How do narcissists control you? Recognizing manipulation tactics and protecting yourself by Hannah DeWitt | Jun 10, 2025 | Mental Health Topics, Narcissism, Power & Control Narcissists often lack empathy but crave attention and admiration from those around them. They use a mix of subtle and overt tactics to keep others under their influence. They may dominate conversations, manipulate loved ones, or even resort to deception for personal gain. While it’s natural to want to avoid…
“Playing the victim”: Why people do it, and how to curb the habit by Hannah DeWitt | Mar 30, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Our team at Thriveworks recently interviewed one of our clinical experts to find out more about what it means to “play the victim,” why people do it, and how to deal with someone when they play the victim. These insights are provided by Dr. Brandy Smith, a Licensed Psychologist with…
What is reactive abuse? Here’s what to know and how to get through it by Hannah DeWitt | Dec 19, 2022 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics Abuse is a dangerous and prevalent issue for many people. However, it can be incredibly nuanced, which might make it hard to identify for those experiencing abuse. One frequent example of this is called reactive abuse. Reactive abuse is something that occurs as a result of a victim responding strongly…
Signs of gaslighting parents and how to cope by Taylor Bennett | Sep 1, 2022 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics, Power & Control Camille and Amma couldn’t be more different. Camille is a 30-something journalist who prefers to stay under the radar. Amma, on the other hand, is her more outgoing and rebellious kid sister. That said, there is one common thread between them: their mother Adora. Or more specifically, her abuse. If…
Psychological coercion, dark traits, and emotional safety in relationships by Wistar Murray | Sep 9, 2021 | Mental Health Topics, Power & Control, Relationships We’ve already shown how destructive cults and manipulative marketing tactics can weaponize extreme psychological influence. But what about a form of “mind control” that doesn’t have an industry or a social scaffolding behind it? Manipulation by an intimate partner can feel even more insidious because it’s perpetrated by someone you…
What effects can discrimination have on one’s mental health? (Video) by Taylor Bennett | Jun 24, 2020 | Mental Health Topics, Race & Identity You can meet with one of our caring mental health professionals, including this presenter, by visiting us at https://thriveworks-qa.go-vip.net/online-counseling/ Hi, my name is Tori Mills and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for Thriveworks. I’d like to discuss the effects that discrimination has on one’s mental health. So, during…
Online Counseling Question: What does gaslighting look like in a relationship? (Video) by Taylor Bennett | Apr 17, 2020 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics, Power & Control, Relationships Click here to schedule online counseling at Thriveworks. Hi, my name is Brandy Enneking and I’m a Licensed Clinician with Thriveworks in Tucson, Arizona. I’m here to talk to you today about what gaslighting in relationships looks like. First you might be even asking yourself what is gaslighting? So I’m going…
Are my friends gaslighting me? by Taylor Bennett | Sep 28, 2018 | Mental Health Topics, Power & Control, Relationships They say that friends are the family you choose. You don’t have to spend any ounce of your time with them, but you want to: You enjoy each other’s company; you support each other through the triumphs and the losses; you really get each other. Or at least that’s what…
Gaslighting: Is it the ultimate form of betrayal? How does it affect the victims in the short and long-term? by Debi Silber | Sep 28, 2018 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics, Power & Control There’s a collection of symptoms so common to betrayal it’s become known as Post Betrayal Syndrome. When it comes to gaslighting, it often goes hand in hand with betrayal because the gaslighter is intentionally weakening the self-esteem and resolve of their victim so that they maintain a sense of control,…
Is gaslighting emotional or mental abuse? Is it dangerous? by Yocheved Golani | Sep 27, 2018 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics, Power & Control Gaslighting: As Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse sabotages someone’s feelings. It leaves the victim confused, unhappy, fearful, and incapable of ending the problem unless they can escape or outsmart the emotional abuser. Gaslighting sabotages the victim’s self-confidence. It leaves them fearful and unable to correct the lies being told to and…
What does gaslighting look like in a relationship? by Taylor Bennett | Sep 27, 2018 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics, Power & Control, Relationships Gaslighting is a form of manipulation and emotional abuse whereby the perpetrator leads one to question their reality, their logic, their intuition—everything they know to be true. This manipulative behavior is observed among friends, family, colleagues… and, of course, romantic couples. So, what does gaslighting look like in a relationship?…
What are gaslighting techniques? These master manipulators undermine, contradict, and disorient their victims by Taylor Bennett | Sep 26, 2018 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics, Power & Control A Comprehensive Look at Gaslighting For a complete and extensive understanding of gaslighting—a dangerous and frightening form of manipulation—pull up a seat and get ready for a lesson from Licensed Clinical Social Worker Sheri Heller. She explains exactly what gaslighting is and how these manipulators pull it off: “Gaslighting is…