Poisonous People
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"When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become." 
-Henri Nouwen

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Celebrating 29 Years of Freedom

The year is 1993.  As an unsuspecting college freshman, I fall victim to a dangerous cult.  Even though this group was banned from my university in 1987, I am recruited right on campus, in the classroom. I have no idea what is happening until it is too late.  For months, I am subject to extreme love bombing and gaslighting.  I am kept busy so that I am isolated from others as well as sleep deprived. 

The only voice from the outside world that captures my attention is the television, broadcasting nightly stories about David Koresh.  As I watch the compound in Waco go down in flames, I ask myself, "Who would be so stupid as to go and join a cult?"  The more I follow these news stories, the more I see the similarities between Waco and my new "friends." 


This experience marked the birth of my career.  I began to educate myself on cults, psychological abuse, and narcissistic personality disorder.  I soon discover that bullies and other toxic people are everywhere - yes, even in the mirror.  Sometimes, our past hurts can turn us into reactive people: people that end up being toxic to others!

Being in a cult doesn't just affect you psychologically.  It does terrible things to your physical health as well: they don't let you sleep, they make you work hard, and they put you to work for long hours.  This is why I am passionate about the effects of toxic people not just on our minds, but also on our bodies.


​People pleasing, inability to say no, fear of upsetting others, toxic relationships, narcissistic personalities, emotional abuse and psychological manipulation: Do any of these describe you or your situation?  If so, I'd love to meet you and talk about how we can work together to overcome your struggles.  Feel free to browse through this site and if you feel so inclined, contact me to learn more about how we can work toward restoring balance to your world again.
Warmly,
Jennifer

Credentials

​Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Florida State
Provisional Registered Drama Therapist, North American Drama Therapy Association
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Education

​Doctor of Education, Higher Education Leadership, Nova Southeastern University*
Master of Social Work, Stony Brook University
Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts Performance, Northeastern University
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*This degree is not related to any mental health discipline and only applies to Jennifer's Higher Education and Career Counseling services.
© 2015-2022  Jennifer Guerriero, Ed. D., LCSW, P-RDT. All rights reserved.
Fun Fact: My last name is pronounced, "Gary-Arrow."
​Original logos may not be used without prior permission.
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