Expert in undue influence tactics used by authoritarian leaders and destructive cults, Dr. Steven Hassan, will virtually speak on “Understanding Destructive Cult Mind Control” at Rock Valley College’s 10^th Annual David H. Caskey Memorial Lecture on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 6 p.m. 

The lecture: Understanding Destructive Cult Mind Control: How undue influence works in modern-day relationships, groups, and belief systems, and how to help people become free. According to Dr. Hassan, by understanding the Influence Continuum and the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control (Behavior, Information, Thoughts, and Emotions), people will have the necessary basic tools to evaluate and reality test any relationship or group involvement. Cults exist along the Influence Continuum, so there can be healthy, productive cults.

Dr. Steven Hassan’s expertise includes harmful influence in cases of destructive religious and political cults, human trafficking, extremist and terrorist groups, one-on-one relationships, families, and many other social groups.

Dr. Hassan began helping people affected by undue influence after he was deprogrammed from the Moon cult in 1976 at age 22. His 45-plus years of experience give him a unique perspective on the damaging effects of undue influence and exploitation by destructive cults.

He is the Founding Director of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center, which provides training, consulting, and support to individuals struggling to leave or recover from a cult and families and organizations concerned about cult behaviors.

He developed the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control to identify control tactics used in cults. He developed the Strategic Interactive Approach (SIA), an effective and legal intervention alternative for families to help cult members.

Dr. Hassan is the author of four books, including Combating Cult Mind Control, Freedom of Mind, and The Cult of Trump, and he has a foundational online course called Understand Cults: The Basics.

The event is free and open to the entire community. For more information, please contact Dr. Julie Hernandez at J.Hernandez@RockValleyCollege.edu or (815) 921-3388.

Sponsored by the David Caskey Family and the RVC Foundation.

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