Steve Hassan Releases New Book, Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults and Beliefs

NEWTON, Mass., July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Steve Hassan, a leading authority on the subject of cults and 'undue influence'—formerly known as 'brainwashing' and 'mind control'—has released a new book, Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults and Beliefs. Sharing decades of experience, Hassan reveals the methods that individuals, cults, and institutions use to systematically rob people of their capacity to think and act for themselves. Visit www.freedomofmind.com.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120718/NE41276 )

He shows how significant changes—the emergence of global terrorism, economic instability, and dominance of the Internet—are making people more vulnerable to destructive individuals and organizations. Large cults are becoming more sophisticated in their outreach campaigns, using lobbyists, celebrities, and lawsuits to gain wealth, power, prestige, and members.

Apart from the occasional cult-related story, such as the divorce between Katie Holmes and celebrity Scientologist Tom Cruise, the media has paid little attention to this growing problem. Hassan provides knowledge and awareness that can help a person identify, avoid, or escape a destructive individual or group. In his book, he outlines his groundbreaking Strategic Interactive Approach (SIA). Using this family-centered, communication-oriented approach, Hassan has helped hundreds of people regain their ability to think and act for themselves.

"Steven Hassan's approach is one that I value more than that of any other researcher or clinical practitioner. I am confident that readers of his new book will share my enthusiasm for what this author tells us about how to deal with the growing menace of undue social influence and cults." – Philip G. Zimbardo, Ph.D., Former President of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Hassan is the author of two highly respected books, Combatting Cult Mind Control: The #1 Guide to Protection, Rescue and Recovery from Destructive Cults, published in seven different languages, and Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves.  Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs is available through Amazon.com. Please follow Steve on Facebook at FOMinc or Twitter @cultexpert.

ABOUT STEVE HASSAN

Steve Hassan is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), who has helped thousands of people overcome undue influence for over 36 years. Please see www.freedomofmind.com.

Contact: Jane Westgate 336-209-9276
or Jennifer Sharpe 704-451-3960

SOURCE Steve Hassan