Gaslighting
This week I attended training on "Gaslighting: Help Clients Escape and Rebuild from a Narcissist's Emotional Abuse" with Stephanie Sarkis, PHD. My heart is heavy. Today I just wanted to share a few resources and later I'll share some of my thoughts about it.
"Gaslighting: psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one's emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator" Merriam-Webster.com
Examples of gaslighting "This is not what has happened", "I think you are not remembering this right", "I've never said that". Of course not everyone who said those words are gaslighting. Gaslighting is done intentionally, over a long period of time, with an intention to manipulate and gain control. When you bring up a valid concern with a gaslighter, in a matter of seconds the conversation will be turned around, and somehow you'll find that it was all your own fault, and you are the perpetrator.
What is Gaslighting:
11 Red Flags of Gaslighting in a Relationship
Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People -- and Break Free
Healing from Toxic Relationships: 10 Essential Steps to Recover from Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Emotional Abuse
If you recovering from a relationship with a gaslighter, and are looking for help processing and healing and getting ready to be in a healthy relationship again, feel free to book a consultation with me for Individual or Couples Counselling.