Understanding the different types of cults helps us break down their structures and make them less intimidating. Although many cults share common traits, not all cults are the same. Interestingly, many cults begin with positive or well-meaning intentions before becoming toxic and controlling.

Let’s explore the two main types of cults that you’ll likely encounter when working with clients:

Mystically-Oriented Illumination Cults

One common type of cult is the mystically-oriented illumination cult, which focuses on spiritual enlightenment through mystical practices. These groups revolve around esoteric teachings, spiritual rituals, and the promise of reaching higher states of consciousness or divine experiences.

Members of mystically-oriented illumination cults often engage in practices like meditation, chanting, energy work, or ecstatic dance. The teachings frequently draw from diverse spiritual traditions, including Eastern philosophies, Western mysticism, and New Age spirituality.

While some mystical groups may genuinely seek spiritual growth, many cross over into manipulation and control. Clinicians must help clients critically assess these groups, ensuring they examine leadership, teachings, and practices for potential harm. For more insight into identifying these warning signs, refer to our blog 4 Common Red Flags in Cults.

Service-Oriented Cults

The second major type is the service-oriented cult. These groups emphasize service to others as a path to personal growth, salvation, or enlightenment. Members are encouraged—sometimes coerced—into engaging in charity work or acts of altruism, believing that service will help them transcend ego and contribute to societal betterment.

While service can be genuinely beneficial, many service-oriented cults exploit their members’ desire to help. The leadership may manipulate members into serving the group’s mission without regard for their well-being. For clients recovering from these environments, it’s critical to help them understand how service was used as a tool for control. Encourage clients to critically examine the structure, motives, and effects of any group before joining.

Recognizing Harm in Different Types of Cults

When working with clients involved in cults, it’s crucial to help them recognize how these groups manipulate belief systems and behaviors. Whether they’ve been part of a mystically-oriented illumination cult or a service-oriented cult, clients often struggle with recognizing the abusive dynamics they experienced. As clinicians, we must guide them in understanding that even groups with spiritual or altruistic facades can cause significant harm.

I encourage you to educate clients about the different types of cults they may encounter. Whether mystical or service-oriented, both types of cults can deeply affect a person’s sense of self, autonomy, and mental health.

Continuing Education and Support

Want more training on how to identify cult groups and high-control coercion? This is exactly what we do in my certification program. I offer specialized training for clinicians. My program, A Year of Non-Magical Thinking, provides in-depth education on treating clients recovering from different types of cults. I teach you how to conduct an in-depth analysis on group safety, which is a game-changer for so many of our clients trying to recover. Our trauma-informed approach helps clinicians build strong, supportive frameworks for their clients. You can learn more and register for the program here.

Understanding the dynamics of cults helps us protect our clients and guide them toward healing. By breaking down the types of cults and recognizing the tactics used within these groups, we empower our clients to regain their autonomy and move forward in their recovery. If you need more personalized support for helping your clients, we have coaching available here.