“Gaslighting” is an especially potent form of manipulation. The perpetrators seek absolute control and manipulate their victims to the point where they begin to doubt their own perception. The perpetrator manipulates the victim so thoroughly that the victim eventually feels that their perception is no longer accurate.
Flattering words, a compliment on a new dress, or unnecessary whining—many of us have manipulated others to get what we want at some point. However, gaslighting perpetrators go much further: To gain absolute control over their victim, they twist words and manipulate feelings and perceptions. Dr. Sandra Konrad, a psychologist and couples therapist from Hamburg, discusses how gaslighting works, why perpetrators need it, and how victims can free themselves from it.
FOCUS Online: What is “gaslighting”?
Sandra Konrad: It is a form of emotional abuse. In gaslighting, the perpetrator manipulates the victim to the point where the victim feels that their perception is no longer accurate. In the worst-case scenario, the victim may even believe they have gone insane because they are constantly being told that what they think, say, feel, or do is wrong or does not correspond to reality.
Source: FOCUS Online
#survivor of a psychopath
