Jill Aebi-Mytton
Jill Aebi-Mytton | |
|---|---|
Aebi-Mytton in 2024 | |
| Born | Jill Mytton |
| Education | MSc Counselling Psychology DPsych (Prof) |
| Alma mater | Middlesex University Metanoia Institute |
| Known for | Research on psychological outcomes of former Exclusive Brethren members |
| Notable work | Four Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy (with Windy Dryden, 2016) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Counselling psychology; trauma studies; religious trauma |
| Institutions | Independent practice |
| Thesis | A narrative exploration of the lived experience of being born, raised in, and leaving a cultic group: the case of the Exclusive Brethren (2017) |
Jill Aebi-Mytton (also known as Jill Mytton) is a British Chartered Counselling Psychologist and researcher known for her work on the psychological effects of high-control religious groups, particularly the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren). Her research on former members of the Brethren has been reported in mainstream media and science outlets.[1][2]
She was interviewed by Richard Dawkins for the Channel 4 documentary The Root of All Evil? and is referenced in Dawkins’ 2006 book The God Delusion.[3][4]
Early life
Aebi-Mytton was born into the Exclusive Brethren in southeast England.[4] Her family left the Brethren in 1960 during a major schism associated with the leadership of James Taylor Jr., particularly over new rules prohibiting members from eating with non-members.[4]
In interviews, she has described her childhood as socially restrictive and shaped by fear-based religious teachings.[5]
Education and professional career
Aebi-Mytton trained initially in occupational therapy and mathematics teaching before qualifying in psychology.[4] She later completed a professional doctorate examining the lived experiences of individuals born into and leaving the Exclusive Brethren.[6][7]
Research
Aebi-Mytton conducted a study involving 264 former members of the Exclusive Brethren examining psychological outcomes following exit from the group.[2]
Reported findings included:
- 70% of respondents lost contact with family after leaving;
- 84% reported severe emotional distress upon leaving;
- 27% reported childhood sexual abuse within the context of their upbringing.[2]
Former members scored significantly higher than general population norms on measures including anxiety, depression, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, and somatization.[2]
Publications
- Aebi-Mytton, Jill (2017). A narrative exploration of the lived experience of being born, raised in, and leaving a cultic group: the case of the Exclusive Brethren. Doctoral thesis, Middlesex University / Metanoia Institute.[6]
- Dryden, Windy; Mytton, Jill (2016). Four Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy. Routledge.[8]
References
- ^ Redekop, Bill (10 May 2014). "The closed-door church: Inside the secretive and strict Plymouth Brethren sect in Manitoba". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d "The toll of growing up in a religious cult". ScienceDaily. 12 July 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ^ "Jill Mytton Interview - Richard Dawkins". Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science. 3 February 2009. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d "Brethren Born ~ Dr. Jill Aebi-Mytton". Talk Beliefs Podcast. 2 December 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ^ "Jill Mytton Interview - Richard Dawkins". Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science. 3 February 2009. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ^ a b Aebi-Mytton, Jill (2017). A narrative exploration of the lived experience of being born, raised in, and leaving a cultic group: the case of the Exclusive Brethren (PDF) (Doctoral thesis (DPsych)). Middlesex University / Metanoia Institute. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ^ "Invitation to View Abstracts of completed DPsych(Prof) Research Projects". Metanoia Institute. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ^ Dryden, Windy; Mytton, Jill (2016). Four Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy. Routledge. Retrieved 25 February 2026.