Conference – Montreal, 2012: Abstract of Pre-conference event: Overview and preparation for the conference: former members

Carol Giambalvo, Joseph Kelly

Overview and preparation for the conference: former members

The opening session of the conference for former members is an opportunity for former members to meet and be able to identify with other former members, orienting them for the conference and informing them of the special sessions “for former members only,” preparing them for possible triggers that may occur, and discussing the importance of critical thinking to recovery and attendance at the conference. We briefly discuss triggers, and the possibility of triggers occurring when we are learning about and discussing cultic experience. Triggers are not something to be afraid of. They actually can be helpful, pointing out areas of our vulnerability—this is a safe place for them to occur. A special session on triggers is offered as the first session during the conference.

After introducing the presenters, we inform the attendees about what can be expected when the conference begins. The following information is presented:

ICSA conferences are open to all.

There may be speakers and sessions where information is presented that you disagree with or are in direct opposition to; please use your critical-thinking skills. Also remember that ICSA has provided a safe place where you can disagree and you can be heard.
We have a team of people you can talk to—feel free to pull them aside and tell them you need to talk. They are identified as “Assistance Team” on their name tag.

Attendees are asked to share their names, the groups they were in, how long they were out of the group, and their expectations for the conference. Anyone who does not wish to introduce themselves can just “pass.”
An overview of the recovery process is presented, with an open invitation for comment or questions.
The following conference sessions are open to former members only:

· Coping with Triggers
· After the Cult: Who Am I?
· Session for Those Born/Raised in Groups (Second-Generation Adults)
· Critical Thinking
· Boundaries
· Wrap Up

All other conference sessions are open to former members except where noted on the schedule.


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More Information

Special Event: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Former Members and Families

May 12, 2012

Philadelphia, PA

Questions to Explore

Attendees and facilitators will explore questions that are often central to the concerns of former members of cultic groups and families/friends troubled about a loved one’s group involvement:

• About ICSA
• Exploring a psychological perspective
• How are cultic groups different from and similar to other kinds of groups?
• Why do people leave?
• Can departures be facilitated?
• What problems do people have when they leave?
• How can they manage these problems?
• Disfellowshipping

Program

9:30 a.m to 5 p.m., with a 75-minute lunch break.

Saturday morning will consist of directed discussions aimed at encouraging participants to describe their relevant experiences and explore their current opinions regarding the key questions listed above. (Participants may choose not to contribute to discussions, if they wish.)

We hope that attendees will chat informally during breaks, in the evening, and after the event. 

In short, the event will focus on attendees’ experiences and views, not presenters’ prepared talks, so as to help attendees better understand these important questions and enhance their capacity to express themselves and help others as well as themselves.

Fee

$25 – Current ICSA Members

$50 – Non-Members (includes free Web membership to ICSA)


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Information