At the beginning of March 2023, the first national meetings on sectarian aberrations took place. This unprecedented event was organized at the request of the Interministerial Mission for Vigilance and the Fight against Sectarian Aberrations (MIVILUDES): it has indeed “noted a worrying increase and transformation of the sectarian phenomenon in France“.
However, for several years now, health has become a hunting ground for malicious individuals looking for easy money. Thus, between 2019 and 2020, approximately 38% of reports made to MIVILUDES concerned “therapeutic abuses of a sectarian nature“.
These “sectarian therapeutic abuses” represented 27% of the cases handled by the National Center for Family Support Faced with Sectarian Control (CAFFES) in 2021. In 2022, this proportion rose to 30%.
“The Covid-19 epidemic has contributed to amplifying the phenomenon by generating a lot of anxiety, reacts Charline Delporte, national president of CAFFES. But it’s not just that: we also see a loss of confidence in medicine and drugs (amplified in particular by recent health scandals), an increase in the feeling of “I can treat myself” (maintained by social networks) and a normalization of alternative therapies (today we go to the magnetizer as to the dentist!)“.
Naturopath, acupuncturist, hypnotherapist, magnetizer, energy specialist… How can you be sure that the therapist you go to regularly is not a guru? “In general, I urge you to be cautious and suspicious: keep in mind that these “therapists” are in no way doctors: we are no longer in science, we are in belief. You have to stay vigilant“advises Charline Delporte. A few “red flags” not to be ignored…
1 – “I will heal you, and quickly!”
“Malicious “therapists” tend to prey on people who suffer from chronic illnesses – such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or even bipolar disorder. Indeed: by definition, these diseases cannot be cured. For the “therapist”, this therefore represents a regular inflow of money…” analyzes Charline Delporte.
First red flag, therefore, a promise of rapid recovery. “If your doctor is cautious about the evolution of your pathology, there is a good reason for this: do not be fooled by the sirens of a non-doctor individual! It’s probably a scam.”
2 – “Whatever your illness, I can cure you”
“Before consulting a “therapist” for the first time, take a look at his website: if he announces that he is able to treat (or “take charge”) a long list of pathologies, it is very bad sign !“says Charline Delporte.
3 – “I am self-taught”
“In the middle of the street, you wouldn’t let a stranger put his hands on you; so do not allow yourself to be examined by a person who has no medical degree or any medical training recognized by the State…“advises Charline Delporte.
The president of CAFFES also warns us against the “self-taught therapists” (“it is a synonym of self-proclaimed“) as well as against the “therapists” who align the diplomas obtained abroad: “the therapist who had a revelation during a trip to India or who obtained his diploma in the United States or Canada, it is a great classic and it is not reassuring because the practical and theoretical requirements are not there are not the same as in France“.
Conversely, trust a doctor (or a physiotherapist, a nurse, a clinical psychologist…) who uses “alternative therapies” as an additional string to his bow.
4 – “We will see each other every week”
“What is complicated with therapeutic abuses of a sectarian nature is that people actually get better for a few months, once they have started their follow-up with their “therapist”: this well-being is good often linked to self-persuasionexplains Charline Delporte. But once this “honeymoon” phase is over, the health problems return… This is where the malicious “therapist” can close his grip and impose regular (paying) consultations.“
If your “therapist” “forces your hand” so that you make regular appointments with him, if he strongly encourages you to buy certain products (books, food supplements, magic stones, jewellery, stays or retreats well-being…), there is probably a problem of control.
5 – “Cash payment only”
“Before consulting a therapist for the first time, be curious! Don’t hesitate to ask the “angry questions” if you can’t find the answers on the internet: is it possible to pay by credit card? Is it possible to get an invoice? Is the “therapist” referenced in an official directory? Does he have a Siret number? Is it recommended by a trusted organization?… If you don’t get an answer or (worse) if the “therapist” seems annoyed by your questions, move on.“
Thanks to Charline Delporte, National President of the National Center for Family Support in the Face of Sectarian Influence (CAFFES).
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