Jill Aebi-Mytton
British counselling psychologist and researcher
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Metanoia Institute
Jill Aebi-Mytton | |
|---|---|
Aebi-Mytton in 2024 | |
| Born | Jill Mytton |
| Education | 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) |
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.[3]
Education and professional career
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.[5]
- Dryden, Windy; Mytton, Jill (2016). Four Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy. Routledge.[7]