This co-presented video discussion by Claire Alison Hams (Post Cult Counsellor and PhD researcher, University of Chester) and Dr Zoe Lambert (Creative writing Lecturer, Lancaster University) explores their experiences of designing and running two pilot initiatives, hosted online in 2024 from the UK, to support
recovery for ex-members of high control religions, groups and cults.
In September 2024, Claire designed and ran a 6-session online 'Recovery Group', via Humanists UK for 10 participants. Individual applicants were pre-met for 30 mins to discuss the group rationale and to have opportunity to ask questions. This was specifically described as 'not group therapy' but rather a series of
specialist presentations by 5 ex-member therapists, on a range of topics relevant to recovery from high control. These covered the following topics: understanding the unique form of grief experienced by ex-members, the concept of doors to recovery, loss of community & isolation, understanding boundaries and
having a voice, and sexuality and relationships. The aim was to create a closed-group, psychoeducational space held by therapists, which allowed for group connection and discussion.
In November 2024 Zoe, supported by Claire, led a 'Writing for Wellbeing' 3 session course, via Lancaster University for 10 ex-members from worldwide. Zoe explored with participants the powerful medium of writing into emotion, with a focus on 'writing for process not product', via journaling, poetry and storytelling. Participants met with Zoe and Claire for 30 mins online prior to the course starting to provide an opportunity for questions and for them to learn about the background of the ex-member, whilst checking on their support network and reminders about self-care throughout the process.

Zoe and Claire candidly discuss both challenges, fears, benefits and joys of running these new pilot support initiatives, whilst sharing some of the anonymised feedback received from participants of both
groups.