Lifespring - cult?
Gaye Willard
It calls itself transformational therapy.
I know people who have gone and seem to
have had a positive experience; however,
they are very pushy when trying to
enroll others in this program.
I am considering Lifespring, but
am concerned that it is a cult and
uses methods which may be harmful
to my free will.
Any info or response would be appreciated. Thanks, Gaye
Lori Servies
Gaye,
I recently read a magazine article written by a woman who belonged to
Lifespring with her husband. I am sorry but I didn't keep it or
remember which mag it was so I am speaking without backup. However,
the article was written from a first-hand point of view. According to
this woman, it is a cult that uses high-powered brain-washing techniques.
She was originally for it and from the looks of it, she really gave it
a fair shake. However, her husband was really drawn in as she pulled
away. It ended her marriage. I don't remember the all the details,
but my advice would be to stay away. At least that is what I would do.
Lori
Bob Lewis
I have no personal experience with Lifespring, but I'm pretty sure
it's a descendent of EST. I have no experience with EST either, but
I do have a few friends who went through it and did not have positive
experiences.
Peace,
--
Bob Lewis / le...@kpc.com |
Kubota Pacific Computer, Inc. |
Santa Clara, CA 95051 |
Ogden Rogers
who was in it for a while. He felt is was very "est"-like at first,
and then became very concerned that it was turning into a cult-like
deal.
Ogden Rogers, Ph.D.
asst. professor
Dept. of Social Work
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Charles.Villarrubia@pcrvs1
> In article <gwillard....@inca.gate.net>, gwil...@inca.gate.net (Gaye
Willard) writes:
> |> I am looking for info about "Lifespring".
> |> It calls itself transformational therapy.
> |>
> |> I know people who have gone and seem to
> |> have had a positive experience; however,
> |> they are very pushy when trying to
> |> enroll others in this program.
> |>
> |> I am considering Lifespring, but
> |> am concerned that it is a cult and
> |> uses methods which may be harmful
> |> to my free will.
> |>
> |> Any info or response would be appreciated. Thanks, Gaye
Some papers on thought control:
1. Glass,L. et al. 1977. Psychiatric distrubance associated with the Erhard
Seminars Training I: a report of cases. American Journal of Psychiatry.
134:245-247
2. Haaken,J. et al. 1983. Pathology as personal growth: a participant
observation study of lifespring training. Psychiatry. 46: 270-281.
3. Hochman,J. 1984. Iatrogenic symptoms associated with a therapy cult:
examination of an extinct "new psychotherapy" with respect to psychiatric
deterioation and "brainwashing". Psychiatry. 47:366-377.
4. Kramer,J. et. al. 1993. The guru papers: masks of authoritarian power. North
Atlantic Books.
5. Sargent,W. 1957. Battle for the mind: a phydiology of conversion and
brain-washing. Penguin Books.
6. Singer, M. et al. 1990. Thought control programs an the production of
psychiatric casualities. Psychiatric Annuals. 20: 188-193.
Chuck Villarrubia
chuck.vi...@syntex.com
Robert Follmer
>who was in it for a while. He felt is was very "est"-like at first,
program.
Bob
LynnH 603
Lewis) writes:
I did Lifespring several years ago. What is the def. of cult? Yes, I
suppose LS folks seem a bit "culty," but so do evangelical christians!!
I, myself, had a good experience with the programs. However, I had
already by that time been "shrunk" for some time and so the teachings were
not as big a shock to me as someone who attends who is "green" so to
speak. But I recommend that you go ahead and at least do the "Basic" and
see what you think. You will receive a lot of support in the process.
There is ongoing support for you during and afterward if you want to make
use of it. How old are you? I was in my 40's. My son did it too and he
was only 18. It was very helpful for us at a rather crucial time.
My accountant told me that the IRS keeps a "cult" list. (Did you know
that?) And LS is on the list. But I wd. not let that discourage you one
bit. If you were to see the whole list you wd. LAUGH!! So, go for it!!
Bryant
LynnH 603 <lynn...@aol.com> wrote:
Do you know how one could get a copy of the IRS cult list?
Bryant