The psychologist pointed out the danger of gaslighting

Lidiya Inshina, a clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience, a specialist in manipulation and extreme communication, explained the dangers of gaslighting.

In an interview with the agency RuNews24.Ru On Monday, January 26, she explained that gaslighting is a form of psychological violence in which a person is systematically told that his feelings, memories and perception of reality are incorrect. The purpose of such an impact is to undermine self—confidence and establish control, and most often this happens in close and "safe" relationships — in a family or couple.

She identified three main forms of gaslighting: consciously aggressive, when reality distortion is used as a tool of power; unconscious, related to the traumatized experience of the person himself; and "joking", when humiliation is disguised as humor. According to the expert, the consequences can be anxiety disorders, depression, loss of personal boundaries and a tendency to toxic relationships.

The specialist emphasized that countering gaslighting begins with fixing facts and seeking external support, as well as with clearly building boundaries. Working with a psychologist and regaining trust in your own feelings plays a key role in recovery. The expert noted that it is especially important not to pass this pattern on and to recognize their feelings as real and meaningful in relationships with children.

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In October, business psychologist Alexander Berezhnoy talked about ways to develop emotional immunity to gaslighting. According to him, it is formed through an honest dialogue that helps to clarify relationships and find inner support, awareness of one's own value and integrity through rethinking personal attitudes, as well as the ability to make decisions based on one's values, and not on fear or someone else's opinion. All this enhances inner confidence and protects a person from gaslighting and manipulation. 360.ru .

In September, Berezhnoy told Izvestia that the main task of a manipulator (gaslighter) is to appropriate another person's power for personal purposes, whether financial, emotional or career. The basis of protection is an inner sense of integrity and value.

Psychotherapist Anastasia Varlamova also explained how to identify psychological manipulation. In opposition to gaslighting, it is important to notice the moments when a person begins to doubt himself, and not ignore these feelings. It is useful to attract outside attention, seek support, and calmly analyze the situation, separating the facts from the manipulator's words. And if possible, it is better to reduce or completely stop communicating with such a person, according to the website. kp.ru .

Prior to this, psychologist Ksenia Levina said that with late forms of gaslighting, the victim's condition can reach depression, writes RT.

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