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Johanna Rozenblum (clinical psychologist)
Bethany Joy Lenz, one of the star actresses of the series The Scott Brothers, admits to having been under the influence of a religious sect for ten years, without really being aware of it. What are the warning signs? Clinical psychologist Johanna Rozenblum answers us.
For many years, she played the character of Haley in the series The Scott Brothers. Today, Bethany Joy Lenz is releasing a book called Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show which will be released on October 22. On the occasion of her promotion, she gave an interview to the magazine People in which she recounts having been under the influence of a religious sect for ten years.
A religious sect claiming to be Christianity
The religious sect to which Bethany Joy Lenz belonged is called “The Big House Family”. The actress joined it in the early 2000s, which forced her to “lead a double life”, according to his words. The pastor and guru of this Christian movement “controlled [sa] career, [ses] choice and even [son] bank account“.
Bethany Lenz Joy also explains that she met him at the age of 20, during a Bible study. And what made him join him was “the idea of someone saying, ‘No matter what you do, how badly you behave or what stupid choices you make, I still love you and I’m here for you’.
A hold that she was unable to detect
If at first everything was normal, the young woman quickly understands that something is wrong. However, she does not manage to escape from the grip of the sect. “It transformed. But by the time it started to change, I was too far along in relationships to realize it. And then, I was so young” she confides again.
One of the actors in the series, Craig Scheffer, explicitly mentioned to her that she was under the influence. But Bethany refused to believe it. “I was like, ‘No, no, no. Cults are weird. Cults are people in dresses who sing crazy things and drink Kool-Aid (…) That’s not what we do!’ “.
The actress also ended up marrying another member of the sect and from this union a little girl was born. It was precisely when she was born that the young woman managed to leave the movement, even if it was not easy for her. “I had built my whole life around them. If I admitted I was wrong… Everything else fell apart.”
What are the signs of sectarian influence?
Interviewed, clinical psychologist Johanna Rozenblum reveals the main signs that should alert you. There are in particular:
- Mind control and manipulation : “Members are subjected to mental manipulation techniques, commonly called brainwashing, or strong psychological pressure. Very often, it tries to control the thinking, behavior or emotions of its members”;
- A charismatic and authoritarian leader : “In a sect, there is very often a leader, quite charismatic and who presents himself as a spiritual guide, a messiah, or someone with special powers. Moreover, he does not tolerate criticism and demands absolute obedience”;
- A break with the outside world : “Members of the sect are encouraged, even forced, to cut ties with their friends and family.” adds Johanna Rozenblum. “The group is suspicious of outside authorities or other sources of information” ;
- Financial exploitation : The group requests significant financial contributions, sometimes in the form of donations or purchases of products or services. “Members are also often encouraged to give up their assets or work for free for the group”;
- Strict rules and practices : In a cult, the group imposes rigid rules regarding daily life, including eating, dressing, finances, and interpersonal relationships. “There is constant monitoring of compliance with these rules, often accompanied by sanctions in the event of disobedience.“explains the expert again;
- Promises of healing or revelation : “The group claims to have answers to all of life’s problems or promises miraculous healing of illnesses” says Johanna Rozenblum. “The doctrines of the group are presented as the absolute truth, exclusive to this movement”;
- An apocalyptic or sectarian discourse : All this is encouraged by a leader (guru) who manages, thanks to control mechanisms, to deprive the group of critical thinking and free will. For example, he will assert that “the end of the world is near or that only people who follow his teachings will be saved. There is often an “us versus them” narrative to pit members against non-members.” she concludes.
If you recognize these signs, for yourself or someone close to you, the Miviludes website, the interministerial mission to combat sectarian aberrations, recommends three things:
- Don’t stay isolated : “Talk about it around you. Other people may have been faced with the same situation. Get in touch with people, associations or institutions who will be able to advise or assist you: other relatives of the victim, victim support associations, Miviludes, etc.” ;
- Never break the link : “Always stay in touch with the person who has been caught up in a cult movement or who is under the influence of a therapeutic guru. Even if she doesn’t respond to you or refuses any discussion, continuing the dialogue and this “open door to the outside world” can one day make her aware of her situation and help her get out of it.” ;
- Don’t rush things : “Exiting the process of mental control is long and difficult. Above all, you must not rush things or get discouraged. Contact health or psychiatric professionals to adopt appropriate behavior in a given situation.