Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, MSEd

Rachel Bernstein is a licensed marriage and family therapist and educator specializing in cult recovery and intervention. Bernstein began her academic career at Boston University School of Education, earning a Bachelor of Science and teaching credentials, and continued at the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education, where she completed a Master of Science in Education and a master's in marriage and family therapy. Bernstein has worked with former cult members for nearly 30 years, focusing on clinical approaches to help individuals regain autonomy after experiencing coercive control.

Bernstein's professional experience includes roles at cult-focused clinical institutions such as the former Cult Clinic in Los Angeles and the Cult Hotline and Clinic in Manhattan. In these positions, she provided counseling, facilitated support groups for former cult members and their families, and contributed to public education efforts through media engagement. Bernstein also directed the Maynard Bernstein Resource Center on cults. In her private practice, she treats former cult members and supports families and friends affected by cult involvement, facilitating support groups for individuals impacted by high-control groups and one-on-one cultic relationships.

Bernstein's expertise in cult recovery extends to workshops, conferences, and media appearances on networks including CNN, BBC, Netflix, Starz, and Hulu. She serves on the board of the International Cultic Studies Association and is a regular presenter at its conferences. Bernstein has also been a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California in the schools of education, social work, and psychiatry. She is featured in the documentary series "Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult," which documents her work with the Oxenberg family during India's transition out of NXIVM, and served as a storyline consultant for the Hulu series "The Path."

Bernstein hosts "IndoctriNation," a weekly podcast focused on cults, manipulation, and strategies for protecting against systems of control. The podcast features interviews with former cult members, intervention experts, and individuals who have left narcissistic or controlling relationships, and has reached a global audience. Bernstein is also the author of "Now I Know," contributing to public understanding of the psychology of manipulation and recovery. Her work integrates clinical practice, media engagement, and public education on undue influence and cult recovery.