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Freedom of Mind

Protection, rescue, and recovery from authoritarian people, cults, and beliefs.

Persuasion
The Captive Mind, from Soviet-Era Moscow to Modern MAGA

Steven A Hassan PhD on April 15, 2024

Polish Nobel Laureate Czesław Miłosz wrote "The Captive Mind" in 1953 as an exploration of the psyche under Soviet oppression. What can it teach us about movements like MAGA today?

Polish Nobel Laureate Czesław Miłosz wrote "The Captive Mind" in 1953 as an exploration of the psyche under Soviet oppression. What can it teach us about movements like MAGA today?

Authenticity
The Barbie Movie—A Powerful Journey to Autonomy

Steven A Hassan PhD on March 11, 2024

For generations, Barbie has taught little girls that they can be anything. Barbie's big-screen story can teach everyone about authenticity and independence.

For generations, Barbie has taught little girls that they can be anything. Barbie's big-screen story can teach everyone about authenticity and independence.

Therapy
“I Was Tired of Paying My Therapist to Learn About Cults”

Steven A Hassan PhD on February 20, 2024

With the advent of online conspiracies, political cults, and abusive megachurches (to name a few), more people are exiting cults than ever before. Do you know how to help?

With the advent of online conspiracies, political cults, and abusive megachurches (to name a few), more people are exiting cults than ever before. Do you know how to help?

Relationships
A Way to Explain Controlling Relationships

Steven A Hassan PhD on January 23, 2024

Some people use the terms "gaslighting" and "coercive control" to describe domestic abuse, but the BITE Model - originally designed to describe cult violence - is much more robust.

Some people use the terms "gaslighting" and "coercive control" to describe domestic abuse, but the BITE Model - originally designed to describe cult violence - is much more robust.

Persuasion
Can Psychologists Help Curb Political Radicalization?

Steven A Hassan PhD on December 12, 2023

A disturbing number of Americans are willing to resort to violence to "save" the country. What can mental health care professionals do to stem the tide of radicalization?

A disturbing number of Americans are willing to resort to violence to "save" the country. What can mental health care professionals do to stem the tide of radicalization?

Media
Why Aren't Mental Health Experts at the Policy Table?

Steven A Hassan PhD on September 26, 2023

The public mental health crisis is escalating at an alarming rate. What can be done to address the problem and bring more voices to the discussion?

The public mental health crisis is escalating at an alarming rate. What can be done to address the problem and bring more voices to the discussion?

Cognition
Navigating College Life, Cult-Free

Steven A Hassan PhD on August 15, 2023

Beyond the dangers of drinking and drugs, college life can hold an even greater danger: recruitment to destructive cults online and on campus.

Beyond the dangers of drinking and drugs, college life can hold an even greater danger: recruitment to destructive cults online and on campus.

Persuasion
How to Protect Against Undue Influence Online

Steven A Hassan PhD on July 26, 2023

The amount of time we spend online is growing with every passing year. But how much do we really know about the dangers of internet predators and online echo chambers?

The amount of time we spend online is growing with every passing year. But how much do we really know about the dangers of internet predators and online echo chambers?

Persuasion
Manson Cult Member Leslie Van Houten Deserves to Be Free

Steven A Hassan PhD on June 6, 2023

When cult leader Charles Manson ordered Leslie van Houten to commit murder, she obeyed without question. Now that the spell is broken, is she still a danger to society?

When cult leader Charles Manson ordered Leslie van Houten to commit murder, she obeyed without question. Now that the spell is broken, is she still a danger to society?

Denial
The Dangerous Extremes of Belief About Victims

Steven A Hassan PhD on May 10, 2023

Our culture is experiencing an epidemic of victimhood. How do we help without attaching harmful blame or allowing people to wallow in toxic helplessness?

Our culture is experiencing an epidemic of victimhood. How do we help without attaching harmful blame or allowing people to wallow in toxic helplessness?

Artificial Intelligence
How AI Can Be Used to Manipulate People

Steven A Hassan PhD on April 6, 2023

Artificial Intelligence is here to stay—but what can we do to ensure that authoritarian groups and individuals don't use it to gain undue influence over us?

Artificial Intelligence is here to stay—but what can we do to ensure that authoritarian groups and individuals don't use it to gain undue influence over us?

Persuasion
Beyond Cult "Deprogramming"

Steven A Hassan PhD on March 22, 2023

Deprogramming, once fashionable in the counter-cult community, is now considered outdated, ineffective, and even cruel. Here's why.

Deprogramming, once fashionable in the counter-cult community, is now considered outdated, ineffective, and even cruel. Here's why.

Deception
Labor Trafficking Is Human Trafficking

Steven A Hassan PhD on January 19, 2023

Labor trafficking preys on people from unstable and economically devastated areas desperate to build a stable or better life for themselves and their families.

Labor trafficking preys on people from unstable and economically devastated areas desperate to build a stable or better life for themselves and their families.

Persuasion
The Epidemic of Undue Influence

Steven A Hassan PhD on September 9, 2022

The number of people suffering from undue influence has reached epidemic levels. What do clinicians need to know to help them properly?

The number of people suffering from undue influence has reached epidemic levels. What do clinicians need to know to help them properly?

Media
Helping People Escape a Rabbit Hole of Conspiracy Theories

Steven A Hassan PhD on August 4, 2022

Feeling frustrated with family and friends believing in chemtrails, microchips in vaccines, or reptilian overlords? Don't give up on them—our democracy could depend on it!

Feeling frustrated with family and friends believing in chemtrails, microchips in vaccines, or reptilian overlords? Don't give up on them—our democracy could depend on it!