RECOVER FROM COERCIVE CONTROL
Break Free. Reclaim Your Power.
Coercive control is a pattern of manipulative behaviours used by cults and high-control groups to dominate, isolate, and suppress. Its impact can be deeply traumatic, leaving emotional and psychological wounds that linger long after the experience ends. But healing is possible—and it begins with reclaiming your voice.
Recover From Coercive Control exists to support survivors, raise public awareness, and spark real change in Australia. Whether you're in the early stages of leaving, seeking clarity, or years into your recovery, you're not alone. This is a space for empowerment, education, and connection.
Online Counselling
Online counselling sessions tailored to support individual recovery and healing from high-control groups are available.
Sessions are offered by Renee, who is a trauma-informed mental health practitioner with lived experience of high-control groups, both religious and non-religious. Her work is client-centred and grounded in evidence-based frameworks. She cares deeply about helping people reclaim self-determination and build lives that feel authentic and truly their own.
For more information or to book a session, reach out through our contact form or email renee@recoverfromcoercivecontrol.com
“I Didn’t Know We Had Cults in Australia”
I was recently in the company of two women—one in her 60s, the other in her 30s. When I disclosed that I had lost my daughter to a cult, the older woman sighed with empathy and began sharing the abusive religious experiences she’d endured throughout her life.
The younger woman, however, looked surprised and said:
“I didn’t know we had any cults in Australia!”
Her words struck me. I was once that naive too. I didn’t realise how important it was to educate my daughter about the dangers of charismatic leaders and coercive groups. That lack of awareness came at a devastating cost.
It’s estimated that there are over 3,000 cults operating in Australia today—some less harmful, but many causing deep psychological, spiritual, and relational damage.
Learning how to identify these is not easy, which is why I developed a rubric to help.
I have also made assessments of groups based on media reports and other sources. I have classified these into low risk, caution warranted, and high risk. While individual experiences my vary feedback and insights from others can be useful in making informed decisions.
~ Renee, 29 January 2026
