PLATTSBURGH — The SUNY Plattsburgh Department of Psychology will host author and cult survivor Gerette Buglion, who will speak on “Everyday Cults in the 21st Century: Recognizing and Resisting Techniques of Control and Abuse in Groups and Relationships” April 16 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 200 of Yokum Hall.
Buglion will share parts of her own story and outline some ideas and practices that have helped her process what she went through. She will also discuss how to better recognize controlling, manipulative and abusive dynamics that may help other survivors and people in general to build resilience against coercive practices that undermine healthy communities.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a “Writing to Reckon” exercise where they’ll be supported in reflecting on and processing any experiences. They will learn how to better recognize controlling, manipulative and abusive dynamics that maybe at work in their own lives.
The session concludes with a Q&A session with Buglion.
Over an 18-year period, Buglion was involved in a group that promised personal transformation and growth via dream analysis. Over time, she said, she realized the group’s leaders were manipulating and exploiting her and her fellow members, finding strength to finally sever ties with them and reclaim her autonomy and ownership of her life.
In her book “An Everyday Cult,” Buglion chronicles her story and now works to support others in recognizing, resisting and recovering from the techniques of manipulation and control that she endured and, eventually, escaped.
The event is open to the public.
For more information, contact Dr. Andrew Christy, assistant professor of psychology, at 518-564-3419 or email achri021@plattsburgh.edu.