Was anyone else in a “creative/artist” environment that turned into coercive control?
Hi, I’m writing this because I’ve been struggling for years to find anyone who truly understands the kind of situation I went through. In my early 20s, when I was emotionally very vulnerable, I became involved with an older artist who acted as a mentor figure.
Through that connection, I entered a small artistic community that, at the time, felt meaningful and unique. Over time, however, the situation radically shifted. What initially felt like guidance and support became something much more controlling. There was abuse and violence, and there were no clear boundaries between work, personal life, and loyalty. The structure revolved strongly around one central person, and over time my independence — and even my connections to friends and family — were gradually eroded.
Looking back, the dynamic resembles what people describe as coercive control or a “cult-like” environment — although it wasn’t religious, but built around art, identity, and belonging.
I was in that situation for over 15 years. The hardest part for me now is not only what happened, but what came after. I am no longer in contact with the people from that environment, and attempts to reconnect have not worked at all. It feels like there is no shared space to process what happened, and that sometimes makes me question my own experience. So I wanted to ask: Has anyone else been in a similar situation, especially in a creative or artistic context?
And if so, how have you made sense of it afterwards — especially if you don’t have contact with others who were involved? Thank you for reading.