Founded in 1979, the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) is a global network of people concerned about psychological manipulation and abuse in cultic groups, alternative movements, and other environments. ICSA is tax-exempt, supports civil liberties, and is not affiliated with any religious or commercial organizations.The ICSA holds meetings around the world with different themes and various speakers. ICSA is a proven abundant source for help and insight into cults of all types in many different cultures. Their website can be found here. This post will review the content of a discussion group from an ICSA Conference which was held June 26-29 2008 in Philadelphia, PA. The full title of the discussion “Growing up in Cults: The Special Issues of Children in Cults and Second Generation Cults Members”, the moderator is/was Joyce Martella. The discussion group participants include Juliana Buhring discussing “Advocating for Children’s Rights”, Michael Martella, MFT- “The Mask We Make”, and Gina Cantena, MS., CNM, NP- “Post-Cult Identity Issues for Second Generation Adults.” The audio begins low and may need to be bumped up on your listening device. The video is long and I will only cover highlights. For a more full understanding, please listen to the entire discussion.

Why would I post this here? Many of my readers are former cult members, as well as family members of present and previous members of high demand faith groups – as we know them. This resource will help further the ongoing search for answers for many of the nagging questions that haunt former cult members and family members who have shut-out of their relative’s lives who are in these groups. The readers of this blog consist of survivors from several groups other than Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and for that- I take no credit. We will provide the video first, and then my comments.

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