Unmasking Gaslighting: A Devastating Weapon of Emotional Abuse in the Narcissist’s Arsenal

Image by Jacob Loafman

Dear fellow healers,

I know this isn’t news to most of you. But I see this over and over and over again in my work with survivors of narcissistic abuse. Gaslighting has to be the single most damaging weapon in an abuser’s arsenal. 

Its impact is so insidious because it can make you (the target) appear emotionally unstable or volatile, which then can be used against you by the manipulator in various contexts, such as in court or custody battles.

 Often, people viewing the dance between the victim and the abuser are quick to blame the victim. It is human nature for people who are not character disordered to disbelieve the malevolent actions of another human. It is much easier and more palatable to discredit the victim's perception of reality. 

Only those who have been through this themselves can truly understand how gaslighting convinces you to relinquish all personal power — your body, brain, and community betray you as well. 

Stay tuned! I am going to share some tools for how to reality check and ground yourself if you are experiencing gaslighting.

With profound respect,

Michelle