Us Against The World
In order to break someone down and reshape them in a new image, a different way of life must be presented that’s far more appealing than their present situation.
This is typically accomplished by the victim only mixing with the person they’re in a relationship with and will, therefore, praise the new way of living.
Or it could be that you dress a certain way, have a set diet or some other strict rules that encourage a dynamic where it’s just you and the other person. There’s evidence suggesting that humans are tribal by nature and wish to be part of a group.
The brainwasher needs to convince their victim that they’re in charge and they know best. A victim could also be given a different name. A perfect example is the case of Patty Hearst.
She was kidnapped and later renamed Tania by her captors, who ultimately, after being brainwashed, took the side of her kidnappers.