The journey to psychological well-being is a personal one. This journey often involves managing and dealing with complex or difficult situations. At our offices in Edmonton and St. Albert, we utilize the BITE Model developed by Dr. Steven Hassan. This model was created to help us understand cults, and the methods they use to coerce individuals and maintain control over them. The BITE model can also be a helpful tool when trying to understand high control situations or organizations, abusive relationships or even skewed family dynamics that are enforced with manipulation. If you or a loved one is struggling from the impacts of any of the above, Wholesome Psychology is here for you. Our skilled team of therapists are compassionate and will support you on your journey to recovery.
What Is the BITE Model?
The BITE Model is a psychological framework for identifying and understanding the power structures within cults and controlling environments. BITE stands for Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control. These are the four key ways in which cults or controlling groups work to dominate individuals who are influenced by them:
- Behavior Control: Manages what you do, where you go, and who you talk to or depend on
- Information Control: Controls what information you see and hear, limits outside information coming in and distorts or censors it. Limits access to outside information and distorts or censors communication.
- Thought Control: Encourages groupthink, limits individuality, changes and manipulates belief systems and reduces critical thinking.Manipulates belief systems, encourages groupthink, and suppresses critical thinking.
- Emotional Control: utilizes fear, guilt or shame to control how you act and feel, may also use loyalty as well.
Understanding and recognizing these four components can be critical for individuals who are recovering from psychological manipulation, whether that be from a controlling group or organization, or from a toxic family dynamic. If you feel like you or a loved one has experienced any of these situations or experiences, counseling can provide validation, compassion and provide you with a safe space to heal.
Recognizing the Signs of Undue Influence
Often people who are starting to recognize or understand that they may have been influenced by a controlling or manipulating group, will seek the support of a psychologist to help them unpack their emotions and experience. If you’re leaving a high-control religious group, managing family systems, or recovering from a controlling relationship, counselling that utilizes BITE Model and follows its core may be helpful for you. BITE model counselling can help you with:
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or isolation
- Struggling with questioning authority or values
- Black-and-white thinking
- Thinking that's been controlled by a group or a leader.
- Discouraged from accessing independent or outside information
- Frequent self-doubt
- Anxiety surrounding making personal decisions
- Fear of punishment or abandonment
- Fear of losing community
If you feel like you have dealt with any of these feelings or experiences, you are not alone. Many individuals have experienced similar situations and have had to work towards healing. Wholesome psychology provides accessible in person appointments at our Edmonton and St. Albert offices. We also offer secure video sessions and flexible appointment times. Our therapists are kind and compassionate, they guide you through your healing journey, providing support every step of the way.
Who Can Benefit from BITE Model Counseling?
Anyone who has experienced high-control dynamics at any stage during their life can benefit from understanding the BITE Model. Common experiences include:
Our team of therapists works with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This personalized plan is tailored to meet your needs and goals throughout your sessions. They can help you address the cognitive and emotional affects these experiences have had on you. They help you build self-esteem and confidence to improve your overall well-being.
BITE Model Counseling for Families in Edmonton and St. Albert
Many individuals reach out for help not just for themselves, but also to support family members, teens, or children affected by high-control environments. Family systems therapy provided by our therapists can help individuals, children, teens and families, repair or restore their relationships and allow them to build trust. It can also help promote open and respectful communication. Our therapists are available for support and guidance at every stage of your healing journey. Learn more about our full approach to family systems therapy and related recovery services.
Related Concerns We Can Help With
What to Expect from BITE Model Counseling
Your first session will be an intake appointment. You will speak with the therapist to explain your experiences and the goals you are hoping to meet, they will then collaborate with you to create a unique treatment plan to help you reach your goals. They will listen and work on understanding your history while find approaches that will work best for you. They will identify which components of the BITE Model may have impacted your life. They will help you to build and understand boundaries, reduce self esteem issues and build self confidence. You will learn practical tools for emotional regulation and communication with others.
Our therapists approach every session with empathy and cultural awareness. Our office spaces are inclusive and welcoming of everyone.
Get Started with Wholesome Psychology
If you’re in Edmonton or St. Albert and are wanting to start your healing journey, contact Wholesome Psychology. Our team of professionals provide knowledge and provide a supportive and understanding space for you to open up about your feelings and experiences. They provide evidence-based counseling using a number of approaches that are best suited to you and your goals. Visit our therapists page to learn more about our team, we are proud of you and are so grateful to be a part of your journey to improved well-being.
References: Steven Hassan, P., Thomas G. Gutheil, M., & Mansi J. Shah, M. (2025, December 9). Responding to authoritarian cults and extreme exploitations: A new framework to evaluate undue influence. Psychiatric Times. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/responding-to-authoritarian-cults-and-extreme-exploitations-a-new-framework-to-evaluate-undue-influence
