Anything could arguably be a cult, from aromatherapy to acupuncture to religions that are millennia old. So I don't find the article particularly compelling.

That said, there are cultic aspects to psychotherapy. It can be a little bit of a creepy relationship. Many therapists embrace those aspects of it (just reading some stories on PC, for instance), but clearly many shun them. For instance, I've never seen a therapist who didn't want me to know that this was a temporary relationship, even if it took a couple years to reach my goals. I've also never met one interested in becoming some kind of parent figure to me, not even No. 1 with her attachment stuff.

But can psychotherapy categorically be said to be a cult? No. But I don't have a problem with anyone trying to make the argument it is.

Also, may I point out there's a permanent thread for interesting articles on psychotherapy under the Stickies part? Might post this there if you haven't already.