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Steven Hassan, PhD Profile picture
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12 Jan, 5 tweets, 2 min read
Dr. Robert Jay Lifton is a GIANT in the field of undue influence. He wrote what most regard as the most SEMINAL text in our field, “Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism” about Chinese Communist brainwashing programs under Mao. This groundbreaking book came out in 1961.
After I was deprogrammed from the Moonie cult in 1976, I felt so much shame and embarrassment that I had been duped. All I wanted to do was find out WHAT had happened to me so I read Dr. Lifton's work and INSTANTLY recognized the techniques he outlined from my cult experience.
Not thinking it would lead to anything (after all, he was world-famous!), I contacted Dr. Lifton. I told him his book changed my life and told him about my cult experience.

It was at this moment that he gave me-an ashamed ex-Moonie-new meaning and set the trajectory for my life.
He said, "I've only written about this, but you've lived it!" He encouraged me to study psychology.

45 years later, I've written 4 books and have helped thousands leave destructive cults.

Oh but there's more... :)

Dr. Lifton, 95 years young, is STILL at it today!
He almost NEVER does podcast interviews but he is the FIRST GUEST for my new podcast "The Influence Continuum!!!" This episode is amazing and I'm so honored to have him on my inaugural episode. 🙏

Listen:

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3fy5dEPag…

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Steven Hassan, PhD Profile picture
7 Jan
Friends, I have an exciting announcement!!!

I have a NEW PODCAST...coming this Monday!!!

My podcast is called "The Influence Continuum" and will be released on the @MeidasTouch network. :)
This podcast will be a deep dive on the topic of psychology which includes mind control as well as positive ethical ways to control your own mind.

We will talk about Trump and the undue influence exerted over millions. We will talk about cults like the Jehovah's Witnesses...
But we'll also talk about ETHICAL influence! We'll cover topics like ethical hypnosis and how to positively influence children to be true to their authentic selves. 🙏
Read 5 tweets
Steven Hassan, PhD Profile picture
4 Jan
The Jan. 6th Committee (@January6thCmte) has gone after the extremist Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. They also have a paramilitary group called the "1st Amendment Praetorian" in their sights.

But there's a group they STILL apparently haven't pursued:

The Moonies.
The Moonies are a far-right cult that I was a member of for 2+ years in the 70s. The cult leader Sun Myung Moon (a convicted felon) claimed he was the "Messiah."

Since his death in 2012, the group has SPLINTERED into 2 rival camps (both still heavily tied into the modern @GOP).
One camp is run by the youngest son of Moon, Hyung Jin "Sean" Moon. Sean is the leader of the World Peace and Unification Sanctuary, more commonly known as "Rod of Iron Ministries."

Sean Moon wears a crown of bullets and his "church" worships with AR-15's.
Read 10 tweets
Steven Hassan, PhD Profile picture
31 Dec 21
If you want to learn HOW to help a friend or family member out of a destructive conspiracy theory, the first step is always EDUCATING YOURSELF.

My book "Combating Cult Mind Control" is widely recognized as one of the best guides to learn about this topic.
Here is the Amazon link for a physical book:
amazon.com/Combating-Cult…
And here's the Audiobook version if you prefer listening to books. audible.com/pd/Combating-C…
Read 4 tweets
Steven Hassan, PhD Profile picture
24 Dec 21
When a small grain of sand gets into an oyster, it can turn into a beautiful pearl.

THIS is how I want you to think about helping a family member OUT of an extreme belief.

If you are able to successfully empower a new thought, it can develop into something beautiful!

But...
This CAN'T be done by FORCE. You can't yell or tell them they're stupid or tell them to read an article that contradicts their worldview. Do this with love, respect, & patience.

Do not allow yourself to be abused or bullied. Stay resourceful.

Ask questions.

And Eventually..
A new thought, like a grain of sand, can get inside and develop into a beautiful pearl (their true identity!).

When I was in a cult, this is what happened to me. My deprogrammers asked me questions. Nothing penetrated consciously until the last day of my deprogramming.
Read 6 tweets
Steven Hassan, PhD Profile picture
20 Dec 21
Many of us feel POWERLESSNESS when we hear depressing political news. Many also want to know "how can I get involved?"

Here's how you do it:

Think globally, act locally.
Why not help de-radicalize someone you know and care about? Rather than just cut someone out of your life, if you have the bandwidth, and learn what is effective, you could put in a few hours each week into the effort.
In this thread, I will link to a few other threads and blogs I've composed that outline my Strategic Interactive Approach (SIA). This is the approach I've applied for the last 45+ years in helping people out of cults and conspiracy thinking!

freedomofmind.com/help-a-family-…
Read 7 tweets
Steven Hassan, PhD Profile picture
17 Dec 21
There's been a great deal of talk about expanding the Supreme Court and entirely NOT enough talk about impeaching Amy Coney Barrett.

First, this is not a "Republicans bad, Democrats good!" appeal. I often disagree with Clarence Thomas but I would NOT call for his impeachment.
This is about Amy Coney Barrett's DEEPLY troubling affiliation with the destructive group "People of Praise."

The People of Praise (POP) are not a conventional religion. The POP displays many cult-like attributes.

Here's a brief summary of the People of Praise:
The People of Praise reportedly require a lifetime covenant commitment, require wives & children to be submissive to husbands, promote fear of losing God’s grace, allow & even encourage corporal punishment of children & wives, engage in forced exorcisms, & shun former members.
Read 10 tweets

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