The results of an administrative investigation against the private psychiatric clinic Clienia Littenheid in canton Thurgau were released on Friday. Investigators concluded that a conspiracy narrative of “ritual violence and mind control” was one of the themes in the clinic’s trauma therapy services.
The report shows that one physician at the clinic developed “a particular interest in the theme of ritual violence, even to the point of a fascination with Satanist ritual violence and mind control”. This physician influenced the culture of both trauma services with the result that the topic of ritual abuse and mind control was integrated by other physicians into much of the treatment in the trauma service.
This kind of therapy involves making patients believe that they were abused by Satanic criminal groups who could remotely control their personalities through programming. Thanks to this control, the victims could be used as sex workers or drug couriers, for example.
One doctor’s license was revoked, a disciplinary reprimand and various fines were issued, the cantonal department said. Several criminal complaints have been filed.
According to the clinic, the psychiatrist directly involved was suspended in 2021 and then dismissed. The clinic also announced that it had suspended its chief physician and medical director after learning that she is under criminal investigation.
“Such an attitude has no place in the clinic, nor in continuing education that contains or touches such ideology in any way,” the clinic stated in a press release.
Two other psychiatric clinics in Switzerland have also been accused of practicing ritual violence and mind control therapy.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
How to rescue a loved one from a sect
This content was published on
Are you worried that someone you know is drifting away after joining a sect? Swiss helpline Infosekta answers some of our readers’ questions.
This content was published on
Can a new cinematic adaptation of Jeremias Gotthelf’s 1842 novella The Black Spider help it break through internationally?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.