The counseling program, ConneXions, linked with famed YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke and led by Jodi Hildebrandt, is under a glaring spotlight.
Former patients are speaking out against the duo's alleged cult-like counseling techniques, shedding light on a system that purportedly caused division among families and spouses.
Delving Into ConneXions' Distinct Practices
Since its inception, ConneXions has been surrounded by whispers and murmurs. However, it's only now that former patients of the program, which spanned from 2008 to 2019, are voicing their grievances.
Many of them unanimously assert that Jodi Hildebrandt's counseling methods in ConneXions had a tendency to drive a wedge between families.
Notably, the behaviors of attendees were often pathologized, framing them as manifestations of undisclosed addictions, which further aggravated the sense of isolation.
Stephanie Jones, a former attendee, shared her personal experience with Jodi Hildebrandt's ConneXions. According to her, the atmosphere felt increasingly restrictive and reminiscent of a cult-like setting.
She highlighted Hildebrandt's overriding theme that those under her wing were in possession of the "truth." This created an environment where participants felt pressured to communicate only within the program's circle, as outside perspectives were discouraged and often deemed inaccurate.
Unraveling the Connection: Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt
ConneXions' controversial stance took a darker turn with the arrest of its two leading figures, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt. Both faced serious felony child abuse charges after a distressing discovery at Hildebrandt's home.
This revelation, which showcased a stark disconnect between their professed teachings and actions, pushed ConneXions further into controversy.
Ruby Franke, despite her prominent role as a "certified mental fitness trainer" on the ConneXions platform, seemed to maintain a distance from direct counseling, based on client feedback.
Though she actively participated in the program's promotional content alongside Hildebrandt, former patients clarified that Franke was not part of their counseling sessions.
This intricate relationship between Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt, and ConneXions is undoubtedly drawing more in-depth investigative interest from various quarters.
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ConneXions: An Extreme Spin on LDS Teachings?
A thread running through the discourse surrounding ConneXions is its grounding in the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
But rather than a straightforward adoption, former clients believe Hildebrandt's lessons lean towards an extreme interpretation of LDS teachings.
One area that particularly drew attention was ConneXions' focus on porn and sex addiction, primarily aimed at male participants.
This stance, though resonating strongly within certain LDS communities, finds no formal recognition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Nevertheless, five men who were interviewed by NBC News felt that Hildebrandt unjustly diagnosed them with these "addictions."
This often resulted in them being placed in rigorous therapy sessions, further echoing the cult-like counseling approach that many are now associating with ConneXions.
As more details emerge, the narrative around Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt, and their brainchild, ConneXions, grows more complex.
With allegations of cult-like counseling practices at its core, the public and former patients await clearer answers and, possibly, a reckoning for those at the helm of this controversial initiative.
