Exit counseling is a voluntary approach to helping those involved in
cults make informed decisions about their group affiliation. It is used instead of the controversial process of involuntary
deprogramming, which involves coercion.
Note, however, that some counselors claim exit counseling can be either voluntary or involuntary. To eliminate confusion, a number of exit counselors committed to doing only voluntary interventions have formed an organization of
Thought Reform Consultants - the members of which have agreed to abide by a
statement of ethical standards.
