"This can work if done right, but it's still traumatic, and it has to be done carefully and with a measure of planning."
There is no painless way to wake up that you have wasted decades and trashed relationships in exchange for membership in a looney cult. We have to take that into consideration when talking to cult members, but it shouldn't stop us from trying. It's not only about them. I've seen cult members trying to recruit from their death beds, an excellent time to show off their faith without having to answer difficult questions.