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, Texas 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 begin to 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 personalities. I soon discover that bullies and other toxic people are everywhere.  We can't avoid them; but we can develop an immunity to them.

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

---

Jennifer Guerriero is a former cult member and has been an advocate for victims of psychological abuse since 1993.  She created Poisonous People to help others take control of their lives and care of themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.  Jennifer holds the following applicable credentials:

• Doctor of Education
  
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Florida
• Provisional-Registered Drama Therapist, North American Drama Therapy Association​