Gaslighting – Understanding Influence - Mentoring Minds Counsellors

Gaslighting is a term thatâs been getting a lot of attention lately, but what does it really mean?In other words, gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person seeks to make someone doubt their own perceptions, memories, or reality.Recognizing GaslightingThe Distorting Facts: The gaslighter might flatly deny things that have happened or twist the truth to make you question your own memories. For example, they might insist that an event you clearly remember never happened, causing you to doubt your own memory.Blaming and Shifting: Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, a gaslighter will often shift the blame onto you, making you feel like youâre at fault for their behavior. For instance, if they are late to an appointment, they might accuse you of being overly demanding or controlling.Undermining Confidence: Gaslighters often work to erode their victimâs self-esteem, making them feel insecure or crazy. This might involve belittling you or making you feel inferior, so you start to question your own worth or capabilities.Creating Confusions: Gaslighting can lead to confusion and self-doubt, as the victim struggles to make sense of conflicting messages or information. This confusion can be paralyzing, making it difficult for the victim to act assertively or make decisions.How to Address GaslightingTrusting Instincts: If you feel something is off, trust your instincts. Your feelings and perceptions are valid, even if someone tries to convince you otherwise.Document The Experiences: Keeping a record of events and conversations can help you maintain clarity about what really happened. This can be useful if you need to reference specific instances of gaslighting later on.Setting Boundaries: If possible, establish clear boundaries with the gaslighter. Let them know what behavior is unacceptable and be firm about maintaining these boundaries.ConclusionGaslighting is a harmful and manipulative behavior that can deeply affect the mental and emotional well-being. By understanding what it is and how it manifests, one can better protect yourself from its effects.Share this:TwitterFacebookLikeLoadingâ¦

Gaslighting – Understanding Influence

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