Legal Tools, Recovery Resources, and Reporting Instructions for Spiritual Abuse Survivors
Table of Contents
- Introduction: You Are Not Alone
- Section 1: Understanding What Happened
- Section 2: Your Legal Rights & Protections
- Section 3: Documentation Toolkit & Templates
- Section 4: How to File Complaints with Authorities
- Section 5: Emotional Recovery, Protection, and Support
- Appendix A: Legal Definitions and Case Law
- Appendix B: Survivor Checklists
- Appendix C: Cult Exit Workbook (Interactive)
Introduction: You Are Not Alone
Leaving a high-control group or manipulative spiritual teacher is not the same as quitting a course. It can involve grief, disillusionment, financial stress, and deep emotional pain. If you were once under the influence of Liana Shanti (a.k.a. Liane Wilson), or a similar figure, and you’re now questioning that relationship, this guide is for you.
- Understand what happened to you
- Identify what laws may have been broken
- Take steps to protect yourself and others
- Report fraud and coercion to authorities
- Begin your emotional recovery with empowerment
Section 1: Understanding What Happened
Common Tactics Used by Liana Shanti and Similar Figures
- Love bombing: Excessive praise to create loyalty
- Fear-based control: Threats of spiritual harm or regression if you leave
- Psychic authority: Claiming special access to divine truth or past-life information
- Coaching dependency: Endless upsell programs with vague goals
- Public shaming: Reposting private messages to silence dissenters
- Financial extraction: Demanding thousands for “shadow work” or programs like “Triple M”
✅ Survivor Checklist: “Was I Manipulated by a False Psychic?”
Red Flags
- You were told trauma wouldn’t heal without more payment
- You feared that leaving would harm your children or soul
- You were discouraged from seeking therapy or outside help
- You felt isolated from family or friends
- I was told my trauma or memories were “revealed” by the coach, even when I had no memory of them
- I was warned that leaving the group would spiritually damage me or my children
- I was told I had a “curse,” “entity,” or “spiritual blockage” only the leader could remove
- The leader said they had access to divine or higher truth that only they could interpret
- I felt afraid, guilty, or unworthy if I didn’t pay for a new program or session
- I was discouraged from seeking therapy, medical advice, or second opinions
- The leader claimed to see abuse or danger from family members, but offered no evidence
These are not just spiritual quirks – they may be civil or criminal violations.
Section 2: Your Legal Rights & Protections
| Term | Definition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud | Intentional deception to gain money or power | False promises of healing or gain are illegal |
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1343) | Deception using electronic communications | Applies to online courses and programs |
| Constructive Fraud | Exploiting a position of trust | Applies to spiritual leaders posing as mentors |
| Unlicensed Therapy | Trauma treatment without a license | Illegal in all U.S. states |
| Psychic Fraud | Claims of supernatural powers to manipulate | Recognized in court when used to defraud |
| Coercive Control | Domination using fear, shame, isolation | Now recognized in family courts |
Case Example: People v. Priscilla Delmaro (NY, 2015)
A psychic took $700,000 to “remove curses” and reunite a lost love. She was charged with larceny, deception, and psychic fraud. Her “visions” were not protected by free speech.
Section 3: Documentation Toolkit & Templates
1. Coercive Control Log
| Date | Incident | Statement Made | Emotional Impact | $ Involved? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MM/DD | Zoom call | “You’ll regress if you leave” | Fear, guilt | $997 |
2. Impact Statement Template
My name is [Your Name]. I joined [Program] on [Date] and was told [Claims]. I later experienced [Emotional Manipulation]. I spent [$], lost trust, and felt [Emotion]. I now recognize this as coercive control and manipulation.
3. Evidence Checklist
- Screenshots of threats, testimonials, psychic claims
- Receipts and invoices
- Voice memos or saved videos
- Emails, DMs, and private group chats
- Course material PDFs, audios, posts
Section 4: Filing Complaints with Authorities
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- State Attorney General: Search “your state + AG complaint”
- FBI IC3 (Online Fraud): ic3.gov
- Medical Licensing Board: For illegal mental health claims
- Better Business Bureau: bbb.org
Sample Complaint
I enrolled in a spiritual coaching program. I was emotionally manipulated, financially exploited, and subjected to unlicensed therapy. The leader made psychic claims to induce fear-based payments. I request an investigation.
Section 5: Emotional Recovery & Protection
- Block all group and leader contact
- Secure your digital accounts (2FA)
- Talk to a licensed therapist familiar with cult recovery
- Back up your evidence securely
Support Resources
- Freedom of Mind – Steven Hassan
- ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association)
- Recovering From Religion
Affirmation
You were not weak. You were targeted because of your strengths. Reclaiming your freedom is an act of courage.
Appendix A: Legal Definitions
- Wire Fraud – 18 U.S.C. §1343: Use of telecom/internet to defraud
- Psychic Fraud: False supernatural claims for money
- Constructive Fraud: Manipulation by those in a position of trust
Appendix B: Survivor Checklists
Spiritual Abuse – If You Answer Yes to 3 or More:
- Were you told only the leader could remove your trauma?
- Were you warned something bad would happen if you left?
- Did the leader repost your private messages?
- Did you feel afraid, ashamed, or cut off from loved ones?
- Were you discouraged from therapy or medical care?
Fraud Indicators
- Money was demanded based on visions or threats
- You paid across state lines with no refund policy
- Promises of healing, abundance, or protection were made
Appendix C: Cult Exit Workbook
Self-Reflection Prompts
- What was I promised vs. what was delivered?
- What parts of me were most vulnerable?
- When did I first question the program?
Empowerment Goals
- I will file a complaint by [date]
- I will reconnect with [trusted person]
- I will set new boundaries in future communities
Personal Declaration:
“From today on, I no longer allow any coach, healer, or psychic to override my voice, values, or wellbeing.”
Prepared for distribution to cult survivors, legal professionals, and recovery advocates.
Need Help Using This Guide?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, you can copy and paste the prompt below into ChatGPT or another AI assistant to get personalized help walking through each section.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I recently left a high-control spiritual group led by someone like Liana Shanti. I have a survivor’s guide, but I need help going through it step-by-step. Can you walk me through the following?
- How to identify what happened to me
- Whether any laws were broken
- How to write my impact statement
- How to report fraud or coercion
- What I can do to begin emotional recovery
- Any checklists or evidence logs I should fill out
Please go one step at a time and ask me questions to help me reflect, document, and take action. Be trauma-sensitive and empowering in your tone.
You are not alone. You have the right to reclaim your voice, protect yourself, and take meaningful steps forward.