Hello, my name is Chris Shelton and I am an author, consultant, podcaster, videographer, and former cult member. Welcome to my website. I am here to help.
Consultation
I consult with former cult members as well as the family and friends of those trapped in a coercive or controlling environment, whether that is in a high control group such as Scientology or an abusive domestic partnership. I am not a licensed therapist or counselor and I do not provide psychological counseling or therapy. What I do provide is:
- emotional support
- education
- evidence-based advice
- guidance and direction
Often people who have recently left such situations are disoriented, confused or aren’t sure how to integrate smoothly back into society. This is where I come in, helping to navigate some of the pitfalls of the ex-cult experience so as to help make the transition as smooth and sure as possible.
I was raised by wolves and now need to bring myself up by hand as a grown adult. It is so hard to even find a counselor who understands or ‘gets’ what it’s like to have your head messed with for many years, let alone assist you deconstruct from it all. Chris has a relaxed style, built rapport quickly, and created a safe space for me to offload, bounce things off and process without being told what to think – rather be given suggestions about what to explore. He also helps to bring to humor to a really horrible and painful situation, making the emotional fall-out from the exit less overwhelming. Thank you Chris for assisting me in doing this. – Anonymous client
When a family member or friend appears to be getting wrapped up in a destructive cult, it can be alarming, frightening and even infuriating. However, acting those emotions out in front of the cult member will only drive them further away. No one wants that. I can work with family and friends in how to talk to their loved ones despite the cult’s control and assist them to deal with it.
Education
In addition to consulting services, this website is a wealth of information about high control groups and the kind of predatory behavior that anyone can fall victim to. Since leaving Scientology in 2013, I have produced videos and podcasts as well as written work and all of that is linked on the relevant pages. All of my posts are now on the Posts page, which you can get to using the menu above.