The Complexities of Deprogramming Trumpsters
The Complexities of Deprogramming Trumpsters
This is about, the complexities of dealing with harmful ideologies and the challenge of helping loved ones who might be caught up in them. It’s a delicate dance, isn’t it? This is what we mean.
Deprogramming is a term that conjures up images of clandestine operations sequestered in secret locations, is indeed a loaded concept. But fear not, my friend! We’ve come a long way from those dramatic scenarios. There are some better approaches to help those who might be ensnared by harmful beliefs or cult-like groups.
Understanding Deprogramming’s History: Back in the 1970s, a fellow named Ted Patrick came on the scene. This street-smart but not formally trained counselor had a personal dilemma. He was convinced that his family members were being brainwashed by the leader of a group called the Children of God (now known as The Family). Patrick decided to take action. He believed that since cults used indoctrination methods to “program” beliefs, he could reverse the process. And thus, he coined the term “deprogramming.” The classic deprogramming scenario involved physically holding or abducting a cult member, keeping them at a secret location, and bombarding them with information until they snapped out of the cult’s mind control.
Beyond Cult “Deprogramming” | Psychology Today
Non-coercive Deprogramming is a kinder approach: Thankfully, we’ve evolved. Coercive, content-oriented deprogramming isn’t the only option. In fact, it can be lengthy, expensive, and even illegal. Instead, consider these steps: People who are wrapped up in the cult of Trumpism largely got there alone watching videos under the influence of the Google algorithm and even targeted advertising.
At DEPROGRAMaMAGA.com we flip that script counteracting influence with influence in a self-treatment course anyone can do in the privacy and comfort of home.
This is how this works
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- Level Out: Stat by turning off the TV news, talk radio and switch off the “Auto Pay” function in a new Youtube account. Also create new sanitized accounts for X, Facebook, Threads, what have you. Do anything you can think of to reset your social media profiles. Know that you did not do this to yourself, you were targeted by nefarious actors who used your emotions to trap you. Disconnecting from outside influences puts you back in charge.
- Educate Yourself: Start doing your media homework. Understand mind control techniques and the characteristics of destructive cults. Read books like Combating Cult Mind Control and Freedom of Mind.
- Build Trust: Engage in respectful, warm communication with anyone outside your bubble. Be patient and make it a rule not to talk about politics and religion. Rebuild broken relationships if needed. Remember, bridges are better than walls.
- Shared Experiences: Teach yourself by comparing your similar experiences. Sometimes personal stories resonate more than arguments. Rather than forcibly removing someone, Burst that bubble of misinformation gently.
- The Power of Connection: Cults thrive on isolation. So, be the antidote. Stay connected. Be the voice of reason. Kindness and respect go a long way. And remember, under the right circumstances, anyone, even the most rational person, can fall prey to deceptive ideologies by cyber warfare.
- Types of Cults: Cults come in various flavors: religious, political, psychotherapeutic, multi-level marketing. You name it. The techniques to help remain consistent. Whether it’s QAnon or any other group, the approach is similar.
- Your Role Matters: You’re not necessarily alone in this. Mental health professionals, like yours truly (well, virtually), have decades of research in helping people leave and recover from destructive cults. We’ve got your back!
Remember, this is not about forcibly changing minds; it’s about planting seeds of doubt, fostering critical thinking, and letting reality seep in. So, keep that empathy flowing, my friend! DEPROGRAMaMAGA allows you to go at your own speed. Try the lessons a la carte, picking and choosing as you go, or take a more structured program to satisfy the task oriented students.
