Patriotic Healing Institute Cult Exit Strategy Support Program12-Week Recovery Curriculum

Week 1 – Recognizing Cult Dynamics Topic: What Makes a Group a Cult?- Understanding high-control structures- Signs of indoctrination- Political cult vs. traditional cult Activity: Self-assessment checklist Homework: Journal on how you joined

Week 2 – Breaking the Spell Topic: The Psychology of Indoctrination- Love-bombing & fear tactics- Us vs. them narratives- Emotional barriers to leaving Activity: Turning point discussion Homework: Identify 3 red flags

Week 3 – Separating Self from Group Identity Topic: Reclaiming Independence- How the group rewrote your values- Finding your authentic voice- Detachment without self-hate Activity: Letter to my pre-cult self Homework: List personal values

Week 4 – Handling Cognitive Dissonance Topic: When Beliefs Clash with Reality- Why conflicting facts hurt- Managing guilt & fear- Accepting it's okay to change Activity: Grounding practice Homework: Track moments of challenge

Week 5 – Rebuilding Critical Thinking Topic: Evaluating Information Objectively- Manipulative language decoding- Spotting false logic- Effective fact-checking Activity: Break down cult talking points Homework: Compare claims with 3 sources

Week 6 – Social Reconnection Topic: Rebuilding Relationships- How cults isolate members- Repairing trust- Finding safe communities Activity: Message to reconnect with friend Homework: Initiate positive interaction

Week 7 – Setting Healthy Boundaries Topic: Avoiding Re-Recruitment- Avoiding triggers- Spotting recruiting attempts- No Contact plan Activity: Personal boundary checklist Homework: Identify risky situations

Week 8 – Emotional Healing Topic: Processing Betrayal & Loss- Grieving lost time & trust- Survivor’s guilt- Forgiving yourself Activity: Self-forgiveness circle Homework: Letter to past self

Week 9 – Building a New Identity Topic: Who You Are Now- Hobbies outside politics- Defining freedom for yourself- Setting new goals Activity: Vision board Homework: Try a new hobby

Week 10 – Community Involvement Without Control Topic: Joining Healthy Groups- Spotting healthy leadership- Civic engagement without dogma- Sharing your story safely Activity: Attend local event Homework: Research community orgs

Week 11 – Relapse Prevention Topic: Staying Out for Good- Early relapse signs- Long-term safety plans- Accountability buddies Activity: Emergency Exit Plan Homework: Share with trusted person

Week 12 – Graduation & Moving Forward Topic: Your Life After the Cult- Celebrating progress- Staying grounded in reality- Helping others Activity: Graduation circle Homework: Declaration of Independence from the cult