Sophia de Fossard on Cults, High Demand Groups & Power Dynamics in the Spiritual Community

Sophia is a former social worker who moderates the Culty Conversations NZ Facebook group and I was eager to talk with her about the nature of cults and high-demand groups in New Zealand, particularly in the spiritual community.

Sophia shares her perspective on power, charismatic leaders and group dynamics, and what leaders and teachers in the spiritual community (like myself) need to be aware of to make sure they’re not unconsciously abusing power. We also specifically discuss these things in the context of ISTA, Highden Temple, and Eden Festival.

About Sophia:

Sophia de Fossard has worked as a social worker in the community, and is interested in the intersectionality between societal structures and the personal experience, particularly in the area of power and control. She has worked as an academic researcher and advocate for honoring The Treaty of Waitangi (partnership between Māori and the Crown) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Currently she is working on a research project in community based addiction treatment. In her personal life she is a long time practitioner of yoga and meditation and teaches yoga with a trauma informed, trauma sensitive and inclusive approach.

 

Find Sophia here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeandmetta

LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/sophia-de-fossard-79b092188

 

Credits

 

Audio • Luke Bowman

Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic 

Photo • Pete Longworth

Graphic Design • Tara Spice