Our Group's owner:
* Was raised as a Jehovah's Witness;
* Is degreed in Behavioral Science (Sociology & Psychology)
* Has counseled substance abusers, battered women, & adult survivors of dysfunctional families;
* Is willing to assist those who desire to escape from cults and to affect closure from their experiences.

The mission of this group is to offer:
1. An encouraging and supportive environment for you to process your experiences;
2. Focus on healing and learning to deal with life outside of the cult;
3. Cult awareness education

On Emotions> Wherever you may find yourself on this path--whether you are angry, afraid of what the future holds, suffering from depression, etc.--we are here to help, advise, encourage, and support. Please know that these feelings are all normal and that you can get through them and can go on to lead a productive life.

On Shunning> If you are being shunned by family and friends, who remain in the cult/group you left, know that it is normal to go through a “grieving process”, since this is a bona fide "loss". Feel free to share what you are feeling and how you are coping with this situation.

You do NOT have to deal with these issues on your own> You don’t have to feel hopeless. You do not have to replace the loss of your former community with other negative situations or behaviors (i.e. addictions, other spiritually abusive groups/relationships, etc.) We will get through this together—that’s what we are here for!

PLEASE NOTE: This group is specifically geared toward health & wellness and abuse recovery. It is NOT a religious forum, although we do recognize the value of spirituality as a possible recovery tool. This forum is open to persons of ALL belief systems, as well as persons who have no specified belief system.

* Ex-cult members specifically looking for Christian counseling or theological discussion can join our sister forum at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Freedom_Beacon_Minstries