As a spiritual abuse researcher and working ritualist, I have one foot firmly anchored in the psychology of cults, with a keen personal and academic understanding of what misuse of spiritual power looks and feels like. My other foot is in the world of intuition, animism, and ritual, which I consider to be very natural human skills of relationship, attunement, and meaning-making.
For the last nine years I have walked alongside people through grief, loss, initiatory experiences, spiritual abuse recovery, deconstruction of traditions that no longer make sense, and rebuilding relationships with self, place, and ancestors. I draw upon my research, years of client work, and my own lived experience to support people in reclaiming their spiritual lives in ways that feel organic and authentic to them.
I am near completion of my MSc in the Psychology of Coercive Control from the University of Salford and work as a research assistant at the University of Victoria exploring the mental health needs of cult survivors and survivors of online high-demand groups and ideologies.
I am a hands-on learner and have gained as much from solitary retreats, receiving healing, and exchanges with clients, colleagues, and the natural world as from formal training environments. I work with gratitude for all the teachers and traditions that have shaped my practice, knowing I can capture only a fraction of them here. I am grateful to every person who has welcomed me into their ceremonial spaces, conversations, rituals, and learning with kindness and respect.
Betsy Bergstrom (spirit work), Cedar Barstow (Right Use of Power), Daniel Foor (ritual), Rachel Weitz (plants), Julie Kramer (mediumship), Jude Starks (mediumship), Christine Mark (seidr), Shenoah Taylor (seidr), Tibetan Buddhist meditation (a tradition I spent 11 years in — no longer affiliated), Ann Drucker (earth-based healing), Helen Walkley (movement patterning), Lee Su-Feh (movement), and the INELDA death doula training team.
I have also been influenced by the work of Malidoma Somé, Danu Forest, Morpheus Ravenna, and Francis Weller. My own ancestors and guides have taught me and pointed me home continually.
Rayann holds a wide and grounded space for safety and clear vision to emerge. She creates a corridor between the worlds to link one’s personal experience to higher purpose and truth.
Sign up for reflections on power dynamics, spirituality, and practical ritual skills. Always written by Rayann, not AI.
Educator, Writer, Ritualist & Cult Researcher
MSc Psychology of Coercive Control Candidate (2026)
BA Psychology (2005)
Supporting recovery after spiritual harm
© 2026 Rayann Gordon