Ahava Counselling

05/06/2024

Important information

Coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares, or isolates another person to control them.

It’s domestic abuse and it causes serious harm.

From 1 July 2024, there are new laws in NSW about coercive control.

Learn more at nsw.gov.au/coercive-control

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing coercive control, there’s help available. Contact NSW Department of Communities and Justice, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au.

28/05/2024

An example of Information control right here 👇

Growing up in a cult, I would often hear recruiters dissuade potential prospects from looking up outside perspectives about our organization. Especially critical ones. They would tell the recruits, "Don't believe what anyone else has to say about us. After all, if you were buying a Ford car, would you ask the guy at the Chevy dealership to tell you what he thought of it? They would give you a totally skewed view and tell you made-up horror stories to keep you from buying from their competition." The cult recruiters would say this all the time; it was a favorite go-to metaphor to dissuade potential recruits from trusting any source but the cult while reeling people in.

Here's the thing: I've bought a few cars since those days. And it turns out that when you're buying a car, you try to get as many opinions as possible before committing - especially outside opinions. You look at outside expert reviews, customer reviews, and statistics on how well the vehicle holds up over time. Most especially you keep an ear out for the "horror stories" of people who have had mechanical difficulties with the vehicle, and take those into consideration before committing your money and family safety to buying the vehicle. And wouldn't you know it, I learned that every time you buy a car, it's best practice to take the vehicle on a test drive to a mechanic NOT associated with the seller and get their independent opinion before committing.

Long story short: If a group that you're in, or one that is seeking to recruit you, is worried about what you'll find out about them if you consult sources they don't control? That's a major red flag. Just like the car metaphor, don't take the "car dealer" on their word alone. One single perspective, no matter how well intentioned, will never give you all the facts. Ask around. Always gather as many opinions as possible, and never let 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 limit what you can read or who you can listen to. Don't believe everything you hear - compare and contrast what people on different sides say, and find out which sources are more consistently truthful. Improve your research skills, be critical, be safe, and above all -

Get cult literate!

-Jen

29/04/2024

Due to the success of our first workshop, we are happy to announce our second cult awareness workshop will be held on Saturday 18th May. See you soon!

14/03/2024

Countdown, one day left until we see you at the workshop!

06/03/2024

We would like invite you to an informative talk about cults, how they operate and the psychology behind mind control. Especially with the recent increase of activity from Shincheonji infiltrating churches and on university campuses, we believe it is really important for students and families to be well informed about the dangers of cult operations.
Sally is a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association who specialises in supporting people dealing with spiritual or religious abuse and cultic involvement and Matt is a long time former member of the Shincheonji group, both working together to spread cult awareness.

Please spread this flyer to those whom you think will benefit.

🗓️16th of March
⏰10AM-12PM
📍UWA Lecture Theatre
**(map details will be sent out closer to the date)
☕️Morning tea and refreshments
💵$20 At the door payment to cover costs

Please RSVP by 14th March to Sally or Matt so we can collect attendance for the day.

Please contact Sally on 0425438777 or Matt on 0416155203 for more information.

Hope to see you there!

19/02/2024

Have you or anyone that you know experienced a traumatic event? Trauma affects people in different ways a does not have to be violence-related. Trauma experiences vary from person to person and can cause emotional distress after exposure to traumatic reminders or physical reactivity after exposure to traumatic reminders. Either way trauma responses need to be addressed.

16/02/2024

Did you know that people can be addicted to almost anything?
Addictions aren’t just limited to substance abuse. Addiction is a coping strategy which occurs where the addict uses a regular activity or any stimuli to alter their state and can be destructive to healthy lifestyles. There are various types including gaming, po*******hy, alcohol, shopping, food and even religious addiction.

Need help? Contact Ahava Counselling.

15/02/2024

CIFS - Cult Information & Family Support
Understand how students become involved through manipulative cult tactics.

15/02/2024

Critical thinking is the best place to start when coming out of a cult. If you’re in a high control group and are questioning your involvement, start asking yourself the hard questions, especially the ones that the cult discourages you from asking. You may find that your old beliefs will begin to unravel. Uncomfortable, but necessary.

10/01/2024

08/12/2023

In the challenging journey of leaving a cult, the notion that it is a straightforward matter of personal choice oversimplifies the profound complexities involved. Exiting a cult is not merely a decision; it's an intense process marked by deep psychological and emotional entanglements that members have endured during their time within the group. Cults employ sophisticated manipulation techniques that intricately weave into the very fabric of an individual's identity, creating a web of emotional dependencies, thought control, and social bonds that are incredibly difficult to untangle. Recognizing and overcoming this manipulation requires a comprehensive understanding of the psychological mechanisms at play, along with the invaluable support of those who comprehend the dynamics of undue influence. It's an arduous journey that demands resilience, self-discovery, and, most importantly, a network of understanding individuals who can offer empathy and assistance throughout the recovery process.

Right now get 10% off my essentials course on understanding authoritarian control- Visit freedomofmind.com to learn more!

06/12/2023

Are you allowed to question your leader without backlash?