological detachment from the source of the dysphoria.
Physical disengagement with and detachment from the source of the dysphoria.
Ensuing anxiety, depression, guilt, worry, remorse and/or regret about leaving the church or cult and the personal attachments therein.
Increasing conflict and cognitive dissonance about leaving the church or cult vs. increasing resentment and anger toward the church, cult and/or persons therein.
Obsessive rage toward the church or cult (or “god” or “the guru” or various icons in the church or cult) and a desire to do significant harm to the church or cult to “rescue others.”
Commitment and action to deal with the rage before it does harm to the exitor.
Deprogramming of any lingering cognitive distortions and reciprocal reactivity to open space for the exitor to lead a comfortable and satisfying life outside the church or cult.
Resources & References
A More than Basic Cult Library
