Amy Marlow-MaCoy LPC

You deliberately misinterpreted what I said.” This phrase casts blame on the victim for not reading the gaslighter’s mind and implies the victim distorted the gaslighter’s “innocent” intent.

You know how I feel about that and you did it anyway, so the way I’ve reacted is your own fault.” This phrase implies the victim antagonized the gaslighter, justifying their abusive behavior in response.

That never happened.” Denying a victim’s memories and experiences confuses and disorients them. Gaslighters also discredit victims to others by denying events or claiming to have no memory of them.

You sound crazy.” Rejecting someone’s feelings or beliefs as sounding crazy triggers self-doubt and anxiety in victims.

You are too sensitive. You need to grow a thicker skin.” Per

Abusers may also target individuals who appear confident, successful, wealthy, or attractive. They are drawn to strong, confident people. Manipulators draw people in through a process called “lovebombing”—showering potential victims with affection, praise, and psuedo-intimacy. Once victims are hooked, the gaslighting begins and abusers begin to break