Is This a Cult?

When “Transformation” Turns Toxic

After nearly twenty years inside a popular self-help organization, Anne Peterson finally confronted the big lie behind the transformative work she believed in. What she had taught as empowerment, it turned out, was also being used to exploit.

In this raw and gritty memoir, Anne unpacks her heartbreaking journey from starry-eyed idealist to disillusioned leader. She grapples with picking up the pieces after the leaders she trusted betrayed her. Most importantly, Anne shares hard-won lessons on spotting and stopping spiritual abuse in high-control groups.

In Is This a Cult?, you’ll discover:

Anne’s path from transformed student to inner circle leader – and the red flags she ignored
How exhaustion, threats, and violence behind closed doors corroded communities built on making a difference
The moments Anne could no longer rationalize away harm being done in the name of progress
Tools Anne used to resist exploitation when livelihood and reputation are bound up in a leader’s image
Ways to separate valuable teachings from the flawed structures and the people who distort them
How to foster ethical practices in personal growth after being scarred by spiritual abuse

Is This a Cult?offers hope to all who wonder whether their quest for growth has a dark side. If you’ve ever questioned leaders you once believed in, you’ll find insight in Anne’s inspiring tale of rebuilding integrity in the shadow of charismatic leaders.