Virtual Support Group for Former Members of Cults or Spiritually Abusive Groups or Relationship

Contact mkoshatka@yahoo.com or call (940) 594-4241
Many of us are still suffering from our years in a cult because we do not want to break the secrecy rules of our former cult or abusive leader. Recovery from cults and spiritually abusive groups is fostered by telling and retelling and processing our experience. Recovery is predicated on the existence of a group of individuals willing to share their story in a safe place. "Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships," writes Judith Herman, in her book, Trauma and Recovery. "It cannot occur in isolation.”
  • What the Support Group is:
  • Opportunity to share in a safe place.
  • Gain peer support in a nonjudgmental group.
  • Learn more about cults and spiritual abuse.
  • What Does It Cost?
  • Just your willingness to come. There is no charge for attendance at the support groups.
  • When Does the Support Group Meet?
  • The virtual support group meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 pm Central Time. We are currently meeting via Zoom.

  • To ensure a safe environment for all participants, an initial telephone or face-to-face meeting with the facilitator is required before attending the support group. The purpose is to:
  • Explain the purpose and guidelines of the support group;
  • Determine if the individual can benefit from this support group; and if not, offer options;
  • Screen out individuals who are posing as former cult members.
Molly Koshatka, M.Ed. Is Now leading the support group
Molly can be reached at (940) 594-4241 or by email: mkoshatka@yahoo.com.
support Groups for Individuals Recovering from Cultic or Spiritual Abuse
Our monthly support group, and especially newcomers, inspire me and renew my belief in the power of groups in the healing process from cultic and spiritual abuse. At one of our support groups, a woman who I met and invited to join our group 5 years ago, came for the first time. She read the email notices every month, but work and other obstacles prevented her from coming. In Judith Hermann’s book, Trauma and Recovery, she writes, “The core experiences of psychological trauma are disempowerment and disconnection from others. Recovery, therefore, is based upon the empowerment of the survivor and the creation of new connections. Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation.” Contact with ex-members is invaluable and is often regarded as essential for a return to normal life according to Swartling and Swartling, (1992). West and Martin (1996) also confirm that post-cult recovery can be supported by testimonials from other ex-members. I hope you will consider joining our support group. The support group is free and there is no pressure to talk or to come back. Many people attend for some time, drop out, and return occasionally because of a specific need or interest. Some people only come once but are interested in staying on the email list because of articles that are occasionally sent. It takes a lot of courage to attend the first time, but the group is comprised of amazing people and you will feel supported . The support group is currently meeting virtually via Zoom. We meet on the third Saturday of each month from 4-5:30 pm. The group provides a safe place to discuss your personal experience as a former member, a nonjudgmental group of peers, and basic educational information about cultic groups. The group is currently being led by Molly Koshatka - see below for additional information. Molly can be reached at (940) 594-4241 or by email: mkoshatka@yahoo.com.

Molly Koshatka's Background

Molly Koshatka, M.Ed., is a master’s student in Counseling at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, specializing in trauma-informed counseling. She previously earned a master’s degree in education and has extensive experience as a high school French teacher. Molly will continue leading the support group as a peer facilitator, not as a therapist. The support group is a peer support group rather than a therapy group.Molly has both lived experience, as well as professional insight into recovery from high-control groups. She spent more than a decade as a member of a Bible-based, high-control religious group in the Dallas area, where she lived and worked within the organization, and she continues to have family members involved. After she left the cultic group, she completed an intensive two-week residential program at the former Wellspring facility with Dr. Paul Martin. Additionally, she participated for many years in Doug and Wendy Duncan’s support group for former members of high-control groups.She is now actively engaged in cult awareness, education, and recovery support. Molly has spoken at multiple International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) conferences and spoke at the last conference in July 2026 on “When They Stay and You Leave: Lived-Experience Strategies for Supporting a Loved One in a High-Control Group.” The conference was held in San Diego, California on July 1-4, 2026. For more information, see https://internationalculticstudies.org/icsa-conference-2026/Molly is passionate about helping individuals and families understand cult dynamics, coercive control, and the process of recovery. In addition to her teaching duties, graduate school work, she also enjoys spending time with her son.She can be reached at (940) 594-4241 or by email at mkoshatka@yahoo.com
Other Support Groups - See the list on International Cultic Studies Association's website: https:/www.icsahome.com/support/consultationsupportgroups