You’re planning to talk to your partner about something that’s bothering you. You’ve prepared what you’re going to say, but as soon as you start the discussion, your partner becomes defensive, angry, and blames you. You begin to doubt yourself and no longer feel confident in your feelings. You think your partner is right because you’ve been told these things by others before. You think you’re probably wrong because you’ve been to couples therapy and it didn’t help. You’re overreacting and making things up…again. How did it get so turned around?

If the above sounds familiar, it’s possible you are experiencing gaslighting in your relationship. Gaslighting is a form of psychological and emotional manipulation that occurs when someone makes you doubt your sanity or reality. Gaslighting is used to make you second guess yourself, question your memory, and give in during conflict.

10 Examples of Gaslighting in a Relationship

If your partner or family member frequently says:

1. “That never happened.”

2. “You’re too sensitive.”

3. “You never remember things correctly.”

4. “You’re gaslighting me.”

5. “Don’t get so worked up.”

6. “Get over it already” 

7. “Why are you going back to that?”

8. “You know you always do this. “

9. “I’m sorry you think I did that.”

10. “You’re overreacting.”

Gaslighting is a technique often used by individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Narcissistic traits. Please note that gaslighting is harmful whether a diagnosis of NPD is present or not. If you want help recovering from the doubt and confusion gaslighting has caused you, psychotherapy can help. I provide therapy for individuals recovering from narcissistic and emotional abuse. 

How Therapy Can Help 

-Decrease your confusion and self-doubt.

-Learn to recognize gaslighting.

-Increase self-esteem and confidence.

-End, heal, and move forward from a gaslighting relationship.

-Recognize internalized gaslighting.

Please contact me to learn more about how therapy can help you recover from narcissistic abuse.