Okay, I'm not imposing this thought on anyone, and I don't mean to turn people off, but especially where kids and families are concerned, I think I should speak my truth about this, as so many people can potentially benefit.
To my way of thinking, everyone who leaves Scientology after having been in for a long time or to a great degree (in SO or on staff, or certainly RAISED in it) needs some form of exit counseling to aide in the transition to life in the real world. Not to imply that they are damaged or unable, just that the experience of being part of this Cult is overwhelming, and life altering, at best mind-bending and socially restricting, and at worst traumatic as mental, emotional, physical and financial abuse has occurred, and we all need help to deal with overwhelming situations or circumstances in our lives.
Being in a cult is just one such situation. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help when you need it, or when someone in your family does! This can effect the well-being of everyone in the family.
This counseling and support can take place in many venues and through many forms, both formal and informal.
Much of it is happening right here and right now on this forum, by us all talking and sharing our stories and thoughts and feelings about issues!
Much takes place informally between romantic partners and the families and friends of Exes. Thank God for all of the help and support that is available now, as so much more knowledge is public now, thanks to the Internet, about Scientology's abuses over the years since it's inception.
More formal or structured counseling can also be found in many places, support and self-help groups, like 12 step and other self-help programs, even like Weight Watchers! Don't be afraid to do some research on line to learn a little bit about types and forms of mental health counseling in the real world. It is not the nightmarish, degrading scenario that Scientology paints it to be. If not for yourself, maybe someone in your family or a friend you know may benefit from what you learn about it.
There are also licensed clinical social workers who work as "therapists" but do not give drugs or suggest electro-convulsive therapy, in addition to licensed psychologists, who mostly do talking therapy individually or in groups, but also refer people to medical doctors for help when needed. Psychiatrists are licensed and trained medical doctors who specialize in treating people who are medically ill with brain disease and dysfunction and they can prescribe medication, as well as to additionally help people with talking therapy. They are the only counselors or therapists who can prescribe medication.
There are a whole range of educated para-professional counselors, like licensed ministers with certified counseling training, and substance abuse counselors, social workers who teach parenting classes, or counsel kids in foster care and their foster families, trained and credentialed "life coaches" who help people to handle their problems and challenges, etc.
There are many forms and kinds of "talking" therapy. There are also Spiritual Counselors of many types (Ministers, Rabbis, Priests, Monks, Imams, etc.) who by training and experience are there to listen and to help people with their troubles, especially in recovering from emotional and spiritual abuse in a cult. I know some of the posters here have big buttons on religion, and I understand why. But many religious advisors and spiritual counselors are also cross-trained in psychology and serve as mental health counselors as well, certainly not all.
I just want to make the point that counseling help, in MANY forms, is widely widely available. It does not have to be expensive, either. This can speed the healing and recovery process along for Exes who are struggling with any issues, and no one should feel like they have to "work this out" by themselves. Isolation is counter-productive to recovery, for most people.
There is no implied criticism by me of anyone who chooses another path, in my pointing out that many forms of counseling and help are widely available, even over the Internet. It's just that, given the demonization of psychiatry and psychology by Ron and his Cult, often those Cult survivors who could benefit from counseling the most understand it their options about it the least, and are the most reluctant or resistant to seek or accept help with healing.
Keep talking, everyone! It helps!