Dr. Frieda Birnbaum - Gaslighting It’s More than a Lie. It’s Manipulation

Research Psychologist and Psychoanalytic Therapist, Dr. Frieda Birnbaum. Dr. Birnbaum is passionate about educating the general public about the many forms of emotional manipulation that can take place in romantic relationships; especially gaslighting. The topic of Gaslighting has become an increasingly present fixture in the media, and Dr. Frieda is committed to making sure people are fully aware of what it is, how to identify it, and how to effectively address it for yourself and with loved ones who are involved in abusive relationships. Gaslighting: It’s More than a Lie. It’s Manipulation. Learn how to identify and protect yourself from emotional manipulation & abuse. The conversation surrounding toxic relationships has become increasingly prevalent as more and more individuals choose to focus their attention on self-awareness and self-improvement. Within the past 7 years, we have gained access to more knowledge and language to help us identify manipulative and abusive behaviors. Particularly, the term Gaslighting has gained a lot of traction and is showcased consistently throughout pop-culture and in the media. Perfect examples of gaslighting are exemplified in films and tv shows like Don’t Worry Darling, Homeland, Midsommar, and Westworld. Regardless of the mass visibility of this manipulation tactic and its effects, it is still notoriously difficult to identify in our own lives, and victims of this form of abuse are still trapped in these vicious cycles of emotional exploitation. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Gaslighting is classified as a form of coercive control that can leave victims with the inability to trust their own judgment or sanity; making them feel solely reliant on their abusers. Thankfully, our culture’s growing acceptance for discussions of mental health and domestic abuse has provided more access to resources and acceptance for victims to come forward and escape these abusive relationships. Interview Op: Dr. Frieda Birnbaum—research psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, seasoned media commentator, and author— with professional advice on how to identify and break the toxic cycles of gaslighting. Sample Talk Points Background: What is Gaslighting? Gaslighting is an insidious form of manipulation and psychological control. Victims of gaslighting are deliberately and systematically fed false information that leads them to question what they know to be true, often about themselves. They may end up doubting their memory, their perception, and even their sanity. By creating chaos, gaslighters hold all the power in the relationship as their victims become increasingly oppressed. How can victims of gaslighting identify that they’re being manipulated? What are the signs? Gaslighters trick, deceive, and wear their victims down over time by: Attempting to turn friends and family against you/isolating you from your loved ones. Repeatedly lying to you. Criticizing you for being “crazy, sensitive, weak, inept, etc.” Your attempts to communicate your concerns never go anywhere. How can victims of gaslighting seek help when trying to leave their emotionally abusive relationship: Seek out a mental health professional. Check in with others outside of your relationship that you trust (family & friends who have known you for a while) for insight and advice. Don’t be afraid to tell them if you feel that something isn’t right. Try not to react: the intention of a gaslighter is to incite a strong emotional reaction that they can use against you. If you can, try to avoid showing your fear or that you’re upset What are the best ways to support a friend or loved one who is in an abusive relationship? Calmly start a conversation on a positive note. Keep the conversation friendly and avoid expressing criticism and judgment. Learn more at: www.DrFrieda.com │ WPIX-TV New York │