As someone who's read an awful lot about Scientology ever since the Tom Cruise video was 'suppressed', the lower levels, from what I've heard, do have some logical things and can help some. They're basically lifted from 'real' techniques. Problem is, at the same time, they're using techniques that are, basically, hypnosis. For example: 'TR-0' has you stare at the person training you for at least two hours, and you must do it without flinching, scratching your nose, whatever, for two hours straight. That's not two hours total, that's two hours without a move. Consequently, this can take many many hours to get a good two hour block in. Once you've managed this (which usually causes hallucinations and the like) you feel really good. You've accomplished something really hard. This "win" as they call it, gets you to go on to the next course, and the next. People have been known to feed off these initial 'wins' until they're so far in the whole "sunk cost" think kicks in. Then you really believe that the reason it all isn't "working" is because you're doing something wrong. After all, LRH is infallible, so if it doesn't work, it's your fault. All you need to do is train more (spend more money) and work up to the next level, because that'll fix you right up!

BTW, don't believe a single word you read on the Scientology site, or anything you hear from a Scientologist (about Scientology). They might not always be lying, but they have a training course called "TR-L" (L for Lying) which trains them how to lie effectively. They believe that non-scientologists (They use a derogatory term "Wogs") are beneath them. They are "Homo-Novis". They're more evolved. You're a lower being, and therefor can be lied to. To quote LRH, himself:

"THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN CONTROL PEOPLE IS TO LIE TO THEM. You can write that down in your book in great big letters. The only way you can control anybody is to lie to them."

• L. Ron Hubbard, Technique 88