Steven Hassan

Steven Hassan, PhD is a licensed mental health professional, a recognized expert on cults and undue influence, and possesses professional experience both in the United States and abroad. His work encompasses various areas, including consultation, coaching, public speaking, media appearances, activism, writing, research, teaching, intervention, and recovery services, as well as expert consulting and testimony to aid individuals and families dealing with issues related to undue influence. Dr. Hassan also hosts Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum, a podcast where he explores multiple different topics related to both cults, and various forms of both undue and positive influence. Dr. Hassan's expertise extends to the realm of undue influence in a wide array of contexts, including destructive one-on-one relationships, family dynamics, parental alienation, small cult-like groups, religious cults, therapy and self-improvement groups, professional abuse, institutional abuse, corporate settings, multi-level marketing, political groups, human trafficking, colonialism, hate and violent extremism, and other challenging situations. Throughout his 48 plus year career, Dr. Hassan has assisted countless individuals and families in recovering from undue influence as one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject of undue influence by both controlling groups and individuals. He possesses a unique perspective after his successful deprogramming in 1976 from the Moon cult. As a clinical professional, he has dedicated his life to sharing his vast experience to train and help people in need. Additional work by Dr. Hassan and further resources may be found at freedomofmind.com.