A GLOBAL EVENT
Addressing a critical
research gap
Cultic influence impacts individuals, families, and societies in profound ways, often leading to psychological trauma, legal complications, and public misunderstanding. Many sectors—health, legal, and social—continue to grapple with significant gaps in knowledge regarding the dynamics of coercive groups and environments, and their long-term effects.
A meeting of minds to affect change
The annual ICSA International Conference, brings together researchers, health professionals, service providers, and survivors and their families from around the world to engage in open dialogue on the most pressing themes around cultic studies. Held over four days, this premier event aims to empower attendees—whether they are survivors, mental health professionals, researchers, or advocates—with the tools and knowledge needed for more effective intervention and support.
UPCOMING EVENTS & CONFERENCES
Cultic phenomena and interdisciplinary knowledge: Understanding for better intervention
DATE
02-05 July 2025
TIME
8.30am – 4pm
LOCATION
200 rue Sherbrooke West Coeur des Sciences Université du Québec à Montréal
The ICSA 2025 Annual Conference theme, Cultic Phenomena and Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Understanding for Better Intervention, explores the complex nature of cultic dynamics through a multidisciplinary lens. By integrating insights from psychology, sociology, law, and cultural studies, this conference aims to deepen our understanding of how cultic groups exert control, manipulate beliefs, and impact individuals. This theme underscores the importance of collaboration across disciplines to enhance prevention, recovery, and societal response to the harmful effects of cultic environments.
REGISTRATION
Register to join the conversation
General admission
375 USD
ICSA members
325 USD
Students
145 USD
Capellini Scholarship admission
145 USD
For member rates, student tickets, or scholarship applications, please contact: events@internationalculticstudies.org.
To register, secure your spot by purchasing a General Admission ticket through our registration portal.
FEATURED SESSIONS
See our key themes and topics
Bringing democracy to the ‘troubled teen industry'
Speaker
Adam Arnold
Focuses on the challenges within the troubled teen industry, an area that often intersects with cult-like behaviors, making it a critical topic for many attendees.
The landmark grenville christian college lawsuit: A tale of two plaintiffs
Speakers
Beth Granger and Jacqueline Gagnon
A real-world legal case that discusses the impact of cultic control in educational environments, providing important insights for lawyers, advocates, and survivors.
Male victimisation in coercively controlling cultic environments, a case study
Speaker
Emily Lehsten
Addresses the under-explored area of male victimisation in cultic settings, bringing attention to the gendered experiences of control and manipulation in these environments.
Dissociation and mindfulness: Mental health needs and coping strategies of youth raised in cultic and high-control groups
Speaker
Luna Cappelletti
A deep dive into the mental health challenges of youth raised in cultic environments and the mindfulness-based coping strategies they may need for recovery.
Need of the day: Helping organizations avoid cultic behaviors and abuse
Speakers
Anuttama Dasa and J Paul Lennon
Explores best practices for organizations to identify and prevent cultic behaviors, a vital session for professionals working in related fields.
Acclimating to life on the ‘Outside’: Catharsis through our individual stories
Speakers
Debby Schriver, Alexis Broderick, Matthew Broderick, Shaina Broderick, Marcus Griffin, Lorna Goldberg, and Ange Ondrisek
A real-world legal case that discusses the impact of cultic control in educational environments, providing important insights for lawyers, advocates, and survivors.
Financial trauma impacts survivors’ futures
Speaker
Heidi Clemons
Focuses on the lasting impact of financial trauma that survivors face, an essential topic for mental health professionals and support systems aiding recovery.
Cult media messaging: Sharing your story while taking care of yourself
Speaker
Dhyana Levey
A timely and relevant session that discusses the balance between telling one’s story and managing emotional wellbeing, especially crucial for survivors who engage with the media.
SPEAKERS
Highlighted speakers
J. Paul Lennon
Psychotherapist, Author and Former Catholic Priest. Advocate for survivors of spiritual abuse
Dr. Caroline Ansley
General Practitioner and trauma-informed clinician with expertise in supporting cult-impacted individuals
Dr. Linda Dubrow-Marshall
Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Salford, and Co-founder of RETIRN specializing in coercive control and cult recovery
CONFERENCE PARTNERS
Our supporters
Since 2001, ICSA has partnered with Info-Cult, a Canadian organization, to organize these international conferences. For its 45th anniversary, Info-Cult will host the 2025 conference in Montreal, Canada.
FAQ
Need further information?
How to register?
Registration is closed for 2025. Please subscribe to be notified about our 2026 conference.
Registration details
- General Admission: 375 USD
- ICSA Members: 325 USD
- Students: 145 USD
- Capellini Scholarship
- Admission: 145 USD
For member rates, student tickets, or scholarship applications, please contact
events@internationalculticstudies.org. To register, secure your spot by purchasing a General Admission ticket through our registration portal.
Location of the conference
Coeur des Sciences (Sherbrooke Building)
Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM)*
200 rue Sherbrooke West
* N.B. This event is not organized or sponsored by the Université du Québec à Montréal.
How to get to the conference?
The conference will take place in the Sherbrooke Building of the Coeur des Sciences of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM)* at 200 rue Sherbrooke West
- Parking is available at 2020 rue Saint-Urbain. Find more info here
- The nearest metro station is at Place des Arts
* N.B. This event is not organized or sponsored by the Université du Québec à Montréal.
When does the conference start?
Times…
Am I eligible for a scholarship to attend the conference?
Capellini Scholarship Tickets: $145 USD (limited availability)
The Joan Capellini Fund assists only with registration fees for ICSA Annual International
Conferences.
The fund is not used to support, cover, or contribute to travel costs, accommodations, meals, general financial support, education or tuition, or ICSA memberships
- Scholarships are limited to one per person
- Applicants must be former cultic group members
- Conference speakers are not eligible
- Applicants who have not attended an ICSA Annual Conference in the past are prioritized
To apply for the Joan Capellini Scholarship, please contact
events@internationalculticstudies.org. Deadline for applying for this year’s Capellini Scholarship is April 15, 2025. Decisions regarding scholarship recipients will be announced on April 30, 2025.
Recommended accommodations
Take advantage of a special rate at the Delta Hotel at 475 Av. du Président-Kennedy, which is a five minutes’ walk from the conference location. This rate will be available until June 10 (or until rooms sell out) and applies to stays from June 29 through July 8. Book early, as Montreal is a very popular summer vacation location, especially during the Jazz Festival.
What can I expect in terms of the demographic / sector of attendees?
The annual ICSA International Conference, brings together researchers, health professionals, journalists, service providers and survivors and their families from around the world to engage in open dialogue on the most pressing themes around cultic studies.
In recent years, ICSA has grown to include a diverse range of members with different backgrounds and perspectives. To ensure all participants can engage in a safe and respectful environment, we set clear expectations for behavior at our events and within our community. Please read the conference guidelines and our commitment to inclusivity, safety, and proactive support for all.
Please note, there may be active members from a variety of religious and non-religious groups present, including from groups widely identified as high-control or cultic groups. We appreciate that this may be challenging to former members and their families and peers. ICSA provides mental health support throughout the event.
At its core, ICSA believes that no understanding of cultic influence is complete without engaging with all perspectives, even those that may be controversial or challenging. ICSA’s mission is to create a space where all information, research and viewpoints can be examined, questioned, and debated openly—rather than censored or suppressed. This commitment to intellectual rigor ensures that harmful ideologies can be exposed and countered through critical discussion rather than thriving in obscurity.
What mental health support can you expect at the event?
At each annual conference, we assign licensed mental health professionals within our network to an Assistance Team. These professionals are available throughout the entirety of the conference for crisis intervention related to adverse reactions one may have to certain session content. While we cannot guarantee or have control over unforeseen adverse reactions, we take all possible measures to provide immediate support for individuals in need.
What precautions will ICSA take to ensure safety at the conference?
During opening event – telling people to be mindful of taking photos to not include anyone that they ¡ have no permission to film/photograph. Photo wall and branded banners where people can take photos.
In which language will be the conference?
English and French
Will the sessions be recorded and available to access after the event?
Most sessions will be recorded, based on speaker permissions. All ticket holders will receive the
entire conference recording set.
Any other tips for having a positive and engaging experience?
ICSA promotes an inclusive and respectful environment at its conferences. All participants are
expected to maintain professional conduct and contribute to a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Please read our guidelines here.