Cracking the Cult Code for Therapists: What Every Cult Victim Wants Their Therapist to Know Paperback – June 16, 2017

I purchased this book and after reading it and highlighting some of the more pertinent sections for my situation, gave it to my therapist. Despite not specializing in religious trauma, she had already picked up on the JW stuff pretty quick, but I think once she read the book, it it took her understanding to a new level. I recommend this book to everyone who talks about getting therapy after leaving the JWs.

Bonnie Zieman has created an easy to understand, quick reference tool to help therapists understand clients who have cult involvement. She is a retired therapist and ex-cult member, which gives immediacy to what she writes. Each chapter defines the techniques used and the effects on the person. She pulls together research to define a cult and their techniques, and uses examples from various cults to illustrate her points.Zieman discusses the after-effects of love-bombing, isolation, identity formation, control, threats, fears and repression of needs, and much more. She does a good job explaining the differing needs of people who join cults as adults and those who are born in. She does not tell therapists how to treat the client, but shows them the possible issues that may need to be addressed during the therapeutic process. This book can be given to therapists by ex-cult members to ease the transition into therapy.I hope this book becomes mandatory reading for students preparing to join the ranks of therapists. I say to therapists, "Buy a copy for yourself and one for a gift" because the need is there.

Loved one is an ex-cult member. So many psychologists and psychotherapists have very little knowledge of how to treat ex-cult members. While they might have a couple of patients like this, the support and guidance is not a one size fits all. Author is an ex-cult member herself and has a great deal of experience in treating ex-cult members from many cults. It could be something your therapist or a friend/family member is have a hard time finding a knowledgeable one.

We gave this book to one of our family therapists who hadn’t had much exposure to Jehovah’s Witnesses. It was a very helpful reference to bring the counselor up to speed on the culture inside the cult and the issues that we often face when leaving that life behind us. The conversations with that therapist became less complicated and drawn out when referring to things related to growing up or living in that cult social construct. I’m so glad this book is out there to help make the most of our counseling sessions with therapists who are not as familiar with the organization and the common implications of leaving it.

A MUST-READ for all Jehovah’s Witnesses!! After reading this book I had a much better understanding that I may have left the cult 20-years ago but I am still dealing with the aftermath. This book is SO vital that I also bought a copy for my therapist and daughter. My therapist was VERY impressed from a professional perspective, how well the book was formatted, the in-depth clinical terms, and the “before & after” lay out. Thank you Ms. Zieman for providing this exceptional tool!!!

Bonnie's book has been an excellent resource for lay persons and professionals alike. Knowing I was an ex Jehovah's Witness, physicians, therapists and psychiatrists have relayed to me what a difficult time they have had in helping patients who were in, or had left, Jehovah's Witnesses and other cults. Many have been grateful for the invaluable information contained in "Cracking the Cult Code for Therapists." It is making a world of difference for those suffering, and the fine individuals wishing to help this unique population. Can't thank you enough, Bonnie Zieman!

I have shared this book with both colleagues and clients! All report that it was one of the most helpful books they had read regarding the topic of cults, high control groups and spiritual trauma. As a therapist who facilitates a support group for ex members, and having been raised in a cult, I was thrilled when Bonnie published this book...it was so needed and has been extremely helpful!

Informative and useful book for individuals, families, andtherapists wanting to know more about dangerousreligious cults by a member who left and became atherapist herself.

Purchased for new ex JW, who gave a copy to his therapist and she was finally able to help him properly. If your psychologist doesn’t speak cult lingo, be sure to give them a copy.

Coming from a psychologist who came out of a cult (JWs) after many years this is a useful insight for those wishing to help those leaving cults. The language used is understandable by 'normal' people and clearly written. I found it most enlightening. It also highlights the need to 'tread carefully' as the human mind is a complex item.