In the digital age, platforms like Eventbrite have become common places for people to find help with anxiety, trauma, and stress. But beneath the surface of seemingly supportive “mental health” seminars lies a disturbing trend: the calculated use of these events by the Church of Scientology to lure in vulnerable people under the pretense of scientific and therapeutic help.

Attending several of these events revealed a pattern that felt increasingly off. What started as general discussions about trauma and personal growth quickly morphed into emotionally intrusive sessions. Participants were asked to reveal their most painful life experiences, all while moderators collected phone numbers and emails under the guise of offering further support.

What followed wasn’t professional follow-up, nor access to licensed therapists. Instead, there was a hard push toward concepts like “auditing” and “clearing,” hallmarks of Scientology’s belief system, despite the sessions being pitched as neutral or scientific.

Carefully Orchestrated Control

A particularly disturbing aspect of these seminars was how tightly they were controlled. Attendees were blocked from private messaging one another, preventing any behind-the-scenes conversations or potential warnings between participants. This kind of communication control is a well-known tactic in high-control groups and cults—it keeps people isolated and more vulnerable to persuasion.

When questions were asked that challenged the process or the legitimacy of the methods being used, moderators ignored them or quickly moved on. The atmosphere shifted from welcoming to quietly oppressive, where only certain types of questions were permitted.

A Long History of Deceptive Recruitment

This isn’t a new strategy for Scientology. They have a documented history of using front groups—such as Narconon for addiction or “educational” programs for youth—to bring people into their ideology without disclosing their true affiliation. What’s newer is the packaging: using the language of psychology and wellness, combined with the accessibility of online platforms, to expand their reach under the radar.

The seminars often appear scientific, with titles referencing stress relief, emotional intelligence, or trauma healing. But what lies beneath is not grounded in evidence-based mental health care—there are no licensed professionals, no ethical safeguards, and no genuine support. Just manipulation.

Why This Matters

People looking for help deserve honesty, transparency, and qualified care. When someone attends a mental health seminar, they should not be unknowingly stepping into a recruitment pipeline for a religious organization with a long track record of abuse allegations, secrecy, and control.

These deceptive practices exploit trust and vulnerability. Worse, they prey on people who may already be suffering—offering false hope, pseudoscience, and pressure to become more deeply involved in a closed system.

How to Stay Safe

Here are some red flags to watch out for in any online seminar:

• No verifiable credentials: If the hosts are not licensed professionals and don’t provide their names or affiliations, be cautious.

• Requests for personal trauma stories up front: Ethical therapists don’t collect your trauma history in a public setting or without proper consent.

• Restricted communication between attendees: Legitimate support groups encourage community, not isolation.

• Push toward expensive or mysterious programs: Especially those that discourage outside help or therapy.

Report and Share

If you come across a seminar like this, report it to the platform. Warn others if it’s safe to do so. And remember: real mental health support comes from qualified, ethical professionals—not organizations that hide their true intent behind the promise of healing.

You’re not alone, and you’re not wrong for questioning something that feels off. Protecting yourself and others starts with speaking the truth—even when others try to silence it.