The Wellness Solutions Blog

Cults are often portrayed in dramatic headlines or documentaries, but the reality is more subtle and personal. Many people who join cults do not realize what they are entering into. They may have been searching for belonging, purpose, or answers during a vulnerable time. Cults are not defined by what they believe, but by how they control people’s lives through manipulation, coercion, and fear.

At the heart of counseling and psychotherapy lies a simple truth: every person’s values, morals, and beliefs shape the way they see the world, make decisions, and relate to others. These core elements influence how we understand right and wrong, how we pursue meaning, and how we navigate relationships and life challenges. In therapy, exploring values and beliefs is often a path toward self-discovery, greater insight, and personal development.

The relationship between psychology and religion has long been complex. In earlier eras, psychology and psychiatry were often seen as threats to religious authority, while some psychologists dismissed religion as superstition. Over time, however, there has been a growing recognition that spirituality and religion can play a vital role in psychological well-being — while also sometimes contributing to shame, guilt, and distress.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction. From chatbots and recommendation engines to generative AI systems that create essays, images, and music, AI is transforming how people interact with information and one another. According to McKinsey’s 2023 report, 50% of companies have adopted some form of AI in at least one business function.

Podcasts, documentaries, Netflix series, and books about true crime have exploded in popularity. According to a 2022 YouGov survey, nearly half of Americans (48%) say they are interested in true crime, with women representing the majority of regular consumers. What might look like “morbid curiosity” on the surface often reflects deeper psychological and social processes.

Domestic violence and abuse remain urgent public health and human rights concerns. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Abuse does not always leave visible bruises; it can manifest in many forms—emotional, financial, sexual, verbal, or coercive control.

The word “incel”—short for “involuntary celibate”—has become more visible in news stories and online discussions. While it may sound like just another internet subculture, the incel movement carries serious risks for both individual well-being and community safety.