Christmas 2023 a gift was purchased for me. Well, ‘A’, ‘B’ and I had a talk about a gift for me and there was an uneasiness the whole time in the ensuing talks. This is my story of how I really noticed a shift in financial outlooks from ‘A’.

Following are more scenarios of financial abuse.

• Controlling access to money: This includes withholding money, refusing to provide an allowance, or making it difficult for the victim to access their own funds.

• Sabotaging employment: This can include interfering with the victim's job search, sabotaging their work performance, or forcing them to quit their job.

• Coercing the victim into making financial decisions that benefit the abuser: This can include pressuring the victim to co-sign on loans, take out credit cards in their name, or invest in risky ventures.

• Using money as a weapon: Withholding money for basic needs like food, clothing, or housing as a form of punishment or control.

• Isolating the victim from their financial resources: This can include preventing the victim from working, controlling their access to bank accounts, or hiding financial information from them.

It's important to remember that financial abuse can take many forms and may not always be easy to recognize. If you suspect that someone you know may be experiencing financial abuse, it's important to offer support and encourage them to seek help from a trusted friend, family member, or a domestic violence hotline.

Keep in mind that the victim might come to you for support and it might look like the victim does not know how to take care of their finances. This can often be a silent cry for help, as was the case with, ‘A’ and a friend that ‘A’ went to for help.

'A' and I went for a walk. One of those nice winter walks where the air is cold and the company is great.

The company was still great, but the things that were said caused great alarm.

Two major cult meanings were revealed to me.

5 Signs Someone Might Be Susceptible to Cult-like Behavior

• Low Self-Esteem and Insecurity: Individuals with low self-esteem may be more susceptible to manipulation and control.
• Need for Belonging: People who yearn for strong social connections may be drawn to groups that offer a sense of community and purpose.
• Desire for Meaning and Purpose: Individuals seeking meaning and purpose in life may be attracted to groups that claim to have all the answers.
• Trusting Nature: A tendency to trust others easily can make someone vulnerable to exploitation.
• Idealism and Perfectionism: People with high ideals and perfectionist tendencies may be drawn to groups that promise a perfect or utopian future.

#selflove

#empowerment

#mentalhealth

#deprogramming

#mindcontrolrecovery

#cultrecovery

#cognitiveliberation

The story of the garage conversion into an art studio.

By now our experiences together (myself with A) had really shifted into something very different. And, by different, I mean difficult to see. I could tell that money was being spent at an alarming rate, with only A working as B had quit work.

Weaponized Counselor Speak was becoming the norm and very quickly my husband and I were not welcome in the house, leaving A to finish the rebuild alone.

The look of confusion and fear was apparent in A’s eyes on a daily basis.

Part of the reason I am putting this podcast out is to be of benefit to anyone else in this position. From either the inside or the outside as I am.

I am happy to help if you have questions. Please feel free to comment so we can connect.

Books:

• Willful Blindness: Why We Don't Notice What's Right in Front of Us by Martha Stout
• The Cult at the End of the World by Jon Ronson
• The Program Is You by Joel Gold

Therapy and Counseling:

• Seek professional help: A therapist experienced in trauma and cult recovery can provide guidance and support.
• Join a support group: Connecting with others who have had similar experiences can be incredibly helpful.

#empowerment

#mentalhealth

#deprogramming

#mindcontrolrecovery

#cultrecovery

#cognitiveliberation