In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Maria Esguerra, psychologist, advocate, and a cult survivor born and raised in the Children of God cult. Maria shares her experiences growing up in a highly controlled environment that limited her critical thinking and access to medical care. She discusses the psychological impact of her upbringing, the challenges of transitioning to the medical system after leaving the cult, and the importance of informed consent in medical ethics. Maria dives into the importance of motivational interviewing techniques in addressing cult dynamics, as well as the complexities of these types of relationship dynamics. Maria shares her advocacy work aimed at educating survivors and changing the narrative around their experiences, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding in discussions about cults and coercive groups. Maria's knowledge and awareness surrounding the complexity of the dynamics of coercive control brings an in-depth and critical look at the cult experience.

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