Only two more months till Decult 2026 – I know, I know….!!! We’re in overdrive to have the speaker release ready for you by September. But first, the news:
- Reactions to “Devotion” doco
- Participate in cult therapy study
- ChCh recovery day after Decult
- Survivor weekend in Melbourne
- Scholarships for 17 attendees
FEISTY FEEDBACK FROM GLORIAVALE LEAVERS
Six weeks ago, after streaming first on Paramount+, “Devotion: The Gloriavale Story” hit our screens. We were among the first ones to watch this train wreck of a documentary that is flawed in many ways. Since then, The Spinoff, NZ Herald, RNZ, Cult Chat (with John Ready) and Cults to Consciousness (with “Daughter of Gloriavale” author Lilia Tarawa) gave voice to survivors who say it is badly researched, misleading and one-sided.
Keep an eye out for more reactions and responses coming out soon. I hope that whoever funded the series is listening. To quote Lilia, who was “screaming at the TV”, the question is not whether to shut Gloriavale down, but when and how.
HOW WAS YOUR COUNSELLING EXPERIENCE?
When I interviewed dozens of survivors from Gloriavale and Centrepoint for Cult Trip, it became painfully clear that most of them never had the right kind of mental health support after they left. That’s why I’m glad that a webinar like “Working with Cult Survivors” from the Lalich Centre exists. And I’m thrilled that the American psychologist who put this resource together, Dr Natalie Fabert, will join us at Decult to speak about CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder).
In the lead-up, Natalie will offer a practice skills workshop at Family Start with Dr Caroline Ansley in Greymouth on 21st October. As an associate professor at Arizona State University, she is still looking for participants for her study about cult therapy . You can share your experience about your healing journey safely in an anonymous online survey. For more information, contact Natalie at [email protected] or access the study directly here.
DECOMPRESSION AFTER DECULT
If you’re joining us at Decult 2026 in person and have a lived experience in a high-control group, then you might have a lot to process during the weekend and afterwards. This is why the Olive Leaf Network and Uncult Ōtautahi, supported by Re:Woven Therapy Charitable Trust, are offering a post-conference day of debriefing, decompression and connection on Monday, 26 October from 10 – 3 pm at the Multicultural Centre in Christchurch.
Not an after party and not a therapy workshop, but a social gathering with cult-informed counsellors who are also on our mental health support team during Decult. It’s a free event, with lunch provided. Register here to attend.
MELBOURNE WEEKEND FOR SURVIVORS
The Australian Cult Information and Family Support network (CIFS), whose new president Renee Spencer will be joining us at Decult too, is hosting its annual weekend for cult survivors in Melbourne on the 17th and 18th October. This event has been going for nine years and helped many who have left an abusive group or religion.
Registration cost is $200 and some sponsorship is available. Limited spaces! Contact [email protected] or send a message on Facebook.
16 DECULT SCHOLARSHIPS – THANK YOU!
Last but not least, great news: Everyone who applied for the Decult Scholarship Fund in June will receive a free ticket from us, thanks to all of you who generously contributed. A thank you also to those survivors for asking for support. We know that’s not an easy thing to do and takes courage.
You can still help us with a donation so that we can keep the event accessible. Most importantly, please spread the word so no-one misses out.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anke
