7. Gaslighting unveiled

Have you ever found yourself questioning your memory or reality, feeling as if your thoughts and feelings were being invalidated? I tackle the subtle yet destructive practice of gaslighting in this latest conversation, where I bring my expertise as a high-conflict divorce coach to dissect the psychological manipulation designed to make victims doubt their own sanity. This episode reveals the various guises of gaslighting, from the outright lies to the more insidious forms of minimising and blame-shifting. Especially challenging is the way these tactics can infiltrate co-parenting dynamics, leaving one partner scrambling to maintain a sense of truth. This conversation is a crucial one, as it sheds light on the long-term effects on those who've endured this form of abuse and offers a pathway to reclaiming their trust in their own perceptions. Escaping the orbit of a manipulative ex is no small feat, a truth many of my clients and listeners can sadly relate to. The journey to reclaiming autonomy post-separation is fraught with obstacles, often involving an ex who masks controlling behaviors as concern or affection. The music you hear in this outro is 'Stronger, Braver, Together' - an original track created exclusively for the Post-Separation Abuse Podcast and Danielle Black Coaching. About Danielle Black Coaching: Danielle Black is a respected authority in child-focused post-separation parenting in Australia. With over twenty years’ experience across education, counselling and coaching - alongside her own lived experience navigating a complex separation and family court journey - she supports parents to think strategically, build capacity, and protect their children’s safety and wellbeing within complex legal and relational systems. Through Danielle Black Coaching, she leads a growing team of specialist coaches and a structured support ecosystem designed to provide professionally held, evidence-informed guidance for parents navigating high-conflict separation and family court processes. Learn more at danielleblackcoaching.com.au This podcast is for educational purposes only and not legal advice. Please seek independent legal, medical, financial, or mental health advice for your situation.