EP32 - Gaslighting

07/26/22 • 26 min

“You are overreacting, like you always do.” “This is all your fault. I wouldn’t have hurt you if you didn’t make me mad.” “I have no idea what you are talking about. You imagined it.” “Stop crying. You are so overdramatic.” “This is why you don’t have friends. You are crazy.”

Have you heard any of these or even voiced some of these? Each one of these sentences is an example of gaslighting: psychological manipulation that leads to the other person questioning their own reality, memories, and rationality. Almost all of us have used gaslighting at least once, but when it becomes pervasive and persistent, the outcomes can be deeply damaging. Gaslighting can be subtle or explicit, intentional or unintentional, but in any case, it can be incredibly hurtful. You deserve better!

Join us as we unpack gaslighting: what it is, how it becomes a pattern of interaction in relationships, risks of gaslighting continuing, and ways to possibly eliminate it. Gaslighting can affect any relationship, including intimate partnerships, parent-child relationships, and friend/family relationships. It has the power to devastate another person’s sense of self, confidence, self-worth, and mental health. Let us give some guidance to move out of this toxic pattern of interaction.

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]!

Next Tuesday, we explore jealousy and non-monogamous relationships! Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, neurodivergence, navigating milestones as a couple, and so much more!

For more updates and resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Some resources related to this episode:
1. What is Gaslighting?
2. Types, Causes, and How to Respond to Gaslighting
3. More on Gaslighting

For more updates and resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Some resources related to this episode:
1. What is Gaslighting?
2. Types, Causes, and How to Respond to Gaslighting
3. More on Gaslighting

Previous Episode

EP31 - OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

“OCD.”

We often toss around this acronym freely and without true knowledge of what it means. We use it to describe people that we might also identify as “anal retentive,” “perfectionistic,” or “superstitious.” While there are some overlaps, there can be significant differences. Many of us can be particular, ritualistic, superstitious, or obsessive about certain things, though this does not mean we have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but rather perhaps have some OCD tendencies. Let us explain some differences and ways to help if you struggle with OCD or OCD tendencies.

Join us as we unpack OCD. We offer helpful information in identifying possible symptoms of OCD, illuminate why you may have OCD or OCD tendencies, the impact of OCD on relationships, and practical ways to reduce its impact on your life. While we can all face intrusive or unwanted thoughts, as well as automatic behaviors or fears, they do not have to dominate our lives. Let us help!

Next Tuesday, we unpack what gaslighting truly means and what to do next! Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, neurodivergence, navigating milestones as a couple, and so much more!

For more updates and resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Some resources related to this episode:
1. What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
2. Treatments of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
3. Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Next Episode

EP33 - Jealousy and Non-Monogamous Partnerships with Dr. Joli Hamilton

Non-monogamy. Polyamory. Swinging. Open relationships. What do all of these terms mean? How can couples/partnerships navigate these types of relationships? What about jealousy? Are those types of relationships healthy? Can they even work? Join us as we deep dive into all of these questions and more!

Join us as we welcome another guest, Dr. Joli Hamilton. Dr. Joli Hamilton is a relationship coach for couples who color outside the lines. She is a research psychologist, TEDx, speaker, best-selling author, and AASECT (pronounced ay-sect) certified sex educator. Joli also co-hosts the Project Relationship podcast with her anchor partner, Ken. Joli’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, NPR, and The Atlantic. Dr. Hamilton guided our conversation as we explored what it means to be non-monogamous, how to navigate differing relationship styles, how to negotiate boundaries within your partnership(s), helpful insights into jealousy, and so much more. If you have ever been curious about non-monogamy or want to support those around you that choose a relationship style outside of traditional American standards, you do not want to miss this episode!

Next Tuesday, we discuss what it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP)! Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, neurodivergence, navigating milestones as a couple, and so much more!

For more resources and updates, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Dr. Hamilton's short list of resources

For everyone curious about non-monogamy for themselves or those they care about:

Open Deeply by Kate Loree, LMFT

Polysecure by Jessica Fern

Open Monogamy by Tammy Nelson

Memoirs that teach through story:

Open: A Polyamorous Memoir by Rachel Krantz

Many Loves: A Memoir of Polyamory and Finding Love(s) by Sophie Lucido Johnson

For clinicians:

The Handbook of Consensual Non-monogamy Affirming Mental Health Practice by Vaughan & Burnes

Polyamory: A Clinical Toolkit for Clinicians by Martha Kauppi