I think it’s like grief – everyone does it on their own timetable. I like your word “unraveling.”

In my own experience, it was a 1:1 ratio. 1 year unraveling for each year in. And then it continues.

Where does “the individual” rank again, on that list they use as dogma? Doesn’t the Group stand far above any mere piece of meat (raw or cooked ;)? You in some way, by your will & voice impeded the all-important Group (brava for your courage, & deep condolences on bearing the force of the resulting whirlwind)… All docs I’ve read about LRH indicate it was customary–expected behavior, even–to treat opponents Suge Knight style (allegedly): run ’em over, then rev the engine & back over them again, just to make your message clear.

addendum: you’re right about the deprogramming era, and that there was no structured aftercare; Scientology, Inc. made sure of that by destroying and then purchasing Cult Awareness Network. But now I think one of the reasons recovery seems to have strengthened is people like Tory, Marty, and Mike and others are sharing their recoveries in a more public way. I think that’s helping a lot of people.

Some mental health professional (Jolly West?) once said a good rule of thumb for Scientology was one year for every two you were in.

I think that, like grieving, no one really shares the same timetable for recovery. I can only imagine the strength and courage it must take to make that journey.

I’m a never-in also – you’re right, it’s easier in a way to have a “broad ‘tude”, but in my case they (blatantly) tried to intimidate me in a lot of ways, including trying to get me fired from my job. For thinking that holding this organization and its leadership accountable for their actions that hurt people and communities is a good idea; and saying that out loud.

They did not and do not understand the difference between an individual raising a voice that asks difficult questions about an organization that abuses people and the law, and an organization expending resources according to policy to intimidate and destroy an individual.

I’d really like to know someday. What was an op and what was just my life.

Yeah, thanks for the link! Sorry in advance for my verbosity (workin’ on it; really!). My own tude re Marty was always pretty broad, but that’s easy for a NeverIn. After all, M&M were never on my list of People That Might Happen to You If You’re “Bad.”

The end of the deprogramming era has left cult members in a weird place, imo (granted, it didn’t have time to evolve into a formalized practice, but even with the most well-meaning deprogrammers, it seemed just a bit too fast & easy, & lacked aftercare. Plus, it was disturbing to see how often people followed their saviors into the same line of biz). Nowadays, the matter of departure & reorienting appears even chancier–& for the folk who were top cult execs–phew! I can only imagine the conflict: you spent ~years~ doing things that boosted your self-esteem, earned you plaudits, or even promotions. But now, the assumed ethical code held among most outsiders insists you committed dreadful acts in the name of your faith. What does it take–how long might it take–to fully understand & then deal with that?

Either way, it must often be a long–VERY long–wrenching journey that’s destined to be filled with torment, denial, & self-contradiction as you straighten out your head. Anyhoo, that’s the vibe M&M’s writings/statements tend to give me.