Blowing the whistle on recovery forums, self styled 'counsellors'

[AutumnW]

The latest whistle blower to come under closer scrutiny here is Simon Parkes. He has justifiably been criticized for putting himself out there as a kind of counsellor to those who feel they are under demonic or ET attack...and then abusing them.

So, in that spirit, I want to suggest those who are interested read some of the blog, 'The Culture of False Oppression (https://bewareofrecoveryforums.wordpress.com/)'. The creator of the blog, Maria, is trying to draw as much attention as possible to the phenomenon of online recovery forums, moderated and administered by people who have no formal training in counselling.

It is particularly toxic when the recovery forum revolves around victims of psychopathic abuse. Betrayal trauma requires a deft touch, kindness and tolerance. On some of these 'recovery forums' you are likely as not to be held up for scorn, vilified and re-abused.

They are closed systems, so far, not getting much attention for counselling without credentials. Those who are mistreated, generally don't start blogs to describe how they were mistreated by administrators and moderators who act very much as if they are presiding over a cult. Maria has taken it upon herself to do that. Please take a look, if you are inclined.

Thanks!

[AutumnW]

Going to bump this and ask for remarks from those who may have had troubling experiences or witnessed mobbing, unkind unethical behavior on emotional 'recovery' forums. Please share your story.

Not necessary to mention identifying details, nor the name of the particular forum, as most of the interactive forums, of this ilk, are guilty of Terrible behavior. To my knowledge most of them are not presided over by an engaged professional who knows what they are talking about.

[Foxie Loxie]

I can speak to this as I know from my own experience, & the experiences of others, that a lot of damaging "counseling" goes on within religious communities. People are made to think they must conform to the judgement of their particular circle, or they are seen as lesser human beings. There is a type of "shunning" that goes on in narrowminded religious circles that damages many lives, in both directions. Once one is locked within a certain belief system, one is trapped. Can't remember where I read this on Avalon, but it really clicked with me..."Beliefs are not knowledge"!! :flower:

[AutumnW]

Oh Foxie Loxie. I know exactly what you mean. I had a pretty rotten experience with a church decades ago. I wasn't being counselled, in any way, just had to deal with a bunch of mean spirited old biddies whose life's blood was petty gossip. Yuk! This is the polar opposite of what Jesus preached.

[Foxie Loxie]

You are correct, what goes on in religious circles is NOT what Jesus taught. However, it took me many years to finally "wake up" to the truth of it all. What I had been raised in simply didn't "work" in the real world. That is exactly what forced me into trying to find answers & I was finally guided into listening to Bill & Kerry's interviews. It was like a whole new world opened up to me! We can never change anyone else, we can only take charge of ourselves & make the change within! Let the pieces fall where they may! The "truth" really does set one free! It's like, YES! :happy dog:

[Michelle Marie]

Discernment of truth is the key.

Credentials do not convey whether someone is speaking truth/wisdom or not.

I have no direct experience of "abuse" or any unkindness. It seems our evolution has brought us to the point of discerning motives and agendas. The Inner Light speaks loud and clear for those who listen.

Individual abilities are growing so that direct perception of truth is our wisest counselor.

Happy growing and certain knowing!
MM

[AutumnW]

If discernment without credentials is key then perhaps I should hang a shingle and start practicing brain surgery. Or fly a plane using wisdom. There is such a thing as expertise and when it comes to matters of the mind, the brain, patterns of interaction, some are way ahead of others. And that is because they are properly 'trained.'

Applying vagaries and platitudes to specifics doesn't always work. Put into practice it can be very diminishing.

[Michelle Marie]

There has been much inculcation called training in the professional fields. I'm aware through direct experience.

Each can master their own awareness. And we do.

MM

[AutumnW]

I agree with you, in part. Let's put it this way. People who have been traumatized should NEVER put themselves in a position of counseling others, without proper training. They are too easily triggered and often develop, for lack of better terms, an acquired borderline personality. Lots of reactive aggression.

People who have been badly burned need to recognize the potential devastating effects on their personality and get lots of therapy... and stay away from recovery forums.