Psychologist recruited trauma patients into Universal Medicine cult
Registered psychologist Cynthia Hickman steered clients into Universal Medicine. A court later found it to be a socially dangerous cult.
Hickman called herself a soul psychologist. Hickman wrote wellness columns that drew in people needing help with trauma.
One client visited her every week for about three years. The client drove 400 kilometres from regional Victoria each time.
Hickman slowly got her to attend Universal Medicine talks. She tried fringe treatments, including esoteric breast massage.
The client spent $35,000 on therapy and treatments. Later she learned Hickman was a follower of the cult's leader, Serge Benhayon.
Medical expert Professor John Dwyer says dozens of Australian health workers follow Universal Medicine. He says the regulator has done little to stop them, even though they cause harm.
- 400 kilometres round trip
- Travel distance
- Weekly for about three years
- Session frequency
- $35,000
- Amount spent
Why it mattersPeople seeking therapy from registered professionals expect to be protected from exploitation. Regulators appear unable or unwilling to stop licensed practitioners recruiting vulnerable clients into cult groups.
AustraliaAustralian patients with trauma histories may unknowingly enter therapy with practitioners embedded in a cult. AHPRA oversight of psychologists linked to Universal Medicine remains unclear.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 19 h ago
