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Combating Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults Paperback – 28 Mar. 2015

by Steven Hassan (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 826 ratings
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Dr. Steven Hassan, a world-renowned cult expert with firsthand experience of escaping the Unification Church Cult in the 1970s (often referred to as The Moonies), offers his critical insights in the landmark book “Combatting Cult Mind Control. The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults.” This essential guide explores the methods by which groups and individuals can manipulate people's minds and behaviors in a subtle and covert manner. Hassan combines his personal narrative with extensive psychological research to provide strategies for protection, intervention, and healing for those affected by destructive cults.

In this volume you will find:

  • Stories of people who fell under the sway of cults and other forms of undue influence but who were able to break free
  • New information on the many sophisticated ways social media are now used for mind control
  • Updates on the many types of organizations that use mind control
  • Information on the neuroscience behind mind control

Hassan lays out a clear, research-based path for understanding and countering manipulative influences. The book introduces the Freedom of Mind approach, Hassan's own method developed from psychological principles aimed at helping people reclaim their autonomy from manipulative influences.

Using scholarly evidence and straightforward discussion, "Combating Mind Control" provides an informative guide for recognizing, understanding, and resisting undue influence, emphasizing the power of informed, critical thinking, and personal autonomy.

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  1. Print length
    391 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    28 Mar. 2015
  4. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  5. Dimensions
    15.24 x 2.26 x 22.86 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0967068827
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0967068824
  8. See all details
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Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs
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Product description

About the Author

Steve Hassan is a former cult member who has been educating the public about mind control and destructive cults since 1976. He is a member of Harvard's prestigious Program in Psychiatry and the Law and is a doctoral student at Fielding Graduate University. As a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Hassan is the author of three books that have received extensive praise from former cult members, families of former members, clergy, cult experts, and psychologists. Combating Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best Selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults (1988, 1990, 2015), Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves (2000), and Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults & Beliefs, (2012,2013). He is also co-developed “Ending the Game”, a non-coercive curriculum designed to educate and empower commercial sex trafficking victims.He has also been interviewed on CNN and Fox about ISIS as a destructive cult. He has appeared on 60 Minutes, CNN, NPR, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Larry King Live, Oprah, Dr. Drew, Dr. Phil, and many other programs, and has been featured in People Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, The Guardian, and dozens of other major publications and websites. Learn more about him and the Freedom of Mind Resource Center, Inc. at www.FreedomOfMind.com

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Freedom of Mind Press (28 Mar. 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 391 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0967068827
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0967068824
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 2.26 x 22.86 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 826 ratings

About the author

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Steven Hassan

Steven Hassan

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Steven A. Hassan, PhD, MA, M.Ed., LMHC, NCC is one of the foremost authorities on cults and mind control. He has been involved in educating the public about mind control, brainwashing, and destructive cults since 1976. He holds a Master's degree in counseling psychology from Cambridge College, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Steven received a Master's in 2020 from Fielding Graduate University. He later earned a doctorate in the Organizational Development and Change (ODC)program at Fielding’s School of Leadership Studies. Hassan did a TEDxBeaconStreet talk in 2018 entitled: Is Technology Controlling Your Mind? He was a participant in the "Dismantling QAnon" TEDXMidAtlantic program in 2020. How to tell if you are brainwashed? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzSwZpHDAaU&t=3s

Steven has written four books that have received extensive praise from former cult members, families of former members, clergy, cult experts, and psychologists. Simon and Schuster published his latest book, The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How The President Uses Mind Control. Hassan read the audiobook. Kirkus Reviews gave a positive review.

His previous books are Combating Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cults (1988, 1990, 2015, 2018), Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves (2000), and Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults & Beliefs, (2012, 2013). Audible published Combating Cult Mind Control in August 2018.

Dr. Hassan has created an online course called Understanding Cults: A Foundational Course for Clinicians, which is helpful for former members, family, and all interested in learning more about the issues involved in authoritarian mind control cults and relationships. https://freedomofmind.com/understanding-cults-a-foundational-course-for-clinicians/

His Doctoral dissertation is entitled "THE BITE MODEL OF AUTHORITARIAN CONTROL: UNDUE INFLUENCE THOUGHT REFORM BRAINWASHING MIND CONTROLTRAFFICKING AND THE LAW."

Steven Hassan has also developed a cutting-edge curriculum called Endingthegame.com, which aids sex trafficking victims to understand pimp/trafficker mind control indoctrination and leave the commercial cult. He was invited to a closed Aspen Institute meeting to discuss ISIS in August 2015.

Hassan's insightful perspective and expert commentary have made him a definitive source for hundreds of national, international, and local media outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, Fox, 60 Minutes, Dateline, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, People Magazine, Oprah Winfrey Show, Nightline, Larry King Live, The Today Show and Good Morning America. A list of recent media can be found at https://freedomofmind.com/media/

Hassan is the founder of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center Inc. www.freedomofmind.com and Freedom From Undue Influence, a division of the non-profit Dare Association, Inc. www.freedomfromundueinfluence.org

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Find us on:

TEDX talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPXBtsR44N0&feature=youtu.be

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOMInc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/freedomfromundueinfluence/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultExpert

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenhassan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultexpert/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cultexpert?_t=8UPvtJEeKp4&_r=1

YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/cultcast

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/freedomofmind

Blogs: https://freedomofmind.com/blog/

Recent media: https://freedomofmind.com/media/

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
826 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book informative and comprehensive on cults and mind control. They describe it as well-written with simple, clear explanations.

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Cult knowledgeReadability
16 customers mention ‘Cult knowledge’16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and comprehensive on cults. It provides an in-depth look into cults and mind control, helping readers identify their strategies. The book is described as essential reading for anyone who needs to know about high-control groups. They appreciate the interesting examples throughout.

"This is probably a better book for a theist to read, and maybe a more convincing book for those concerned they are in a cult..." Read more

"...I was astounded to see how Hassan describes so many cult tactics which directly apply to Jehovah's Witnesses...." Read more

"Steven Hassan's, no. 1 cult expert, book, tells you what a cult is, what they do to control and convert you, signs to look out for when looking to..." Read more

"Very readable and brilliant book! Tells you how cults work how they target you etc the author being one that was targeted successfully and but for..." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Readability’6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and well-written. They appreciate the simple, clear explanations.

"...by others, there's interesting examples throughout in a fairly easy to read format...." Read more

"...Brilliant book, easy to read and understand...." Read more

"This book is well written love the quotes throughout every page from the Bible it’s not offensive, just clear message from God" Read more

"Very readable and brilliant book!..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Good, though from a Christian prospective
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 September 2021
Verified Purchase
This is probably a better book for a theist to read, and maybe a more convincing book for those concerned they are in a cult (who would broadly be theists), as the focus is more on the manipulative than the details of the lunacy of religion itself.

There's a lot of emphasis on extracting cultists away from their toxic environment, where they can think for themselves without being directed by others, there's interesting examples throughout in a fairly easy to read format.

It's certainly left me with a little more insight into how it can spiral, it's a book that would be great for teenagers that want to look into this area, and certainly concerned parents.
One person found this helpful
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Mr Mouse
5.0 out of 5 stars Helped me
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2018
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This book was recommended to me as I had been questioning my faith as a Jehovah's Witness. It made me realise that all that my doubting over the years was not a wrong thing, but rather that it normal. I was astounded to see how Hassan describes so many cult tactics which directly apply to Jehovah's Witnesses. Growing up as a JW it is difficult to realise how suppressed one is and the tactics cults use makes it so very difficult to become aware that what you are experiencing is not normal.

I have high hopes that I will eventually fully recover from many years of indoctrination and emotional abuse, after now feeling that the mental chains have been released. This book has given me a positive outlook for the future and I hope that others reading this will have the same experience.
44 people found this helpful
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Eli
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 July 2019
Verified Purchase
Steven Hassan's, no. 1 cult expert, book, tells you what a cult is, what they do to control and convert you, signs to look out for when looking to join a group, uses his BITE model (control of, behaviour, information, thoughts, emotions, BITE).He also gives advice on how families can get a cult member to leave, (not by force, that is illegal) and deprogramming. Brilliant book, easy to read and understand. He is counselling psychologist and so his methods of geting them out come from that and how to help after they are out. Thoroughly recommend.
9 people found this helpful
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@AmazonCustomer
4.0 out of 5 stars Makes you aware of potential traps
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 September 2023
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Undoubtedly, there are techniques of persuasion that people can be blindsided by and this book can help you to be more aware of such possibilities and help you avoid getting into awkward situations that you cannot control.
One person found this helpful
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Jackie Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars We’ll write
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 March 2024
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This book is well written love the quotes throughout every page from the Bible it’s not offensive, just clear message from God
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Obi
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant informative book for cults
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 November 2020
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Very readable and brilliant book! Tells you how cults work how they target you etc the author being one that was targeted successfully and but for answered prayer in form of a car accident he might be still in it. Maybe destiny was that he d become one of the best experts at getting and helping others out of cults. One of the best books your ever find about the subject !
5 people found this helpful
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Taranjeet-Kaur
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing read for a group leaver or anyone curious
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2021
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I really enjoyed the in depth look into cult and mind control, especially the bite model. I was in Kundalini Yoga for seven years and it has cult themes throughout! This book has helped me greatly come to my authentic self again.
4 people found this helpful
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W. Webster
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 September 2015
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I have not yet finished the book, but it is brilliantly written and well expland. Steven Hassen is basically explaining how cults work and everything that goes with it. It will give you the tools to get out and stay out of mind control groups/organisations (cults). Also lots of stories of other people being stuck in cults and how they got in and out of them. A must read.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Luiz Fernando Barroso Carrazedo
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is fundamental to start wake up from Cults!
Reviewed in Brazil on 3 February 2024
Verified Purchase
Thank you Steven! After 35 years in a cult, now I started my process to leave and healing from this cruelty.
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Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
Reviewed in Germany on 14 April 2024
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Honestly so informative! And I thought it was really easy to read, and well written. I'm definitely going to get some of my friends to read it!
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Margarita
5.0 out of 5 stars Meraviglioso
Reviewed in Italy on 22 November 2023
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Un libro favoloso, forse l'unico davvero valido su questo tema (almeno per ora), consigliatissimo!
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berrya
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and Educational
Reviewed in Canada on 25 February 2020
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After hearing so many people on Youtube and the internet reference the BITE model and influence continuum I decided it was time to go to the source to find out more about Hassan and his work. I was not disappointed- since reading the book I've been able to clearly explain his concepts to other people as well.

Hassan's work is engaging to read from start to finish- he clearly explains his points and leaves the reader educated about the topic using examples, stories from his work, and sound research with practical application. This is a book written to both help people who are in high control groups and help one recognize the signs of such groups. He offers practical and doable advice for people while providing the reasons why it works.

If you are looking for a comprehensive resource in what you need to know about cults and high control group this book is a must read to get you started, understand undue influence, and how you can help people involved in destructive groups.
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Crystal Fernandez
5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating
Reviewed in the United States on 15 June 2018
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Disclaimer: This review was originally posted on the website/blog Ex-JW Sisters ...

As I mentioned to the Editor of this blog, as a book reviewer I would love to contribute some articles about books written by or for Jehovah’s Witnesses. There are a number of books available, I hope to help give a quick general overview of these books so that you can decide which you’d like to read.

I chose this book as the first to review because it marked the beginning of my journey out of “the truth”. As such, it is a personal favorite of mine. It is the first book I read when I finally realized that “the truth” was in fact… not truth at all. Usually I don’t get particularly personal when writing a book review for my blog, but it’s impossible to divorce my feelings and impressions of this book from my own “waking up” story. So I will try to keep it short and to the point but you know how it is. I mean… we are all sisters here right?

As it is for many, my waking up process was stretched out over a series of years. I liken it to a crack in the windshield of a car, it starts tiny. I gained more cracks over the years for a multiple of reasons, some doctrinal some personal. I could feel the religion slipping away from me little by little, but it was as though my brain refused to acknowledge the reality. One afternoon, July 28, 2016 to be precise, I drove home from work listening to a podcast interview with a Mormon who had left his church. I heard a voice in my head saying, “that’s what you’re doing, you’re leaving.” I was stunned at this thought. It was too much to think about and it made me feel afraid. I turned the podcast off, and searched online for a recording of the Watchtower but found I couldn’t concentrate. It was boring and unbearable. I reached a local pizza place and walked in half in a daze, ordered dinner to-go for my family and sat down at a table to wait. I searched my phone, desperate for an article, a talk, something from Watchtower to restore my equanimity.

Google. *tap*

Watchtower… just pick something. *tap*

JW Facts? *tap*

United Nations… oh my god… United Nations.

The windshield of my faith shattered in an instant. I collected my pizza, made my way home and explained to my mother that it was all over.

As you all know, that moment is not the end of the story but the beginning. Now is the hard part. Now is when we pick up the pieces and try to understand what has happened to us. I asked, how could this happen to me? I’m a bright woman, I’m not stupid. How did I allow an organization to deceive and control me to this extent for so long? Why did I not see it? I needed to understand, first, why I had let Watchtower exert control over me to begin with, and second, how to extricate myself from the disaster of my faith now that I’d pulled it all down.

Thankfully I found this book pretty quickly. It helped me to regain a measure of understanding. I imagined that reading about Mr. Hassan’s personal experiences with cult indoctrination was inoculating me against further manipulation. I was frightened by the prospect of returning to a state of indoctrination. How can I keep from going back? How do I keep other groups from taking advantage of me? I know that my inclination will probably be to allow others to reinsert a measure of control into my life so how do I prevent that? This book helped me to understand that all the questions I was asking and the sense of insecurity I felt was a natural part of being subjected to undue influence for so many years.

I’m sure I’m not telling you anything new when it comes to the B.I.T.E. model. This model is used to explain the ways in which a cult asserts its power over you. I touched on these points in a review for another book, but I think they really belong here with this book, where I found them to begin with:

Behavior – The lives of JW’s are highly controlled. Their dress and grooming, what jobs they perform, their entertainment, the amount of time they spend studying Witness publications and witnessing to outsiders is all highly controlled. And then there is their prohibition of holidays and their stand on blood transfusions.

Information – JW’s are not allowed to listen to any information about the Jehovah’s Witnesses unless it comes directly from Watchtower. This includes anything on the internet or from the news media. JW’s are not allowed to speak with people who have left the organization. You cannot even acknowledge that persons existence. Needless to say, lack of un-biased information is dangerous.

Thoughts – All thoughts are to be regulated. Doubts about the religion are not tolerated. You can be brought before a Judicial Committee and expelled from the congregation for holding a different opinion from the Governing Body. If you voice that opinion then watch out!

Emotions – Guilt and fear figure mightily in this religion. No matter what you do in service of this religion, it is never, ever enough. JW’s are encouraged to spy and tattle on each other to the elders in the congregation for even minor offenses. JW’s are not allowed to speak with anyone who is expelled (disfellowshipped or disassociated), even if it is an immediate family member.

This synopsis is admittedly superficial, there is much more information to be found in Mr. Hassan’s book. If you are newly awake to your time within the Watchtower organization this is an excellent book to read. It is the first that I recommend to anyone who is leaving the Jehovah’s Witness religion.

If you are finding it difficult to understand why the cracks in the windshield can make you feel so free and so lost all at once, allow the examples in the book to assure you, these feelings are temporary and you can regain the control you once relinquished to The Cult. With understanding you can start to live the life you were meant to live.

“Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.” Khalil Gibran

Song for this book: Level up by Vienna Teng
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