Gaslighting!

What is gaslighting?  This word often comes up with couples who are experiencing a high level of relationship conflict.  The term gaslighting comes from the movie and play “Gaslight” in which a husband intentionally manipulates his young wife into a mental breakdown in order to steal her family wealth.  In current usage, gaslighting occurs when one partner makes the other doubt their own experiences, memories and perceptions.  While this type of behavior is considered a form of emotional manipulation, a person who engages in this behavior is capable of change.  Often a gaslighter has received messages throughout life that intense emotions should be shut down, relational conflict should be controlled, and vulnerability should be avoided.  If both partners are genuinely interested in change, couples can work together to decrease this dynamic.  By helping couples improve their openness, emotional bond and conflict resolution skills, the gaslighting partner learns more effective ways to express and respond to emotional needs.  Gulf Wind Counseling provides couples counseling in a compassionate, nonjudgemental manner, without bias.  Emotionally Focused Therapy is just one of the frameworks we use to help couples experience more fulfilling relationships.  Gulf Wind Counseling sees couples in Tallahassee, Apalachicola, and by telehealth.    

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