deprogrammers
Mind liberation specialists
Deprogrammers are people who attempt to reverse the effects of indoctrination, typically on someone who has joined a cult or extremist group.
The practice emerged in the 1970s and often involved controversial methods—sometimes forcible intervention at a family's request: Her parents hired deprogrammers to rescue her from the commune.
The term now applies more broadly to anyone helping someone leave a high-control group or ideology.
Coercive psychological manipulation
- indoctrinationSystematic uncritical belief instillation
- sectBreakaway religious faction
- groupthinkConformity-driven poor decisions
- radicalizationShift toward extreme ideology
extremism · deconversion · apostasy · defector · manipulation · propaganda · heresy · disillusionment
Save from harm
- extractionAct of removing
- kidnappingUnlawful seizure of person
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
debriefing · liberation · emancipation · disengagement · coercion · forced · custodial · ambush
Restoration to a group
- healingRestoration of health
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
resilience · reclaiming · reconnection · self-help · empowerment · survivors · aftercare · rebuilding
Professional guidance for problems
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- trauma-informedAware of wounding's effects
- cognitiveRelating to thinking
- therapistMental health practitioner
PTSD · dissociation · attachment · psychologist · support · guidance · mindfulness · psychoeducation
Expert in one field
- interventionistAdvocate for outside involvement
- consultantProfessional advice provider
- facilitatorNeutral process guide
- advocatePublic cause supporter
reformer · voluntary · licensed · professional · researcher
brainwashing
Coercive psychological manipulation
- indoctrinationSystematic uncritical belief instillation
- sectBreakaway religious faction
- groupthinkConformity-driven poor decisions
radicalization · extremism · deconversion · apostasy · defector · manipulation · propaganda · heresy · disillusionment · totalism
rescue
Save from harm
- extractionAct of removing
- kidnappingUnlawful seizure of person
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
confrontation · debriefing · liberation · emancipation · disengagement · coercion · forced · custodial · ambush · consent
reintegration
Restoration to a group
- healingRestoration of health
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
- traumaLasting psychological wound
adjustment · resilience · reclaiming · reconnection · self-help · empowerment · survivors · aftercare · rebuilding · wellness
counseling
Professional guidance for problems
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- trauma-informedAware of wounding's effects
- cognitiveRelating to thinking
therapist · PTSD · dissociation · attachment · psychologist · support · guidance · mindfulness · psychoeducation · grief
specialist
Expert in one field
- interventionistAdvocate for outside involvement
- consultantProfessional advice provider
- facilitatorNeutral process guide
advocate · reformer · voluntary · licensed · professional · researcher
deprogrammersindoctrinators
Those who instill dogma
brainwashers · recruiters · programmers · conditioners · proselytizers