Is my ex in a cult?

[MedDude]

Backstory on her: she grew up in a rich family and hasn't had to struggle for much. Her father is narcissistic and raised her in performance based manner. Due to this she is focused on her looks and how she is viewed by people. This has beld in to her adult life because she lacked an effective father figure and does not possess a strong identity.
Fast forward to now: she mentions to me she has been seeing a "mentor" whom she pays for "sessions" (insert derranged sexual comment here). This man helps her and others with spiritual guidance as well as personal therapy. Keep in mind, he is not licensed for a goddamn thing. He's just "knowledgeable" I'm told. She sees him two days a week and once a month with his other students for extended sessions.
She says he has convinced her she no longer needs her antidepressants. He also suggests she write long emails nightly to update her spiritual and personal progress. This is also in conjunction with hour long Bible study sessions done daily.
He also has pointed out to her her manipulative tendencies, an inadequacy he is able to help her with according to him. She has been seeing this mentor for over a year with little progress and continues to struggle.
There is much more to this but I wanted to get opinions on this so far.

 

[SoSuave666]

Yes

 

[Billtx49]

Him - Not licensed
Her - One year with little progress

She needs to see a professional psych therapist …

 

[MedDude]

Him - Not licensed
Her - One year with little progress

She needs to see a professional psych therapist …

I suggested this. She says she could benefit from that but says she doesn't have insurance. But can afford to pay this guy upwards of $500 a month for sessions.

 

[taiyuu_otoko]

Him - Not licensed
Her - One year with little progress

Most people see licensed therapists and never experience any progress.

But to the OP, I wouldn't say she's in a cult. But she is wasting time and money with a con artist, who probably doesn't think he's a con artist.

Doesn't sound very different from a psychic who gives advice and charges money.

 

[MedDude]

Most people see licensed therapists and never experience any progress.

But to the OP, I wouldn't say she's in a cult. But she is wasting time and money with a con artist, who probably doesn't think he's a con artist.

Doesn't sound very different from a psychic who gives advice and charges money.

I agree, but she is very dependent on his guidance. How intelligent people can fall for this is beyond me. She's going for her master's for God's sake.

 

[Billtx49]

But can afford to pay this guy upwards of $500 a month for sessions.

Her money could be better spent, but why are you so worried about an Ex?

 

[glass half full]

She likes him for more than just advice, and the confidence he's giving her is not based on interactions with others. He makes her feel valuable and is getting an advanced "friend with benefits"...she's gonna see this someday and be hurt emotionally. It's sad.

 

[Spaz]

Effective leadership can turn any women into anything the leader wants.

Women are suckers with men who has those skills.