Psychotherapy Cult of Manhattan | Sullivanians Case Analysis | Dangers of Left Wing Extremism 

My friends dad's best friend was a psychologist. He told me that, of the people who graduate with psych degrees 25% of them are a good therapist and 75% need a good therapist.

Saul was super creepy and I am always surprised when grown people allow these kinds of fools to tell them how to live. Once he died so did his cult. Hurah!

I can't imagine even finding this type of experience tempting.

Without criticizing anyone else's personal choices or beliefs, I don't understand how forced domination is attractive to anyone. Being a woman I can't comprehend being told I can't love my child. That alone enrages me. Thank you once again for your coverage. You always bring clarity to mud soaked situations.

Thank you for an interesting video, Dr Grande. My grandfather was supposedly a communist. At least he called himself one. Supposedly full of liberal ideas, new ideas, considered quite progressive for the time. He was educated at Princeton and at the University of Munich in the 1920s. He was genuinely active in the American communist party in the Thirties. He inherited a great deal of money which he squandered on high living and basically threw away. He never worked a job in his life. From what I can tell most of what he did for the communists was talk and instigate low-level "social disobedience." He was basically a mid-range rabble-rouser squat-stirrer. I heard many stories about him as I was growing up. As I matured and listened more carefully to the stories about him that my mother and her sisters told, I finally realized he was not so much a genuine communist who cared about the workers of the world uniting as he was masking a massive superiority complex and sense of entitlement behind a supposed support for a "new world order." (@@.) His communism was a masquerade to feed his ego. Everything he ever espoused was ultimately only self-serving. Eventually (particularly after I grew up and read some of his letters) I came to realize my grandfather was full of hate - he didn't so much love the poor and want to help them as he bitterly envied the rich and wanted to have even more of what they had. The worst part of it, to my eyes, is that in the process of living out this personal agenda my grandfather cruelly neglected and abused his wife and daughters in many ways. Their lives were basically a nightmare until his death. In his effort to fulfill his personal agenda, the damage my grandfather inflicted on my family still echoes today. We are still recovering from what he did. I have to wonder if this Saul Newton and his Sullivanians also left ripples of destruction behind them after they died. I sure hope not, but I wonder.

Judy Collins got involved with this group for a time, and sent her son off to boarding school. He committed suicide in adulthood. It's awful to think about.

I can recommend Dr Arthur Deikman's book The Wrong Way Home: Uncovering the Patterns of Cult Behavior in American Society

I lived on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for many years, so I remember the Sullivanians very well. One of their members, Dr. Lenora Fulani, did run for political office, here in New York City on the Worker Party platform. She's in her seventies now, and there's been virtually no public profile of her in quite some time, but in the eighties, she was quite popular in political circles. The Village Voice newspaper did a well researched article on the Sullivanians many years ago. I remember them very well.

I see his background started when he started college. I'm wondering what his experience was with his parents was that lead to his beliefs. Great video! I've never heard of this before

There's actually a somewhat similar, albeit more hippiesh and New Age, cult in Staten Island called Ganas. They own a couple of barely profitably businesses that sell used books, clothing, etc., which go by the name ETG, Everything That Goes. The bookstore is actually not half bad-I bought a copy of the 2nd volume of The Gulag Archipelago there years ago.

One thing is for sure, Saul Newton and co. gave Harry S Sullivan a bad name viz. "Sullivanians." At the time, Sullivan, a psychiatrist, emphasized psycho-social context in the understanding of psychopathology and mental health (rather than the in vogue, organic psychiatry). He was a fresh voice at the time

This kinda reminds me of the insane LaRouche cult. You should do a video on that

Getting ready for work in the morning with Dr Grande. Sydney Australia 7am 🤟🇦🇺

I grew up in a cult called the Children of God and I'm in shock at how similar these two groups are.

Even though cults are abhorrent, they do provide a sense a community and idealism that many people identify themselves with. However, that’s only a fantasy which most of the time does more harm than good. It robs people of seeing reality as it is and it also deprives them of appropriate tools to face the world. I have seen many stories of people who left cults, and the damage is real. I have also seen some success stories, people who rebuilt their entire lives after being in cults since birth. In regards to this particular cult, their ideas were really out there. I disagree with each single idea they proposed. Brilliant analysis, thank you Dr. Grande.❤️

You see, whatever side of the political spectrum you may be sitting on, when you start telling people what to do you aren't doing life right.

There was a psycotherapycult in Vancouver Canada, on the North Shore to be exact. Very secret bunch and I was approached at a very vulnerable time in my life. They wanted power over anyone who employed them. They actually told me they would 'allow'me to go to europe. At the time I just stared blankly and it didn't occur to me until years later their delusioned ideas. Hopefully they aren't still following me around or something. Yikes! I only had three sessions with a woman at their office who seemed to have to run everything by her husband. I went back to find the office years later they had vanished. I wanted to find out who they were after thinking how wierd they were. Anybody who wants that kind of control over vulnerable people are creepy. I have often gotten fooled by controlling people, thinking they cared! Live and learn.

Hello Dr. Grande, I kind of agree loneliness is one of the most painful feelings that humans experience. I found it disturbing not to allow children to stay with their parents. Also strange is to have the cult members have sex with different members. Sounds like brainwashing. Once again a very well-presented video and I love your humor. Best Regards.

"I am not aware of any other cults that emphasize psychotherapy in this way." ....Hellllooooo L. Ron Hubbard!

Never heard of this cult. Always the men who believe in as many partners as possible. Terrible cults control so much. Always interesting to hear your excellent points. Thanks Dr G😊💛💛

One thing I know for sure, I’m not cult material. “You can’t do this. You can’t do that.” Nope, not going to work for me!

Not being able to have contact with your family should be a big red flag.

Very fascinating case! Had to laugh when you said "Members of the cult were not allowed to have contact with their family members, although they were allowed to ask family members for money." Also had a good laugh when you said "So I guess Mother's Day was like his Mental Awareness Day." 😅

Ok, so did this could influence LRon Hubbard cult? It sounds A LOT like their treatment of people.

Fascinating content. I just watched The Soft White Underbelly new RU-vid video about a Rabbi's daughter who escaped and describes the cult like existence. This is so interesting. Thank you Dr. Grande! I love your channel ❤

Just a reminder, I'm not diagnosing anybody in this video; only speculating what could be happening in a New York borough like this.

I love this one already. I’ve never heard of it. Thanks, Grande.

Better not call Saul 😟

One of my best friends was born into this cult. He was later adopted by Jane Pearce and raised by her. He’s one of the most normal guys you’ll ever meet and has a wife and son.

Interesting case, I do wonder what may have triggered Saul's desire to reject the nuclear family and childhood bonding with parents. That case shows how easily a charismatic person with pathological personality traits and warped beliefs can attract vulnerable people to join a community that embraces those beliefs.

Am very curious to see how the children turned out. From my understanding, kids who fail to bond with a parent figure at an early age develop psychopathic or BPD tendencies.

When I was in college in NYC in the early 1970s, I dated a handsome and brilliant young man who later joined the Sullivanians and stayed for over a decade. During the past couple of years, I've read everything I could lay my hands on about the Sullivanians, but I'll never understand why Steve allowed himself to be captured by this harmful and deranged cult.

Have you heard of the Dan Markel murder trial going on now? I would love to see your analogy of Wendi Adelson. I swear she one of the creepiest humans I have ever seen on the stand.

This makes me think you should do a Scientology case.

I’ve seen MANY videos on cults but never of this one. Most cults I can see how it might appeal but I couldn’t see one redeeming belief. It sought to destroy human relationships but isn’t that one of our most basic needs? That this was a cult of more than one person boggles my mind 😳

Thanks Dr. Grande. Plato also seemed to think the nuclear family was a problem and suggested communism as a remedy. Obviously Plato lived long before the right/left split, which comes from the French Revolution. So the title could equally be: Dangers of Taking Plato's Republic Too Seriously!

A cult led by a Mother's Day Grinch, now that is bad. Thanks Dr, Grande, I think you analyzed this case great!

In the end, these flimflam operations always seem to be about power, sex & money.

Never heard of this. Thank you Dr. Grande for always shedding light & insight on often overlooked topics.

Right.............what in deep fried cheese coated hell was that? Just, What? Whole thing sounds like something you could come up with only after a drinking binge combined with a traumatic brain injury.

I see a very common point in your videos. Most seem lonely, cults and sex. Do or can any of the followers of these cults think for themselves. Again, I'm glad I like my own company. He was correct about mothers day. Thank you. Peace 💕🇺🇲

" Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities." ~ Voltaire (1694-1778)

Members weren't allowed to have contact with their family, but were allowed to ask their family for money. Kind of undermines the "worker" part of the Workers' Party, unless by "workers" they mean other people, not themselves.

First I've heard of this cult Dr. G. Very sad situation. Thx for the excellent info and summary. 💯

If we want to be free of cults, we need to build community ties, stop engaging in tribalism and understand that every community member, every human being has value. Accept and validate people. This society enables these things by ostracizing individuals. People who find themselves in a cult aren’t “stupid.” They may be emotionally damaged, but They are, at core, looking for acceptance.

Really enjoyed the video as per usual Dr. Grande. I would like to put in a request for you to make a video analysis of the life and mental health factors surrounding musical artist Elliott Smith. He seemed to be a voice for misfits with art largely focused on topics like depression and anxiety. He’s particularly remembered for carrying out one of the more wild/bizarre celebrity suicides to date. I think it’d be fascinating to hear your take on Smith’s story. Thanks as always for the great content Doc!

Surprised to see this video from you but much appreciated. Very curious about what this video will be about! Excited to watch

Great video. Great perspective. Thanks again for this content! We appreciate it greatly!

Initially left wing. Apparently never liberal. Authoritarian basically.

Well, he was from New Brunswick... No hope for him from the beginning lol

Great content Dr. I always enjoy your videos

I never heard of this cult. What a fascinating story. I think it is also very revealing. We should always question people in influential positions. I can imagine what sort of articles the cult member working at the NY Times wrote.

12:57 "I think that all of Saul's political discussions were really just a way to make his strategy seem like they were based on something more than just his own desires."

It’s like he was trying to break all attachments because he thought they caused suffering or pain. He had a problem with his family of origin, I guess.

My mom is a prosecutor and every year she brings up the fact that Mother's Day is the day with the lowest crime. think that says a lot about how many moms commit crimes throughout the year, but can't today because they're too busy being celebrated.

You cover your topics in great depth. Thanks for another great case. You are a super teacher. Could you do one on how the children raised in cults turn out?

I would love to hear you unpack sometime what it means to 'informally study psychotherapy'. I feel like there's a story in there

🪁Good afternoon Dr. Grande. Reviewed your description.. my first thought was the characters in The Big Lebowski… the “nihilists” 😑. 5:20 PM Sunday, left coast, sitting up on the roof… big glass of camomile iced tea listening you😎. Just lovely.

A leader against the traditional family, bonding with your own children, and monogamy.... Removing those values would take away a lot of stability for the members. I sometimes wonder how much of a factor boredom is in the joining of a cult. Very interesting case and very helpful explanation and analysis, thank you.

Hi dr. Grande! I love your videos. I have a few ideas for you to cover: -Agatha Christie’s random disappearance in 1926. Did she have a nervous breakdown? Was it a fugue state? Did she just want to start a new life? -Larry Nassar- what could have been happening here? Antisocial Personality Disorder? NPD? How did he get away with it for so long? What did you make of his letter to the judge?

Sounds like religions except, religions were successful in maintaining their presence even after the leader died.

Better NOT call Saul!

Excellent summary. Thank you. My sister lived on the south shore of Nassau/Long Island in the 1980s was said to be “treated “ by a Sullivanian institute trained therapist. She divorced herself from our family, especially our late mother, for no apparent reason in the 1980s and is still estranged these 40 years later. Do you happen to know if there is a group or website where the names of therapists trained in this manner might still exist? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

Hey, thanks Dr. Grande, loved the analysis!

The 'nuclear family' is not actually a traditional, family value. It was an image spread through TV in the 40s and 50s.

Hey Dr.Grande , thanks for all you do, love your take on these stories ! I was thinking how sad for the children , you hear of the children being abused in cults and this one doesn't allow the children to stay , but children are vulnerable when sent away too.. .....very scary and sad

Very interested to hear your take on Bob Berdella serial killer

So what was Sol's problem with his mother?

Great one. Wow. I guess we’ve never really heard of this bc there were no murders associated w it.

Dr Grande, a video outlining your thoughts on Henry Steiger would be fascinating.

This cult appears to be alive and well in modern academia.

I've never heard of these people. I guess if one goes far enough left or far enough right, one ends up in the same. place... crazy.

The emotional/mental damage that people suffer while in cults can be horrible to witness, let alone live through. The worst part is that there doesn't seem to be any real defense for keeping loved ones from being seduced by cult ideologies. it would be interesting to hear the Doctor's views on "Nubian Islamic Hebrews" cult formerly led by "Doctor" Michael York. I knew people that had joined that one, & it left some of them very emotionally damaged.

Dr. Thank you for saying that you are only speculating. I like your style.

Look at us, analyzing Dr. Grande's every word, anxious lest he be siding with our political opponents. I get the feeling he's enjoying this.

it's ALWAYS about sex. ALWAYS. and money.

I'm from Saint John, I had no idea he was born there. He's not on the tourism videos. Fantastic 👏👏👏♥️🇨🇦

Have you ever covered Rev. Moon who started the huge cult Moonies.

Vídeo could also be titled “Dangers of Psychotherapy Extremism”

This was bonkers! Never heard of this case! Glad that Dr. Grande seemed to listen to the constructive criticism some of his viewers (Ana Psychology has a video explaining this- although I didn’t agree with all of her issue, and she is guilty of some of the same things!) In recent videos Dr. Grande only punches up with his sarcasm and humor, and seems to be taking more care with his opinions on women.

Fun fact his original family name was Cohen which is a curiously recurring name

Great analysis once again!

Sounds exactly like the insane world today!!!

There was a university study over several years done on "It takes a village to raise a child". The results of that study was spectacular failure for that often quoted idiom. I wish Dr. Grande could analyze that study and how it fails children to allow "the village" to raise them.

Please cover the Lacey Fletcher case.

Lived in NYC my entire life , never heard of this.Very unsettling

Dr Grande, I really hope to hear from you about this doctor of psychology on the stand as an expert witness for AH Monday morning. It’s so unprofessional!!!

Sounds like Scientology to me (except WITH psychotherapy - which LRH hated). Do you use LIfton's model or Hassan's BITE model to assess cults? And - my opinion, not diagnosing anyone here - people join cults when they're in vulnerable situations or they might be born in (2nd Gen). I was briefly involved in a cult when I was at a low point and seeking to improve my life. It's complicated.

I have my copy of ‘The conditions of human growth’. Interesting book!

Dr. Grande, speaking of 3 Mile Island, can you do an analysis of the Netflix show that was on? Pretty please 🥺.

A very astute analysis... I had never heard of them before and I have studied a lot of cults! Interesting echoes of the People's Temple, Unification Church and $cientology

It's amazing how many people end up falling into a cult.

I’m listening to Grande describe all the controlling and rude behavior of the lead psychologists and the Mother’s Day mentality and laughing the whole time.

Aw man this is kinda sad and unexpected. Why not let psychopaths be psychopaths? This dude might have considered himself far left, but he was a monster. This authoritarian guy is about as far left as Attila the Hun is far right. I watched a true crime vid about some cringe, dnd-playing, psycho, sex-obsessed, theater kid-murderer-dude, but I wouldn't start a video warning people about dungeons and dragons or attending theater classes. Nor would I title the video titled "Dangers of Dungeons and Dragons."

Excellent as per usual.

What are traditional family values? It's such a vague term that it borders on meaningless. Are my families traditions the same as yours? if not which is not a traditional family, yours or mine?

I never knew of such case. It was always a curiosity I had. It's so weird, it's almost as if they intentionally sought to make of themselves a living right-wing straw-man of left-wing principles. Left-wing stuff is generally associated with much larger cults of personality, which also seem to have depend significantly on first taking the power of the state itself. To a point it's even kind of blurry to which degree the thing is really a cult of personality or a façade people have to put up in order to not get themselves in serious trouble. But I've always imagined there was the risk of some voluntary/intentional communes having cult elements, being somewhat analog to religious and/or RW groups, which for some reason are either more numerous or more noteworthy. Although the cultist or cult-prone behavior among the extreme LW isn't that uncommon to observe. If anything, it seems to have gradually become more widespread over the past 10-20 years, actually sort of a general approximation of many more characteristic RW propensities, along the lines of Haidt's "moral pillars" divisions, just with a different narrative. Although maybe the main thing, or the most concrete thing, perhaps is just the gradual decline of giving people the benefit of the doubt (from both sides). Everything has to be interpreted/inferred in the worst way possible.

Never heard of the Sullivans, but you got to hand it to Saul......he found a way too score and boost his ego.

Saul, doesn't seem like a cult leader more like a con man, who was out for the money and sex.I don't understand why educational people joins cult. Its great when a cult is over and done with. Thank you Dr Grande. Brilliant analysis and topic.

Of course they went to Florida.