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Surviving NXIVM, cults, and sexual violence: A story of abuse, healing, and ketamine-assisted therapy retreats

PS2023Healing for AllHealth ConditionsKetaminePsychedelic Assisted TherapyPTSDSocial Justice

Vicky Dulai, Catherine Oxenberg, India Oxenberg

The highest population of people with PTSD are women survivors of sexual assault. Catherine Oxenberg’s daughter India had joined the NXIVM cult and was a member for seven years. There, she was a victim of the cult leader, a sexual predator targeting hundreds of young women. The cult leader was ultimately prosecuted and jailed with a 120-year sentence. However, as with India, the scars persist long after the predator is apprehended. While many survivors struggle to break free from the enduring neurobiological and psychological damage caused by sexual violence, traditional treatment models often fall short. The Catherine Oxenberg Foundation has made its mission to support survivors of sexual assault suffering from PTSD. Recently, they hosted their first intensive 11-day KAP (ketamine-assisted psychotherapy) retreat with six cult survivors, including India. Catherine and India will share their journey of rebuilding their lives after the cult and making it their mission to bring healing to as many deserving women as possible.

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