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Book Review: Empire of Orgasm by Ellen Huet
Huet's book paints a complex picture of OneTaste Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult by Ellen Huet is an exceptionally written and deeply researched account of what took place inside the high-control group OneTaste . Huet offers a careful and unflinching examination of the group, its leadership, and the people drawn into its orbit. What makes this book stand out is not just the reporting but also the way it maintains complexity throughout. No one
Star Spider
6 days ago4 min read


Navigating the Holidays in Families Affected by Psychological Manipulation
Moving gently through the holidays, with care for ourselves and each other For many families, the holidays are meant to bring people together. When manipulation or high control dynamics shape a family system, this season can feel especially fraught. Gatherings may feel tense. Conversations can turn quickly. You may find yourself bracing for conflict before anything has even been said. If you are staying connected to a loved one caught in a manipulative or controlling situatio
Star Spider
Dec 15, 20254 min read


What Is Lost? Why People Join High-Control Groups (And What We Must Offer Instead)
What is Lost? Community. Time. Wonder. All the things that connect us. People don’t join cults. They join movements. Friendships. Ideas....
Star Spider
Aug 1, 20254 min read


Why Don’t They Leave? Understanding Why People Stay in High-Control Groups and Relationships & How to Help
When leaving feels impossible, understanding becomes essential. “Why don’t they just leave?” If you work in this space, you’ve heard it...
Star Spider
Jul 8, 20255 min read


A Cult of Two: How AI Manipulates Like Any Cult Would
If AI becomes a sacred source of meaning, how do we offer a reality worth returning to? It is possible to have a cult of two or three. I...
Star Spider
Jun 17, 20257 min read


Reclaiming Time: Healing from Time Loss After Cult and High-Control Experiences
Time doesn’t seem the same after loss. How can we rethink it? Time is one of the greatest casualties of cult involvement and high-control...
Star Spider
Jun 3, 20254 min read


How to Support a Loved One in a Cult, High-Control Group or Controlling Relationship: Why Change Starts with You
Helping someone in a coercive relationship starts with choosing a new path yourself. When someone we love is caught in a manipulative or...
Star Spider
May 21, 20253 min read


Book Recommendation: Radical Departures
Adolescence and young adulthood are times of transformation, identity exploration, and rebellion. In Radical Departures: Desperate...
Star Spider
Feb 4, 20252 min read


Psychological Manipulation and Coercive Control 101: What You Need to Know
When we talk about abuse and control, terms like psychological manipulation (PM) and coercive control (CC) come up often. But what do...
Star Spider
Nov 14, 20242 min read
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