Conference: Cults and Sex Trafficking

This special International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) one-day conference will examine similarities and differences in the psychological dynamics and treatment issues mental health professionals encounter in their work with victims of cults and sex trafficking. Experts from both areas will come together to discuss their work. There will also be a special discussion on policy implications, beginning with a stimulus presentation by distinguished law professor Alan Scheflin. 

 

The conference registration fee is $30 for current ICSA members and $50 for nonmembers (complimentary ICSA Web membership included with the registration). Attendees are on their own for meals. ICSA is offering USC students, staff and faculty free registration if they complete the online sign-up in lieu of the registration form. 

 

Speakers include: 

Mary Jo Cysewski, MA, LMFT, LPCC, marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor in private practice in Los Angeles, where she provides individual, family therapy and facilitates monthly support groups

 

Analisa Enrile, PhD, clinical associate professor, USC School of Social Work

 

Marilyn L. Flynn, PhD, professor and dean, USC School of Social Work

 

Michael Kropveld, founder and executive director of Info-Cult/Info-Secte based in Montreal, Canada, and ICSA board member

 

Michael D. Langone, PhD, counseling psychologist and executive director of ICSA

 

Andrea Moore-Emmett, MA, the author of God's Brothel, The Extortion of Sex For Salvation in Contemporary Mormon and Christian Fundamentalist Polygamy

 

Alan W. Scheflin, JD, LLM, emeritus professor of law at Santa Clara University School of Law in California and a member of ICSA’s Board of Directors

 

Halleh Seddighzadeh, PhD, forensic traumatologist and international trauma specialist in the psychological treatment of torture

 

Jonibeth (J.B.) Whitney, PhD, clinical psychologist who has been doing cult awareness work for 30 years, including a training workshop for cult awareness volunteers, and individual and group counseling for people with cult-involved family members

 

Doni Whitsett, PhD, LCSW, clinical professor, USC School of Social Work