Inside Cult Tactics and High-Control Groups: Manipulation, Deception & Coercion with Michael D. Langone

Self-Helpless

Cloud10

Science, Health & Fitness, Alternative Health

4.8 • 3K Ratings

🗓️ 25 March 2026

⏱️ 65 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Delanie Fischer chats with counseling psychologist and executive director of the International Cultic Studies Association, Michael D. Langone, about high-control groups and cultic dynamics. They explore key characteristics of cults (they’re more common than we think!), what can prompt people to question their involvement, recovery and healing from spiritual and psychological abuse, and how to lead groups responsibly and ethically. Episode Highlights: 3 Red Flags to Watch For When Joining Any Group What if Not Everyone Agrees Something's a Cult? Is All Religion a Cult? Why or Why Not? Creating Real Harmony: Unity vs. Uniformity Can a Family Dynamic be Considered a Cult? 2 Powerful Resources for Recovery Michael’s Diagram for Evaluating Groups How Does Someone Realize They're in a Cult? Who is Most Likely to Become a Cult Leader? What Most Cults Have in Common in the U.S. Michael's book, Recovery from Cults: Help for Victims of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/recovery-from-cults-michael-d-langone/1100879783 ____ A quick 5-star rating means a lot! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Get free Self-Helpless goodies: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: The Psychological Impact of Gaslighting with Dr. Stephanie Sarkis: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2a31527c/the-psychological-impact-of-gaslighting-with-dr-stephanie-sarkis Guilt Trips, Criticism, Lies, And Healing From The Narcissistic Family System with Psychotherapists Katie McKenna and Helen Villiers: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2219cf6e/guilt-trips-criticism-lies-and-healing-from-the-narcissistic-family-system-with-psychotherapists-katie-mckenna-and-helen-villiers Diagnosed Narcissist (Lee Hammock) and Clinical Psychologist (Dr. Ramani) Offer Insights Into Manipulation And Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/241deda3/diagnosed-narcissist-lee-hammock-and-clinical-psychologist-dr-ramani-offer-insights-into-manipulation-and-narcissistic-personality-disorder-npd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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