Gillie regularly contributes to written and broadcast media, conferences and podcasts discussing issues related to cults, spiritual abuse, coercive control and recovery. A selection of these is shown below.
Many items discuss abuse and may be triggering for some, so please remember to take care of yourself when exploring this page.
Writing & Media
PODCASTS
Beyond the Surface - Understanding Cult Dynamics: Insights from a Survivor and Expert
This episode explores the complexities of cults and the psychological impact of religious trauma with Gillie Jenkinson, a psychotherapist specialising in cult recovery. Gillie shares her insights and personal experiences, shedding light on the manipulation and control that define cult dynamics. We discuss the lasting effects on those who leave and the vital role of psychoeducation in rebuilding identity post-cult. Through this conversation, we offer understanding and hope, emphasising that healing is possible with the right support and resources.
IndoctriNation - Walking Free w/Dr. Gillie Jenkinson
This week Rachel delves into the intricate world of cult recovery with Dr. Gillie Jenkinson, a UK-accredited psychotherapist specializing in cult studies. Dr. Jenkinson’s journey is not just professional but deeply personal, having spent seven years in a Bible-based cult in the 1970s. Her experience and extensive research culminate in her acclaimed book, "Walking Free from the Trauma of Coercive Cultic and Spiritual Abuse."
The Influence Continuum With Steve Hassan
Dr Gillie Jenkinson joins Steve Hassan, one of the leading experts on cults and undue influence in the world.
Most people require specialised counselling to recover from an experience of cult indoctrination. But many therapists that work with former members are not trained to help with the after-effects of mind control and cult-related problems, such as the formation of a pseudo “cult identity.” Inspired by her experience of encountering unethical and inexperienced therapists, Gillie created an approach to counselling former members, which she (previously) called Post-Cult Counselling (PCC) (now known as ‘The Walking Free Model: Counselling for Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse’) that brings together ethical therapy and the knowledge of cults.
Cult Chat
From CultChat: How do you recover from leaving a cult? Dr Gillie Jenkinson from Hope Valley Counselling is the expert on this topic – and a total superstar in her field. The award-winning psychotherapist, who is coming all the way from the UK to NZ in October, will give a keynote talk at Decult about “Walking Free” – her therapy model that has helped so many leavers around the world.
Walking Free: Learning About Cults and how to Stay Safe with Doctor Gillie Jenkinson
Gillie Talks With Sarah B Walsh on her coffee talk style podcast
Sarah's podcast "Come Pray With Me" is a coffee talk style podcast focusing on different religions from around the world.
What Should I Think About..?
Podcast with Stephen and Celine...
I was happy to have a chat with Stephen and Celine (father and daughter) about Post-Cult Counselling and the four Phases of Recovery and Growth (referred to as stages in this podcast chat).
Podcast Interview with Gillie by GenerationCult
In this interview, Gillie offers some ideas for recovery which are applicable to those born and or raised in a cult.
Check out the fantastic podcast library including my own interview on the GenerationCult website.
TALKS
Keynote Speech at DeCult 2024
Dr Gillie Jenkinson
Dr Gillie Jenkinson is an award-winning psychotherapist from the UK who walked the audience through the different phases of post-cult recovery, based on her groundbreaking workbook ‘Walking Free from the Trauma of Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse’. A beacon of hope and a lesson in help.
Dr Gillie Jenkinson: Walking Free. The Family Survival Trust annual public event 2023
In this talk Gillie gives a brief overview of her experience of joining, life in, leaving and recovering from a British coercively controlling cult – ‘The Community’. She explains some of her journey to becoming a psychotherapist and trainer specialising in supporting others who have left similar groups and/or relationships.’
Two talks by Gillie recorded live for International Cultic Studies Association - Cult Recovery NOT Cancelled
Gillie explains some areas of psychoeducational theory that may be helpful for former members in their recovery and answers some of the attendees questions.
This series was recorded to offer support to former cult members and survivors of spiritual abuse in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cult Pseudo Identity and the Phases of Recovery and Growth
In this talk I discussed the rationale for being informed by the Phases of Recovery and Growth when working with former members of coercive, cultic and spiritual abuse focussing on former cult members. I explore how a relational psychoeducational approach can assist the individual to unlayer and dismantle their cult pseudo-identity.
Interview with Gillie by International Cultic Studies Association on Hope Valley Post-Cult Counselling and what helps former members recover
In this interview, Gillie offers some ideas for recovery which are applicable to all former cult members. Consider becoming a member of International Cultic Studies Association in order to access many other resources - www.icsahome.com.
The Cult Pseudo Identity and the Phases of Recovery and Growth
Talk delivered for ICSA Mental Health Series - 3 April 2022
In this talk I discussed the rationale for being informed by the Phases of Recovery and Growth when working with former members of coercive, cultic and spiritual abuse focussing on former cult members. I explore how a relational psychoeducational approach can assist the individual to unlayer and dismantle their cult pseudo-identity. The Therapist can then work with the former member's authentic autonomous identity and not the pseudo-identity. The client can then recover and grow, free from the influence and control of the cultic experience.
The Intersection of Apostasy and Mental Health
Recording of the Apostate Conference 2021
Humanist UK and Faith to Faithless
In this recorded talk Dr Gillie Jenkinson discusses the intersection of apostasy or leaving a religion and some of the mental health impacts on those who leave. My part of the talk starts at 2 hours 18mins - I hope you find it interesting and helpful.
Understanding the Trauma of having been a member of a High Demand Group workshop with Dr. Gillie Jenkinson PhD with OnlineEvent
Dr. Gillie Jenkinson (PhD) will discuss why our normal counselling modalities, including trauma therapy, are not enough when it comes to working with former members of High Demand Groups including cults, survivors of spiritual abuse and religious trauma.
Jon Atack Interview - Walking free from the trauma of coercive cultic and spiritual abuse with Gillie Jenkinson, PhD
Gillie Jenkinson talks about her time in a Bible-based cult, her escape, her doctoral studies, and her book, which is a step-by-step guide to recovery. Gillie has been counselling former members for many years and has a practice in Hope Valley outside Sheffield in England.
WRITING
Walking Free from the Trauma of Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse: A Workbook for Recovery and Growth
This book provides a comprehensive guide to recovery, based on a tested model of post-cult counselling (now referred to as Walking Free Counselling), and years of research and clinical experience. It is designed to help survivors of diverse abusive settings, including religious and spiritual, political, gangs, business, therapy and wellness and one-on-one relationships. The reader follows a beautifully illustrated journey through four Phases of recovery and growth, one Milestone at a time, to make sense of what has happened to them, learn how to walk free from psychological control and find resources for healing. Gillie includes stories from her own experience, detailing her path towards recovery and how she learned to come to terms with and overcome what happened to her.
Walking Free after Abuse in a Cultic Setting: Finding a way to Recovery and Growth Using a Self-help Workbook
This article is reprinted from ICSA Today, vol. 14, issue 3, 2023.
An article written for ICSA today about Gillie’s self-help workbook printed in 2023.
Leaving Psychologically—Breaking the Confluential Trance Gillie Jenkinson, PhD
Abstract
In this paper, I offer an additional explanation for the state of trance many cult members experience—the confluential trance. These concepts arose from doctoral research into what helped 29 former cult members recover from an abusive cult experience (Jenkinson, 2016). I address a new concept, and whilst it applied to some participants and potentially applies to coercive cults more broadly, further research is required to establish the veracity of this concept and whether it is generalizable across former-member populations. I discuss how the confluential trance may make it psychologically difficult to leave an abusive cult, and I explore how some of my doctoral-research participants experienced this altered state and broke free through formal and informal interventions.
Consider becoming a member of International Cultic Studies Association in order to access the full article.
Pathological Spirituality (written with Dr Nicola Crowley) is included in the Second Edition of ‘Spirituality and Psychiatry’ Chapter 17 published by Cambridge University Press
The summary from the website states:
This chapter describes the psychopathological consequences of harmful spiritual beliefs, practices and experiences. It explores the concepts of spiritual defences, offensive spirituality, false spiritual teachers or gurus, and attempts to define the characteristics of cultic groups and compare how they differ from healthy groups. Terms such as ‘conversion’, ‘brainwashing’, ‘thought reform’, ‘coercive persuasion’ and ‘mind control’ are discussed. The complex psychopathology experienced by people who have been harmed by cult-like organisations and the related abuse is examined, and specific diagnostic issues are considered. Current evidence-based recovery-orientated psychotherapeutic interventions are also described. Treatment may best be understood in four phases: separation from the cult, psychoeducation and story-telling, emotional healing, and – finally – a resumption of an authentic identity and new life. The themes of the chapter are explored in a series of case studies.
Relational Psychoeducational Intensive: Time Away for Postcult Counseling
Dr Gillie Jenkinson's chapter outlining her Time Away for Post Cult Counselling model was published in 2017 in the book 'Cult Recovery' and available for purchase on the ICSA website.
This landmark, 500-page book, with chapters from leading clinicians and researchers, describes the current state of the art in helping people adversely affected by a cultic dynamics, whether in a cult, mainstream religious denomination, psychotherapy, family, or other interpersonal relationship.
Out in the World: Post-Cult Recovery – BACP Therapy Today Magazine – March 2019
Dr Gillie Jenkinson explains the need for a relational, psychoeducational approach to working with cult survivors.
Interview: New Psychotherapist Magazine
Read Dr Gillie Jenkinson's interview in issue 69, autumn 2018 of UKCP's New Psych otherapist magazine. Hear more of her personal experience and how traditional therapy isn't enough, or can even be counterproductive, in a cult leavers recovery. Gillie discusses the methodology she has built and researched over the last 2 decades and is using in her work with cult leavers today.
Working With Cult Survivors: BACP Therapy Today, 2013
Gillie describes the sophisticated techniques used by cults to manipulate members, and the lasting effects on their sense of self Illustration by Clare Nicholas
An Investigation into Cult Pseudo-Personality: What Is It and How Does It Form?
In this paper, I investigate some possible explanations for the development of the cult pseudo-personality and how it forms. I investigate whether the cult pseudo- personality is doubling (Lifton, 2000), false self (Winnicott, 1965), simply adaptation, or dissociation. I argue that it is none of these and propose that the concept of introjection is the most satisfying explanation. The paper also briefly addresses some recovery issues in light of the proposed view of pseudo- personality.
Path or Pathology? - BACP Spirituality Thresholds Magazine
Gillie Jenkinson explores how as a profession we need to tread cautiously and be aware of those practitioners who do not practise within safe, ethical therapeutic and spiritual guidelines
Dr. Paul Martin-A Good Leader and a Wonderful Counselor - Gillie Jenkinson (4-7) ICSA Today Vol 1 2016
In this Paul Martin Lecture, I highlight two particular attributes Dr. Martin contributed to the cult-recovery field: being a good leader and being a wonderful counselor. I also reflect on the impact knowing him has had on my life and clinical counseling practice. I start with a brief history of my contact with Dr. Martin and Wellspring.
Pathological Spirituality - Chapter 13 in 'Spirituality and Psychiatry' - Dr Gillie Jenkinson and Dr. Nicola Crowley, Royal College of Psychiatrists (First Edition)
Spirituality and Psychiatry addresses the crucial but often overlooked relevance of spirituality to mental well-being and psychiatric care. This updated and expanded second edition explores the nature of spirituality, its relationship to religion, and the reasons for its importance in clinical practice.
Rebuilding the Jigsaw - BACP Spirituality Thresholds Magazine
Gillie discusses her cult experience and what she found helpful in her recovery.
Writing Routes - A Resource Handbook of Therapeutic Writing - Gillie Bolton, Victoria Field and Kate Thompson, Jessica Kinglsey Publishers
The use of creative writing as a route to personal or professional development is a powerful therapeutic tool, yet often the most difficult part is knowing how and where to begin. The experiences of others, and the strategies and approaches they have used in their own writing, can provide tried-and-tested models for practice, and 'ways in' that facilitators might wish to recommend to others.
Writing Routes is an essential roadmap for anybody setting out on the journey of self-discovery through words. This diverse collection of short pieces introduce and demonstrate many different ways of getting into and thinking about creative writing for personal or professional development.
Gillie contributed to Chapter 9 ‘Managing Transitions’ with a reflection on writing her prose poem ‘The Door’.
Cult-Pseudo Personality vs Cult Pseudo-Creativity - Cultic Studies Review
This article gives a brief history of The Love of God Community, England (“the Community”). It looks at how the Community used creative arts negatively to reinforce control and thought reform, considers whether this use of creative arts is true creativity, and illustrates with case examples how therapists and ex-cult members can use creativity positively for recovery.
MEDIA
Media - BBC 2 Victoria Derbyshire
Dr Gillie Jenkinson was interviewed for a news article on a group called The Jesus Army on BBC 2 Victoria Derbyshire Programme on 19th July 2017.
This same news report was also on Radio 4 PM programme 5-6pm on 19th July 2017.
This came about after Gillie was contacted by the Survivors Association in regard to her Post-Cult Counselling. Gillie has delivered face to face counselling and a Recovery Workshop to some of the survivors
Link to Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - BACP - have a brief article on their website about this report
TalkTV - How A ‘Normal' Person Was Sucked Into A British Cult And Lost 25 Years Of Their Life
‘Gillie Jenkinson was 18 years old when she became a born again Christian. At a point in her life when she felt lost and vulnerable, Gillie was targeted by the church and recruited into ‘The Community’, a group she believes met the criteria of being a cult.
From then on, every aspect of her life down to what she wore, was micromanaged by the leaders of the ‘cult’, until it disbanded eight years later. Gillie quickly became radicalised, believing she deserved the punishments that were readily dished out, such as repeated beatings, for her apparent ‘sins’.
She describes life in ‘The Community’ as like living in Dracula’s castle due to extreme micromanagement, sexual and physical abuse. Gillie left when the group disbanded, after eight years living with them. However, whilst she physically left, she says it took another 14 years for her to psychologically and emotionally leave.
Now, Gillie is a psychotherapist who specialises in something she has called ‘post cult counselling’, helping others leaving these groups to adjust to life outside.‘
OTHER
ICSA: The Herbert L. Rosedale Award
In recognition of leadership in the effort to preserve and protect individual freedom, help victims, or inform society about ethical and legal dimensions of the cult phenomenon.
Gillie said: "I am beyond touched, humbled and honoured to receive The Herbert L. Rosedale Award 'presented in recognition of leadership in the effort to preserve and protect individual freedom' from ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association). Thank you to all who attended and for the standing ovation! Thank you to Bill and Lorna Goldberg and the ICSA board."
Walking Free with Onlinevents
In this event Gillie Jenkinson is in conversation with John Wilson to launch her new publication Walking Free from the Trauma of Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse: A Workbook for Recovery and Growth published by Routledge
Uncovering Cult Recovery with Maddie Drake
An audio documentary about resources in the UK available for victims of cults, coercive control and abuse.
Dr Gillie talks about her experience of being in a cult in the 1970's and how joining a live-in community quickly turned into a cult. Maddie Drake explores how people are recruited in to cults, and the type of support former cult members can access through Dr Gillie's Recovery Workbook and via social media with the #igotout movement.
