I truly believe that there are “many paths to God”, and all that really matters is what works for you.

However, recently I came across what I could only describe as “the dark side” of the self-development world.

It has taken me a while to gain the confidence to speak out about this. I generally like to post positive messages, but I saw this video doing the rounds yesterday, and I felt the time was now.

What is described by the women in this video fully confirmed what I suspected to be true after my own first-hand experience.

It was back in January when I was initially approached by two Access Consciousness facilitators whom I now realise had targeted me for my online and local network. My work in the field of health and wellbeing, and in the local Community meant I was the obvious choice.

The grooming began almost instantly. I was charmed, flattered, cooked for, and was offered free “bars” sessions which felt like a real treat. For the first couple of times I have to admit I was sucked in.

The oxytocin boost you get from having an energetic head massage is amazing, and gives you a deep sense of wellbeing especially when you live alone and don’t currently have a cat!

The problems arose when I began to ask questions. Like how did it work on a scientific level, how did it differ to acupressure, what was their process for signing people up.

My questions were either shut down, met with “word salad”, or I was told “well, sometimes people just don’t understand it”.

That was one of the first red flags. To deny critical thinking is the first sign of coercive control and manipulation. I’m a little long in the tooth in this field (and this life!) for that kind of answer to slide with.

Anyhow, by now my radar was fully switched on.

When I questioned the use of language, which I recognised from Neuro Linguistic Programming, I was also shut down. It was just my “viewpoint” I was told, then the same scripts were repeated again, completely deflecting from my very valid points.

“Thinking is stinking”, is just one of the many catchphrases they use to stop you from questioning their concepts or methods. The facilitators just repeat the same phrases over and over again. Within a week I felt like they have been brainwashed, but if I showed concern, they’d say I just “don’t get it”.

So I decided to have another free “bars” treatment to see what I could deduce. I kept myself aware, and made sure I didn’t go down into a deep meditative state, where I may be susceptible to hypnotism as I had before.

This time I was the “conscious” one.

What happened next continues to chill me to the bone.

I hear words being whispered in my ear; “Picture yourself travelling all over the world leading workshops and inspiring others”.

I need to point out that I did not ask for any guidance on my career or life, or ask what I could be doing more of. I had been clear I was already happy in what I was doing. I’m already a (professionally qualified) Trainer and a Coach, I have my own business, and I love living in Zadar.

This was not just unsolicited advice, but something way more manipulative

Hypnotic suggestion.

Without my consent.

This is when I got it….. their whole sales strategy.

From a suggestible state, they are able to persuade you that Access Consciousness is the key to everything you’ve ever wanted. They then try to recruit you to be one of their “accessories” (their words, can you believe it?). You then sign up to one of their courses so you can become a “Certified Facilitator” like them, and then go on to recruit others, making money each time someone new comes onboard.

There is no doubt that this is a pyramid scheme, and a high probability it is a cult. The stories told in this video echo those told by many others I found when I decided to do my research.

Having highlighted my concerns to this “facilitator”, again I was met with more gaslighting. Apparently it’s just my experience of it. He said the same of the women in this video:

“They are totally missing the core of the work”, he tells me, “and that happens sometimes”.

And yet, it turns out it’s not just my experience. And it’s not just theirs. And we’re not all idiots, we are all pretty smart in fact. Maybe too smart.

I really did dodge a bullet.

The concerning part is that there are people all over the world who won’t recognise these tactics for what they are.

Many of their “targets” seem to be vulnerable and attractive women, looking for answers or on a healing journey, and the part that really turns my stomach is the predatory nature of those promoting this “enlightenment” training.

They are super charming, and draw you in with their talk of magic and possibilities, but none of it is real. It’s just a way to get you signed up and make money out of you. And it actually leaves you with this sense that your life isn’t enough as it is, you should constantly be asking for more, which kind of misses the point in my opinion.

Unless the goal is to get you to part with more of your cash, because you need that next little piece of the enlightenment jigsaw puzzle.

Those who try to leave, or speak out, are afraid. I was recently sent a recording of the Founder Gary Douglas speaking at a conference. When asked about one of the whistleblowers, he said to a live audience “I personally curse her and may she die in hell”.

Coming from a Scientology background, I had expected Mr Douglas to have some quite extreme views, but this is some dark shit.

And it gets worse. Just watch this video published yesterday on YouTube. There are others now speaking out. It comes as no surprise to me now, knowing what I know, but I hope it serves as a warning to others to “stay conscious”.

Beware of those “spiritual bypassers” who aren’t properly trained and don’t actually have your wellbeing at heart. They just want your money.

If it doesn’t make sense, that’s because it’s most likely nonsense, with ideas they’ve just made up to sell courses.

Don’t doubt your own judgement. This is what they want.

To take away your sense of reality so they can take it over.

That’s how a cult works.

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