TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan Counseling Psychologist Union (TCPU) issued a warning on Tuesday about personal growth courses that may involve psychological manipulation, highlighting four key red flags of potentially harmful programs.
The union outlined the following warning signs:
- Lack of transparency – The course does not clearly explain its content or the professional background of its instructors.
- Forced sharing – Participants are pressured into revealing past trauma against their will.
- Financial exploitation and cult-like behavior – The program fosters an intense, devoted following to increase costs and recruit more participants.
- False promises and inappropriate contact – The course falsely claims to heal participants or involves inappropriate physical interactions.
The warning follows a recent YouTube video by content creator Ceylan titled “Exposing LGATs: The Dark Side of Personal Growth Seminars.” The video, which examines manipulative practices and financial risks associated with large group awareness training (LGAT) seminars, sparked widespread discussion, per CNA.
In a Facebook post, the TCPU condemned such programs, stressing the potential harm they can inflict on participants’ mental well-being. The union warned that these courses may worsen psychological conditions and cause lasting damage.
TCPU emphasized that counseling psychologists must follow professional ethical standards and use evidence-based methods in their practice. They urged individuals struggling with mental health issues to seek professional help from licensed counselors or healthcare providers rather than turn to unregulated courses.
The union also encouraged the public to report any inappropriate behavior encountered in psychological programs to the Health Bureau. Those suspecting ethical violations by a psychologist should file complaints with local psychological associations, which have committees to address such concerns.
