Boland, Kim: "Psycotherapy Cults: An Ethical Analysis"

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Psychotherapy Cults: An Ethical Analysis

Cultic Studies Journal
Vol. 9, No. 2, 1992

Kim Boland
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, Oregon

Gordon Lindbloom, Ph.D.
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, Oregon

Abstract
A disparate literature on groups characterized as psychotherapy cults was analyzed. The reported practices of these groups were examined as regards confidentiality and privacy, dual relationships, informed consent, autonomy and dependency, therapist competence and limitations, financial practices, professional education, and separation and termination. The contraventions of standards of ethical conduct reported by observers typically go far beyond commonly discussed violations of ethical standards. They appear to create a new gestalt of practice and belief that directly opposes the intended protections of privacy and autonomy that form the basis of ethical codes in the mental health professions. Potential benefits of more analyses of this kind are suggested.