Supporting individuals affected by psychological manipulation and coercive control (PM and CC) requires empathy, patience, and skill. This toolkit provides comprehensive guidance for friends, family, mental health professionals, and advocates. Learn practical approaches to listening, asking insightful questions, and creating a safe space for honest communication.
Why Good Communication Matters:
-
To help connect with those you care about.
-
To help you support those involved with cults, MLMs, high-control groups, hate and conspiracy groups, intimate partner controlling relationships and sex trafficking.
-
To help you protect yourself and establish good boundaries for making connections.
Was this toolkit helpful?
Section Guide
Section 1 - Preparing for Hard Conversations: Discover reflective questions to ask yourself before engaging in difficult conversations with those affected by PM and CC.
Section 2 - Asking Effective Questions: Learn how to frame questions to encourage self-reflection and trust-building, including strategies for open vs. closed questions and handling complex emotions.
Section 3 - Supportive Listening Techniques: Explore methods for non-judgmental listening, handling misinformation, and maintaining an empathetic presence.
Section 4 - Reasons for Exit: Understand various reasons for exit from a manipulative group, relationship or situation.
Supporting someone affected by PM and CC takes patience, empathy, and the right tools. This toolkit equips you with practical strategies for engaging in a supportive, non-judgmental way. By listening, asking thoughtful questions, and showing understanding, you can help others explore their path to healing and freedom.
Additional Resources
Looking for more? Explore our other toolkits and guides to deepen your understanding of psychological manipulation & coercive control:
-
Toolkit for Identifying & Countering Psychological Manipulation & Coercive Control
-
Toolkit for Recovery from Psychological Manipulation & Coercive Control
-
Toolkit for Helping Loved Ones Affected by Psychological Manipulation & Coercive Control
-
Toolkit for Helping Youth Under the Influence of Psychological Manipulation and Coercive Control
- Toolkit for Red Flags of Psychological Manipulation & Coercive Control
- Toolkit for Safe Seeking & Avoiding Manipulation
Need Support? Connect with us for peer support, advocacy, and education.