Ron Burks, Ph.D.

Ron Burks, Ph.D. holds an M. Div. and an M.A. in counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Ph. D. in Counselor Education from Ohio University.  His dissertation is entitled, “Cognitive Impairment in Thought Reform Environments.” He is licensed in Ohio as a Professional Clinical Counselor and has worked at Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center in Albany, OH, since 1993, researching the emotional aftereffects of cults and counseling ex-cultists with the psychological and spiritual issues of recovery.  Dr. Burks was involved in the Fort Lauderdale/Shepherding movement for 17 years.  After exiting the group, he and his wife, Vicki, shared their experiences in Damaged Disciples: Casualties of Authoritarian Churches and the Shepherding Movement, published by Zondervan.  Their book has been helpful for many recovering from a variety of authoritarian Bible-based groups. 

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