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‘Cult Survivor’ Benjamin Risha: How Therapy and Education Allowed Him To Tell His Story

The Son Of Seven Mothers Kindle Cover
Find out more about Benjamin’s new memoir here!

“Unfortunately, the USA has a culture of demonizing therapy …”

My ego has been a compelling actor pushing me forward to tell my story. However, the more I wrote and talked about this story the more I realized that there is a much bigger story than about a Lebanese Jewish, peace child who was born into, survived and escaped a cult in the USA. That story is unique, but survival and thriving post-trauma is the real story. Writing this book made me realize how therapy and education have been critical in providing me the ability to write the book.

I have grown immensely due to a combination of education, therapy, resilience, travel, and maybe even some luck. Phenotypically I am a white male. I have benefitted from that also. Opportunities have been available to me that are not available to my friends who have darker skin than me.

The health care world calls my growth post-traumatic growth. Some people don’t survive horrific events in their lives, but some do. And, those who do survive somehow use their trauma as an energy to thrive. That is what writing, researching, and organizing this story into a book has helped me accomplish.

Unfortunately, the USA has a culture of demonizing therapy especially when it comes to men getting therapy. Well, I am a man who believes in therapy and I am proud to advertise therapy. It’s time to change the culture here in the USA as it pertains to therapy. If a man hurt his back there is no stigma against him getting physical therapy, but if his mind gets hurt there is.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is the form of therapy that has helped me the most. I left the cult with many triggers. EMDR has helped me reset them so they no longer affect me.

Filed Under: Blog, THE SON OF SEVEN MOTHERS, True Crime
March 22, 2021 By Benjamin Risha 3 Comments

Comments

  1. Paulette Wrisley says

    March 21, 2022 at 12:23 am

    Hi Benjamin. I just watched IDs evil lives here show. Then I looked you up online because I had a question. In that online search I read that you did receive therapy. I’m so glad you did. What prompted me to search was I wanted to ask a question. In the show you said you felt euphoria from the power you held over others at times. Do you still feel/think that at times? Is that something you recognize in yourself and stop yourself?

    Reply
    • Benjamin Risha says

      March 21, 2022 at 9:40 am

      Hello Paulette,
      That’s a great question. Through therapy I’ve learned why I enjoyed having power and control over people and do not feel that anymore because I don’t act controlling anymore.
      Kindly,
      Ben

      Reply
  2. Gwen Doctor says

    April 1, 2022 at 8:49 pm

    Hello, Benjamin.
    My Aunt and her two children unfortunately were a part of Alamo Ministries for many years. I would love to start a dialogue with you about your experiences. Is there an email I could contact you?

    Reply

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THE SON OF SEVEN MOTHERS by Benjamin Risha

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‘Cult Survivor’ Benjamin Risha: How Therapy and Education Allowed Him To Tell His Story