Voices from High-Control Groups: Psychologist Dave Mullins and Musician Sarah Blasko Share Their Journeys

Psychologist Dave Mullins and musician Sarah Blasko have openly shared their profound experiences within high-control groups during their youth, detailing the lasting challenges that persist two decades later. Mullins, who spent a decade in a gnostic sect, has launched a podcast to delve into such experiences and their long-term repercussions. Blasko described her teenage years at a Pentecostal church as "cultish," echoing the sentiment of ongoing struggles related to past affiliations.

Both individuals report ongoing challenges related to their past affiliations, even two decades later, including lingering embarrassment and questioning if negative events are linked to their departure from the groups.

Dave Mullins' Experience in a Gnostic Sect

Dave Mullins, 48, a psychologist, was involved with a gnostic sect for ten years, starting at age 19. His entry into the Sydney-based group followed a workshop focused on out-of-body experiences.

Early Involvement and Group Doctrines

The group's leader promoted gnosticism, asserting that thoughts and feelings were sinful and suppressed true consciousness. Followers were subjected to strict prohibitions, including not using drugs, consuming alcohol, or achieving orgasm during sexual activity.

Life Within the Sect

Mullins' participation involved rigorous self-monitoring of thoughts and urges, daily meditation, and group astral projection rituals aimed at entering higher dimensions. The group's movements were dictated by the leader, who prompted a relocation to Melbourne after predicting a destructive wave would obliterate Sydney. Later, followers constructed a meditation center, which the leader subsequently claimed for personal use, citing perceived poor workmanship.

Mullins reported experiencing intense guilt and self-criticism, believing he was living in "end times" and actively seeking redemption. He even moved to Toronto with his family to establish a branch of the sect there.

Departure and Revelation

His departure from the group came after a demotion, leading to a period of intense anger and confusion regarding his past actions. Initially, he questioned if there was harm, noting the absence of physical or sexual abuse. However, through discussions with other former members, Mullins recognized the insidious nature of cult dogmas.

Mullins stated he recognized the insidious nature of cult dogmas, which he believes erode self-trust and free will.

He has expressed shame and embarrassment over his past involvement and has made efforts to apologize to individuals he recruited into the sect.

Sarah Blasko's Experience in a Pentecostal Church

Musician Sarah Blasko characterized her teenage years at Sydney's Pentecostal Christian Life Centre (CLC), a precursor to the Hillsong church, as "cultish." She first became involved with the church around age eight.

Early Affiliation and Fear

Blasko recounted experiencing fear instilled by dynamic leaders. She also received sexually charged praise from one leader at age 13, who concurrently offered criticism – behavior she now views as concerning. A prophecy that she would not live past 30 due to impending "end times" discouraged an emphasis on education, according to Blasko.

Questioning and Double Life

During her teenage years, Blasko reported feeling like she led a "double life," maintaining private skepticism and consciously choosing not to proselytize to her school friends.

Enduring Scars: Long-Term Impact and Paths to Recovery

Both Mullins and Blasko continue to experience long-term effects from their high-control group experiences, persisting two decades later. These effects include questioning if negative events are linked to their departure from the groups and experiencing lingering embarrassment. They both faced significant challenges adjusting to life outside their respective groups, having had their thoughts, feelings, and actions directed for years.

Individual Paths to Healing

Blasko addressed her adjustment by experiencing depression, increased alcohol consumption, relationship challenges, and contemplating suicide before finding crucial support within a music community. Mullins pursued stand-up comedy in Toronto as a counterpoint to his past restrictions. He aimed to reclaim social experiences, address self-judgment, and compensate for lost time through his new endeavor.

Unpacking High-Control Groups: The Podcast and Common Traits

Mullins has launched a podcast where he details his and others' experiences with sects and the occult. Guests on his podcast include Blasko, Ben Shenton (from the Australian cult "The Family"), and Craig Hoyle (a former Exclusive Brethren member).

Characteristics of Cults Identified by Mullins

Mullins identifies several common characteristics of cults:

• Charismatic leadership
• The threat of apocalypse
• Exclusivity
• Control over members' lives
• The promise of an afterlife superior to earthly existence

He emphasizes that the insidious nature of cult dogmas can lead to a profound loss of self-trust, even in the absence of physical abuse.