This episode from the archives originally aired in January 2024



Dr. Laura Anderson is a therapist, trauma resolution, and recovery coach, writer, educator, and creator who specializes in complex trauma with a focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence, and religious trauma. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine with her research focusing on the experience of living in a healing body after sexual trauma. Laura has a small private practice in Nashville, TN, and is the founder and director of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery, an online coaching company where she and the other practitioners work with clients who have experienced high demand/high control religions, adverse religious experiences, cults, and religious trauma. In 2019, Laura co-founded the Religious Trauma Institute with the goal of providing trauma-informed resources, consultation, and training to clinicians and other helping professionals who work with religious trauma survivors. Laura’s first book, “When Religion Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Religious Trauma”, is being released by Brazos Press in Fall 2023. She lives with her dog, Phoebe, in Middle Tennessee.

In this highly informative and revealing conversation. Dr. Anderson shares with Rachel her personal experience and professional insights from the specialized work she does with survivors of religious trauma. The two colleagues discuss the most effective modalities for religious trauma recovery and outline some important nuances that often get overlooked on the path to healing.

Before you go: Rachel offers some common traits to look out for in high-control religious groups to assess whether or not the leader's intentions are healthy.

You can find more about Dr. Andreson and her work at:
drlauraeanderson.com/

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An Abusive Relationship With God w/Dr. Laura Anderson (From The Archives)

This episode from the archives originally aired in 2020



After four successful years of working on TV shows and films in New York City, Jules Hartley thought it would be a good idea for her to move to LA.
A couple of years into her Hollywood journey, she discovered Kundalini yoga as taught specifically by Yogi Bhajan and the Golden Bridge Yoga Studio in Hollywood. She was instantly hooked and began what turned into a seven and a half year stint as a hardcore and fanatical member of what is now The Rama Yoga Institute, 3HO, and their brand of Sikhism.



The yoga and meditation lifestyle given by Yogi Bhajan thus became her entire universe, and within a year or two, she was devoting up to 18 hours a day, to practices that Yogi Bhajan said would ultimately make her life better and get her to "ascend". Jules explains to Rachel why she ultimately ended up leaving Hollywood in 2018, very sick after her experiences, and completely broke as she had given her money over to this group. She details her experiences leaving the intense systemic control of this cultic yoga group and provides insight on her journey to recovery.



Before You Go: Rachel shares her perspective on the results of the 2020 U.S Presidential Election and provides insight into why people who have left cults were so triggered by the US president for the last 4 years and how he behaved, and were so troubled by seeing how many militant hate groups and conspiratorial groups like QAnon felt supported by him.

3HO's House of Fallen Cards w/Jules Hartley (From The Archives 2020)

This is an unlocked bonus episode from our Patreon Exclusive archive. You can listen to 60+bonus episodes by becoming a member at:
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination



In this insightful episode, Rachel delves into the multifaceted nature of loss and grief, offering a deeper understanding of the various types they may encounter. Rachel discusses how former cult members often feel displaced in traditional grief support groups, as their experiences of loss are unique and complex. She aims to shed light on these different forms of grief, helping listeners identify and navigate their emotions.



Rachel's compassionate insights aim to provide clarity and validation for those grappling with complex emotions, helping them find a way forward through their unique grief journeys.



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UNLOCKED BONUS EPISODE: Navigating Different Types Of Grief

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination



This week's bonus episode is a recording of Rachel's presentation with Dr. Glenn Doyle, for the Seek Safely Summit hosted by Anne Peterson. Rachel and Dr. Doyle discuss how to know if we are in an unsafe (aka Culty) environment. This can happen within one-to-one relationships, social or learning groups, or even the workplace.  Learn about deconstruction (aka understanding what the heck happened) and healing (aka recovering our autonomy) from these kinds of relationships.



You can find out more about Dr. Glenn Doyle here:

www.realisticlifechange.com/



If you or someone you know is wrestling with recovery after being involved in a high-control group, relationship, or any organization, consider joining the Healthy Healing and Recovery Group w/ Rachel Bernstein:

ilumn8.life/op/lgat-recovery-group/

Purchase a ticket to access the full set of recordings and gifts from the SEEK Safely Summit here:

ilumn8.life/sss/?utm_source=soc…rm=rachel-bernstein

Not only does your ticket get you the Summit session recordings and Gifts it includes a contribution to SEEKSafely.org

Consider becoming a regular contributor to SEEK Safely (501c3) to support their work in consumer education as well as consumer protections:
seeksafely.givingfuel.com/seek-safely-inc

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Deconstruction & Recovery w/Dr. Glenn Doyle

In this compelling follow-up episode, Rachel welcomes back Jennifer Rajala, a former MLM leader turned advocate, who bravely shares her journey of disentangling from the manipulative world of multilevel marketing and coaching groups. 

Jennifer picks up where she left off last week and delves into the insidious overlap between MLMs and the coaching industry, revealing how individuals are often encouraged to invest in self-help and coaching as a means to succeed in MLMs, only to find themselves deeper in a cycle of dependency and financial loss. 



Today, Jennifer is dedicated to educating others about the dangers of MLMs and coaching scams, working with nonprofits and schools to introduce anti-fraud curricula. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and the importance of critical thinking, serving as a beacon of hope for those seeking to escape similar entanglements.


Listen to part 1 of this conversation here:
https://on.soundcloud.com/2ohohprXUFVWgUTm6



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The MLM To Coaching Pipeline w/Jennifer Rajala Pt. 2

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination



In this exclusive Patreon bonus episode, Rachel delves into the intriguing world of superstitions, exploring their historical and cultural roots and their impact on human behavior. The discussion centers around the fear of Friday the 13th, a day steeped in myth and superstition, and the psychological mechanisms that perpetuate these beliefs.



The episode also explores the psychology of superstitions, including cognitive biases that lead individuals to create false correlations and the role of social conformity in maintaining these beliefs. Rachel shares personal anecdotes and cultural examples, illustrating how deeply embedded superstitions can influence behavior and decision-making.




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Your support is essential to keep the show going. Thank you for being a part of our community.

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Superstition & Fear-Based Indoctrination

In this poignant episode, Rachel is joined by Andrea Dunlop, an accomplished author and podcaster, who delves into the complex and often misunderstood topic of Munchausen by Proxy. Andrea, who has personal ties to the subject, shares her insights into the deceptive and abusive dynamics of this disorder. Her work aims to illuminate the psychological manipulation and coercion involved, drawing parallels to cult-like behaviors where individuals exert control over others to fulfill their own needs.



Through her podcast, "Nobody Should Believe Me," and the upcoming book "The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy," Andrea seeks to bring attention to this troubling form of abuse, offering support to survivors and families affected by it.




To learn more about Andrea Dunlop and her work, visit: 
http://www.andreadunlop.net



American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children:
https://www.apsac.org



Munchausen Support:
http://www.munchausensupport.com



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Nobody Should Believe Me w/Andrea Dunlop

In this enlightening episode, Rachel sits down with Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and author of the forthcoming book, "On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence." Nicole's research sheds light on the systemic issues within educational institutions that contribute to the trauma of survivors and perpetuate sexual violence.



The conversation delves into the troubling parallels between cult-like dynamics and the ways universities often fail to support survivors, instead prioritizing the protection of perpetrators. Nicole shares her insights from over a decade of work as a victim advocate and researcher, highlighting the pervasive victim-blaming culture and the institutional betrayal that exacerbates trauma for survivors.



To learn more about Nicole and her work, visit:
www.nicolebedera.com.



To learn more about Beyond Compliance visit:
https://www.beyond-compliance-consulting.com/



To help with fire relief efforts in Los Angeles visit:
https://fyi.me/p/firerelief



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Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

On The Wrong Side w/ Nicole Bedera, Ph.D

In this powerful episode, Rachel welcomes Laila Mickelwait, co-founder and CEO of the Justice Defense Fund and leader of the Trafficking Hub movement. Laila has dedicated her life to combating sex trafficking and holding Pornhub accountable for profiting from criminal sexual abuse. Her work, which has been featured in major media outlets, exposes the dark underbelly of the porn industry and its ties to sex trafficking.



The discussion highlights the parallels between cult dynamics and the exploitation within the porn industry, focusing on the manipulation, coercion, and indoctrination involved. Lila shares heart-wrenching stories of victims whose lives have been shattered by these crimes, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change and justice for survivors.



Laila's national bestseller, "Takedown: Inside the Fight to Shut Down Pornhub for Child Abuse, Rape, and Sex Trafficking," offers a gripping account of her battle to expose and dismantle a criminal online empire. Her insights into the psychological impact on victims and the pervasive culture of victim-blaming provide a sobering look at the challenges faced by those seeking justice.



To support Lila's efforts and learn more about her work, visit:
 https://www.lailamickelwait.com/



Find her book and get involved at:
https://www.takedownbook.com.



Find info on Justice Defense Fund at:
https://justicedefensefund.org/



Listen to our episode with anti-trafficking advocate Megan Lundstrom:
https://youtu.be/ZiLduWKtvH4?si=vfMioubTha5SRrbE 



Advocacy and Resources For Trafficking Victims:
https://rainn.org/



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- Webinars & Lectures: www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos



Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Takedown w/Laila Mickelwait

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive Bonus Episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination


In this conversation, Rachel Bernstein and Andrew Pledger explore the themes presented in the movie 'Wicked', particularly focusing on the concepts of difference, acceptance, and the struggle for authenticity. Andrew shares his personal reflections on how the story resonates with his experiences growing up in a high-control religious environment. They discuss the dangers of black-and-white thinking, the importance of understanding emotions like anger, and the need for community and connection in the healing journey. The conversation emphasizes the significance of speaking out against oppressive systems and the power of self-discovery.

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The Cult Dynamics of Wicked w/Andrew Pledger

Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.

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