Manipulating the Gas Supply Towards Silencing a Deceiver
In the complex world of human interactions, one insidious form of emotional abuse has gained notoriety: gaslighting. Dr. Robin Stern, co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a licensed psychoanalyst with three decades of experience, sheds light on this covert form of manipulation in her book, 'The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide.'
**Gaslighting** is a psychological manipulation technique where one individual intentionally alters another's perception, causing them to question their own memories, thoughts, or sanity. This tactic is designed to make the victim reliant on the manipulator for emotional support and validation, frequently resulting in a severe erosion of self-esteem and confidence.
The dynamic of gaslighting is intricate and often involves a power imbalance. Manipulators employ various tactics such as denial, blame-shifting, minimization, projection, and catastrophizing to control and dominate the victim, resulting in feelings of confusion, self-doubt, and emotional distress.
To effectively manage and stop gaslighting, self-awareness and documentation play a crucial role. Keeping a record of events serves as a reminder of what transpired, and trusting one's instincts is vital, for one's perception is valid. Seeking support from trusted friends, family, or therapists, and participating in support groups, can provide emotional support and validation.
Setting boundaries is another essential strategy. Clearly communicating limits and expectations, and being firm and assertive when boundaries are crossed, can help establish a healthier dynamic. Educating oneself about gaslighting techniques can aid in recognising them, and understanding that gaslighting is a form of manipulation, not a reflection of one's sanity or competence.
Professional help, such as therapy, can assist in coping with the emotional impact of gaslighting and developing strategies to counter it. If progress in stopping gaslighting is slow, seeking help from a therapist or support group may be necessary.
In order to turn off the gas, the gaslightee can make shifts to alter the dynamic between them and the gaslighter. If you feel bewildered, attacked, devastated, or terrorized, you are being gaslighted, and immediate disengagement is advised.
It is essential to remember that gaslighting is always a creation and interplay of two people: a gaslighter, who needs to be right to preserve their own sense of self and maintain a sense of power in the world, and a gaslightee, who is manipulated into allowing the gaslighter to define their sense of reality.
In conclusion, understanding gaslighting and adopting strategies to manage and stop it can lead to a path towards freedom from emotional abuse and a step closer to regaining self-esteem and confidence.
Emotional intelligence, particularly self-awareness, is vital in recognizing and managing gaslighting, as it helps one trust their instincts and perceptions, which are often distorted by gaslighting. In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, mental health research has proven that developed emotional intelligence can significantly reduce the impact of gaslighting on an individual's wellbeing and mental health.
