This specialist article is intended for colleagues who, as part of their professional work in the field of psychosocial care, come into contact with so-called ‘cult children’ as part of their professional work in the field of psychosocial care. It is intended to help them better understand those affected, perhaps identify them at an earlier stage and provide targeted support. Right from the start – before the so-called ‘cult child’ has finally found their own words to describe life and the dynamics within the cult that once shaped them. ‘The tolerance enshrined in Article 4 of the German Basic Law