In December 2018, Evgeny Volkov visited the Latvian capital. He is the main translator of foreign literature on sects and cults into Russian. It was thanks to him that the inhabitants of the post-Soviet space first learned how to better interact with the victims of cults.
During Evgeny Volkov’s visit to Riga, I was lucky enough to interview him about his impressions of Riga and his opinion on the situation with sects in Russia.
Evgeny Novomirovich Volkov
Social psychologist, Candidate of Philosophy, Associate Professor of the Department of General Sociology and Social Work of NI Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod.
Svetlana Krilova
Existential psychologist, rehabilitation consultant for former members of destructive cults.
Volkov specializes in counseling, trainings and expert testimony in the field of social influence and critical thinking. He teaches courses on psychology, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and social engineering, including a course “Psychological Defense Against Psychological and Spiritual Abuse.”
Mr. Volkov has over 80 publications, including “The Criminal Challenge to Practical Psychology: A Phenomenon of Destructive Cults and Mind Control,” “Methods of Recruitment and Mind Control in Destructive Cults,” “The Basic Models of Mind Control (Thought Reform),” and “Consultation with Victims of an Intensive Mental Manipulation: Basic Principles, Specificity of Practice.” His translations of books on social influence and cults are widely known in Russia. Mr. Volkov also teaches psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and educators at seminars and gives trainings in many cities of Russia and NIS. He consults with municipal, governmental and non-governmental organizations, lawyers, and journalists, and has participated in many TV-shows and TV documentaries about cults and psychological abuse. He also consults with individuals and families adversely affected by psychological and spiritual abuse in various groups and organizations.