Bounded Reality: Conversation with Renowned Cult Expert, Dr. Janja Lalich (pt II)

In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Lalich, she gives us her take on what are the makings of a cult and if the ICOC, as Aldo recalls his experience, can be considered a cult.

Dr. Lalich is a world-renowned expert in cultic studies. She is the auuthor and co-author of several critically acclaimed books on cults. She is an avid contributor to the field of cultic studies through her research, presentations, articles, and documentaries.  Janja Lalich, Ph.D. is a researcher, author, and educator specializing in self-sealing, or closed, systems (cults, human trafficking, situations of coercive influence and control, ideological extremism), with a particular focus on recruitment, indoctrination, and methods of influence and control. She is Professor Emerita of Sociology at California State University, Chico and has been studying the social psychology of controversial groups and exploitative and abusive relationships for 30+ years. Dr. Lalich has written and lectured extensively, has advised the international intelligence community on extremism and indoctrination, and has served as consultant and expert witness in civil and criminal cases.  

In addition, Dr. Lalich is a cofounder of the Take Back Your Life Recovery program.  The Take Back Your Life Recovery program  is a collaborative effort between Dr. Janja Lalich, and two experienced mental-health professionals: Beth Matenaer, Licensed Professional Counselor and Sally Martin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. They develop and facilitate psychoeducational interactive sessions and practical healing tools for survivors of cults or other types of closed or extremist groups, coercive and high-demand environments, and destructive and controlling relationships. The aim of the program is to provide the information and resources our clients need to effectively heal from a variety of harmful and/or traumatic personal experiences. Additionally, they create course material and training sessions to educate and train helping professionals to better assist such clients.

Visit https://janjalalich.com  to find out more about Dr. Lalich.

You can also follow her on twitter or instagram
https://twitter.com/Janja_Lalich https://twitter.com/TBYLR
https://www.instagram.com/janja_lalich/

Books by Dr. Lalich:

Escaping Utopia: Growing Up in a Cult, Getting Out, and Starting Over, 2017
Take Back Your Life, 2006
Bounded Choice, 2004
Crazy Therapies, 1996
Cults In Our Midst, 1995
Captive Hearts, Captive Minds, 1994