Signs to spot and help you confirm you are being mind-controlled or manipulated in harmful ways by other people

In the first blog in this series on gaslighting, mind-control and bullying, I shared how, even with years of experience working as a 'stop bullying' coach, I almost succumbed to the mind-control tactics of an organization purporting to offer one of the greatest self-development training courses in the world. It was a major life lesson, and not a pleasant one at that.

Below I share some of the common behaviours and tactics which people use to try and control, or even harm, others, as well as tell-tale signs to help recognize if you are on the receiving end of unfair treatment, because recognizing it is happening is the first, and often most difficult, crucial step to stopping people from treating you badly.

So, let me ask you some questions:

Do any of these sound familiar, in relation to any people in your life (partner,...

"Life will seemingly inadvertently bring us experiences, events, situations and people which give us the opportunity to clear out these old memories and traumas, so that we develop greater wisdom"...

• How could I have let that happen?
• Surely I know better? 
• Why didn't I spot the signs?

These are the sort of questions people ask themselves after their 'lightbulb' moment of seeing they have been manipulated or mind-controlled by an individual - or group of people - and finally having the wisdom and courage to walk away... for good. (ie once and for all and for one's own good - double-entendre intended). 

And these are precisely the questions I found myself asking myself the day after my very close call with what I feel very strongly could be labelled a 'cult'*, after having been (almost) taken in by an organization proporting to be offering some of the best personal development practices in the world... which afterwards I could clearly and shockingly see...