Dr. Gillie Jenkinson’s work is grounded in 30 years of study, research and therapeutic practice dedicated to helping survivors of cultic and coercive groups recover and thrive.
Her Doctoral research findings highlighted the importance of a relational psychoeducational approach, combining trauma-informed therapy with education on how cults operate, including thought reform, identity disruption and coercive control.
This evidence-based model underpins all of Gillie’s work, from individual counselling to international training for professionals.
As external examiner Professor Dianne Casoni noted, Gillie’s model is both clinically robust and highly accessible—making a significant contribution to the field of cultic studies.
Research
GILLIE’S PHD RESEARCH
Freeing the Authentic Self: Phases of Recovery and Growth from an Abusive Cult Experience
Gillie Jenkinson was awarded her PhD by the University of Nottingham, UK, in 2016 for Doctoral research.
29 former cult members were interviewed and asked "What helps ex-cult members recover from an abusive cult experience?". Her thesis represents their voices.
Her research provides evidence that psychoeducation is a vital part of the recovery process. This includes recognising how cults gain control; understanding thought reform; identifying the cult pseudo-identity; and understanding the effects of traumatic stress.
This psychoeducation takes place within a therapeutic relationship and is, therefore, a relational psychoeducational approach. Read her formal Abstract and overview here. Gillie regularly presents her research and contributes to publications. See the Writing and Media page, and check the Events page to see Gillie’s upcoming training programmes and presentations.
Professor Dianne Casoni was Gillie's external PhD examiner and had this to say at the examination stage:
“…This reviewer is of the opinion that the candidate has contributed without any doubt whatsoever to the field of cultic studies in general and, more specifically, to the treatment of persons harmed by these experiences. The model of recovery and growth that Ms. Jenkinson has built is both highly specific to those who have been harmed in cultic contexts, that which was in dire need of being empirically tested, but at the same time, the concepts she has used to construct her model have already been clinically, when not empirically, validated for other clinical purposes. This adds much worth to the work she has done because the model of recovery and growth she presents in this thesis can be communicated to clinicians and therapists without them having to learn a whole new conceptual language, nor having to immerse themselves in a completely new conceptual world that might risk having esoteric overtones – in the wrong hands – that which would have defeated her purpose. In closing, Ms. Jenkinson has, undoubtedly, produced research that has contributed to the body of knowledge in the field of cultic studies, more precisely, she has empirically studied a model of healing and personal growth for those whose membership in a closed group has harmed them. This examiner does not suggest any modifications of the thesis and accepts it as is.”
