Publications

Mark Ottley is a registered Clinical Psychologist and National Psychology Lead for Habit Health. He is also an active member of the Cult-Informed Professional Network (CIPN). Cults and coercive groups can be difficult subjects to talk about and understand from within conventional mental health practice. When people leave these groups, they may present to psychologists, counsellors, social workers and other health professionals with experiences that, to the health practitioner

Cult stories are often told as entertainment. They make compelling media stories, don’t they? They contain elements that attract audiences; charismatic leaders, sex, power, money, odd beliefs, scandal, crime, dramatic escapes. The problem is that these features can easily become the story. When that happens, survivors become secondary characters in narratives about bizarre leaders or shocking events.

Dr Caroline (Caz) Ansley, joins Dr Natalie Fabert, PhD, in a conversation about her teaching and clinical work.

Beyond trafficking, there are people in New Zealand living inside closed, high-control environments where coercion operates through psychological pressure, spiritual fear, and social isolation rather than physical restraint.

The Government of Victoria have conducted a world-leading inquiry into cults & fringe groups. Dr Caroline Ansley wrote a submission.

This submission was made to the Modern Slavery Bill Select Committee on Justice, New Zealand, on behalf of the Cult-Informed Professional Network on 28-5-26, by Liz Gregory and Dennis Parker.

Cults use the power of systemic control, the threat of menace and institutional vulnerability to exploit their members into forced labour, servitude, and forced marriage - effectively modern slavery.

In New Zealand, it’s estimated that between 50,000 and 200,000 people are either current or former members of high-control groups. For medical professionals, recognising the hallmarks of cult involvement isn’t simply an academic concern or a private curiosity—it’s essential to providing ethical, effective healthcare.