Uploaded February 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Counseling LGB+ Individuals Coming Out of Religious Cult (Cyndi Matthews)
In this discussion, we will focus on the presenter’s research findings and experience in counseling with lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals (LGB) coming out of religious cults and fundamental religions. Lesbian and gay individuals who grow up in religious cults can face opposition and condemnation based on the individual’s affectional/sexual orientation. This opposition may come from religious doctrines and teachings, cult/church leaders, and even from family members. As a result of this opposition and condemnation, LGB individuals may struggle with depression, anxiety, drug/alcohol abuse, self-mutilation, and suicidal ideation. The researcher will describe the lived experiences of LGB individuals who grew up in fundamental religious organizations/cults that have subsequently left these groups and discuss best counseling practices to work with these individuals, based on experience and research.
After this session participants will be able to:
1. Participants will gain an understanding of the collective experiences of former cult members who identify as LGB
2. Participants will identify coping mechanisms and strategies LGB individuals utilized to survive and thrive while in the group and after leaving the group
3. Participants will identify best counseling practices to utilize when counseling with former cult members who identify as LGB
Presenter Information:
Dr. Cyndi Matthews is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with over 17 years of counseling experience. She graduated from Texas A&M Commerce with her PhD and is currently an Associate Counseling Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has also taught at Southern Methodist University, The University of Louisiana Monroe, and The University of North Texas at Dallas. Dr. Matthews' private practice specializes in Complex Trauma Recovery, Religious Abuse & Cult Recovery, and LGBTQGE+ Issues. Her research interests include complex trauma, religious/spiritual abuse, and counseling individuals born and raised in religious cults. Dr. Matthews is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, Gottman Couple’s Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Telehealth Counseling, and Psychodrama.
Counseling LGB+ Individuals Coming Out of Religious Cult (Cyndi Matthews)
In this discussion, we will focus on the presenter’s research findings and experience in counseling with lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals (LGB) coming out of religious cults and fundamental religions. Lesbian and gay individuals who grow up in religious cults can face opposition and condemnation based on the individual’s affectional/sexual orientation. This opposition may come from religious doctrines and teachings, cult/church leaders, and even from family members. As a result of this opposition and condemnation, LGB individuals may struggle with depression, anxiety, drug/alcohol abuse, self-mutilation, and suicidal ideation. The researcher will describe the lived experiences of LGB individuals who grew up in fundamental religious organizations/cults that have subsequently left these groups and discuss best counseling practices to work with these individuals, based on experience and research.
After this session participants will be able to:
1. Participants will gain an understanding of the collective experiences of former cult members who identify as LGB
2. Participants will identify coping mechanisms and strategies LGB individuals utilized to survive and thrive while in the group and after leaving the group
3. Participants will identify best counseling practices to utilize when counseling with former cult members who identify as LGB
Presenter Information:
Dr. Cyndi Matthews is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with over 17 years of counseling experience. She graduated from Texas A&M Commerce with her PhD and is currently an Associate Counseling Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has also taught at Southern Methodist University, The University of Louisiana Monroe, and The University of North Texas at Dallas. Dr. Matthews' private practice specializes in Complex Trauma Recovery, Religious Abuse & Cult Recovery, and LGBTQGE+ Issues. Her research interests include complex trauma, religious/spiritual abuse, and counseling individuals born and raised in religious cults. Dr. Matthews is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, Gottman Couple’s Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Telehealth Counseling, and Psychodrama.
