About the Book
Are You Being Gaslighted?
Check for these telltale signs:
1. You constantly second-guess yourself.
2. You wonder, "Am I being too sensitive?" a dozen times a day.
3. You wonder frequently if you are a "good enough" girlfriend/wife/employee/friend/daughter.
4. You have trouble making simple decisions.
5. You think twice before bringing up innocent topics of conversation.
6. You frequently make excuses for your partner's behavior to friends and family.
7. Before your partner comes home from work, you run through a checklist in your head to anticipate anything you might have done wrong that day.
8. You buy clothes for yourself, furnishings for your apartment, or other personal purchases thinking about what your partner would like instead of what would make you feel great.
9. You actually start to enjoy the constant criticism, because you think, "What doesn't kill me will make me stronger."
10. You start speaking to your husband through his secretary so you don't have to tell him things you're afraid might upset him.
11. You start lying to avoid the put-downs and reality twists.
12. You feel as though you can't do anything right.
13. You frequently wonder if you're good enough for your lover.
14. Your kids start trying to protect you from being humiliated by your partner.
15. You feel hopeless and joyless.
Your husband crosses the line in his flirtations with another woman at a dinner party. When you confront him, he asks you to stop being insecure and controlling. After a long argument, you apologize for giving him a hard time.
Your boss backed you on a project when you met privately in his office, and you went full steam ahead. But at a large gathering of staff--including yours--he suddenly changes his tune and publicly criticizes your poor judgment. When you tell him your concerns for how this will affect your authority, he tells you that the project was ill-conceived and you'll have to be more careful in the future. You begin to question your competence.
Your mother belittles your clothes, your job, your friends, and your boyfriend. But instead of fighting back as your friends encourage you to do, you tell them that your mother is often right and that a mature person should be able to take a little criticism.
If you think things like this can't happen to you, think again. Gaslighting is when someone wants you to do what you know you shouldn't and to believe the unbelieveable. It can happen to you and it probably already has.
How do we know? If you consider answering "yes" to even one of the following questions, you've probably been gaslighted:
Does your opinion of yourself change according to approval or disapproval from your spouse?
When your boss praises you, do you feel as if you could conquer the world?
Do you dread having small things go wrong at home--buying the wrong brand of toothpaste, not having dinner ready on time, a mistaken appointment written on the calendar?
Gaslighting is an insidious form of emotional abuse and manipulation that is difficult to recognize and even harder to break free from. That's because it plays into one of our worst fears--of being abandoned--and many of our deepest needs: to be understood, appreciated, and loved. In this groundbreaking guide, the prominent therapist Dr. Robin Stern shows how the Gaslight Effect works and tells you how to:
Turn up your Gaslight Radar, so you know when a relationship is headed for trouble
Determine whether you are enabling a gaslighter
Recognize the Three Stages of Gaslighting: Disbelief, Defense, and Depression
Refuse to be gaslighted by using the Five Rules for Turning Off the Gas
Develop your own "Gaslight Barometer" so you can decide which relationships can be saved--and which you have to walk away from
Learn how to Gasproof Your Life so that you'll never again choose another gaslighting relationship
About the Author :
, has been a therapist for more than twenty years, specializing in issues of emotional abuse and psychological manipulation. She has been a keynote speaker at universities, and consults to schools, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. She teaches at Hunter College, Teachers College, and Columbia University and is also a leadership coach for faculty. She is a founding member of the Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership. She currently maintains a psychotherapy practice in New York City, where she lives with her husband and two children.
Review :
."..Offers a socially intelligent method to spot and counter emotional abuse. ... lights a way out of a dark side of relationships."
-Daniel Goleman, author of "Social Intelligence
"
."..like a sturdy, truth-telling friend in difficult times. Stern will show you you're not alone in your toxic relationship..."
-Rachel Simmons, author of "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls
"
""..."a powerful guide and manual that fully articulates and explains the repercussions of underhanded manipulation in personal and professional relationships."
-Sylvia Ann Hewlett, economist, author, and president of the Center for Work-Life Policy
."..eloquently shine[s] a light on an often missed ... emotional abuse... I have no doubt this book will positively change lives."
-Linda Lantieri, Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
"Dr. Robin Stern is one of the world's wisest women. There's much to learn from her."
-Erica Jong
."..therapist Robin Stern takes her readers on a journey that will help them take control of their lives and destinies."
-Phyllis Chesler, Ph.D., author of "Women and Madness "and" Woman's Inhumanity to Woman
""Her strategies for "turning off the gas," ... are practical and sound, emphasizing improving self-esteem and visualizing out-comes. ... strongly recommended."
"Library Journal", 4/1/07
"
"
..".Offers a socially intelligent method to spot and counter emotional abuse. ... lights a way out of a dark side of relationships."
-Daniel Goleman, author of "Social Intelligence
"
..".like a sturdy, truth-telling friend in difficult times. Stern will show you you're not alone in your toxic relationship..."
-Rachel Simmons, author of "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls
"
".".."a powerful guide and manual that fully articulates and explains the repercussions of underhanded manipulation in personal and professional relationships."
-Sylvia Ann Hewlett, economist, author, and president of the Center for Work-Life Policy
..".eloquently shine[s] a light on an often missed ... emotional abuse... I have no doubt this book will positively change lives."
-Linda Lantieri, Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
"Dr. Robin Stern is one of the world's wisest women. There's much to learn from her."
-Erica Jong
.,."Offers a socially intelligent method to spot and counter emotional abuse. ... lights a way out of a dark side of relationships."
-Daniel Goleman, author of "Social Intelligence
"
.,."like a sturdy, truth-telling friend in difficult times. Stern will show you you're not alone in your toxic relationship..."
-Rachel Simmons, author of "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls
"
,"."."a powerful guide and manual that fully articulates and explains the repercussions of underhanded manipulation in personal and professional relationships."
-Sylvia Ann Hewlett, economist, author, and president of the Center for Work-Life Policy
.,."eloquently shine[s] a light on an often missed ... emotional abuse... I have no doubt this book will positively change lives."
-Linda Lantieri, Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
"Dr. Robin Stern is one of the world's wisest women. There's much to learn from her."
-Erica Jong
.,."therapist Robin Stern takes her readers on a journey that will help them take control of their lives and destinies."
-Phyllis Chesler, Ph.D., author of "Women and Madness "and" Woman's Inhumanity to Woman
""Her strategies for "turning off the gas," ... are practical and sound, emphasizing improving self-esteem and visualizing out-comes. ... strongly recommended."
"Library Journal," 4/1/07
"
"
" ... Offers a socially intelligent method to spot and counter emotional abuse. ... lights a way out of a dark side of relationships."
- Daniel Goleman, author of "Social Intelligence
"
" ... like a sturdy, truth-telling friend in difficult times. Stern will show you you' re not alone in your toxic relationship..."
- Rachel Simmons, author of "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls
"
" .".. "a powerful guide and manual that fully articulates and explains the repercussions of underhanded manipulation in personal and professional relationships."
- Sylvia Ann Hewlett, economist, author, and president of the Center for Work-Life Policy
" ... eloquently shine[s] a light on an often missed ... emotional abuse... I have no doubt this book will positively change lives."
- Linda Lantieri, Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
" Dr. Robin Stern is one of the world' s wisest women. There' s much to learn from her."
- Erica Jong
" ... therapist Robin Stern takes her readers on a journey that will help them take control of their lives and destinies."
- Phyllis Chesler, Ph.D., author of "Women and Madness "and" Woman' s Inhumanity to Woman
"" Her strategies for " turning off the gas, " ... are practical and sound, emphasizing improving self-esteem and visualizing out-comes. ... strongly recommended."
"Library Journal," 4/1/07
"
"
" "The Gaslight Effect" offers a socially intelligent method to spot and counter emotional abuse. Robin Stern lights a way out of an all-too-common dark side of relationships."
-- Daniel Goleman, author of "Social Intelligence"
" Dr. Robin Stern is one of the world' s wisest women. There' s much to learn from her."
-- Erica Jong
" There are few books that make you cry and feel hope at the same time. Robin Stern's "The Gaslight Effect" is a sensitive and unique insight into how we all too often emotionally abuse the people we care about and fall into mindless habits belittling others. It also shows how to climb out of the abyss and feel the light."
-- Richard Boyatzis, Ph.D., Professor at Case Western Reserve University and author of "Primal Leadership and Resonant Leadership"
" "The Gaslight Effect" is a book that shifts the paradigm for relationships. It is both a sobering reality check and an inspiring push towards more honest, supportive, and equal partnerships. Dr. Stern brings clarity to nuanced social dynamics that often leave even the smartest among us stumped and sad. It will undoubtedly change lives."
-- Courtney Martin, author of "Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body"
" As I read Robin Stern's book, I found myself reviewing the relationships in my life and many of the arguments of my past - both those that happened, and those that didn't, but should have - in an entirely new light. Dr. Stern is deeply empathetic and insightful on the pressures and power struggles in relationships that can rob you of your sense ofreality--if you let them. Dr. Stern's book is a powerful, ethical resource for all of us who have struggled to find common ground with others while remaining true to ourselves. It will be particularly valuable for young women, who are so frequently socialized to doubt themselves, distrust their convictions, and play ' follow the leader' . Essentially this is a book about finding your voice. I can't think of a more profound message than this.
--Catherine Orenstein, author of "Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked: Sex, Morality and the Evolution of a Fairy Tale"; fellow of The Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership.
" "The Gaslight Effect" is more than a book for women being victimized by covert abuse and manipulation. It is actually should be called, "Life-Light: How to Infuse Your Life and Relationships with Self-Respect, Dignity, and Ethical Leadership,"
--Maurice J. Elias, author, "Emotionally Intelligent Parenting "and" Raising Emotionally Intelligent Teenagers"
" Robin Stern' s book "The Gaslight Effect," is a gift to those of us who aspire to living skillfully, compassionately and with presence. I recommend it to everyone who needs a compassionate and practical voice of wisdom to show them a way out of a dysfunctional relationship."
--Craig E. Richards, Ph.D. Director, Summer Principals Academy, Teachers College, Columbia University.
" Dr.Robin Stern has had the wisdom to eloquently shine a light on an all too often missed kind of emotional abuse. She addresses what she calls the ' gaslight effect' in relationships with sensitivity, compassion, and practical tools for dealing with the gaslighter as well asgiving encouragement and hope to those caught in such a situation. I have no doubt this book with positively change many lives."
--Linda Lantieri, Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
" "The Gaslight Effect" is a powerful guide and manual that fully articulates and explains the repercussions of underhanded manipulation in personal and professional relationships. Stern is an expert and storyteller who weaves a compelling narrative."
--Sylvia Ann Hewlett, Economist, Author, President of the Center for Work-Life Policy
" Compassionate and honest in equal parts, "The Gaslight Effect" is like a sturdy, truth-telling friend in difficult times. Robin Stern will show you you're not alone in your toxic relationship, and she'll also help you identify your role and how to change-- and be a stronger, wiser person as a result. Filled with a-ha moments, this book overflows with universal lessons helpful to navigating any relationship."
-- Rachel Simmons, author of "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls"
" This work is an essential survival tool for women who are being gaslighted. In a clear, comforting, and sophisticated voice, therapist Robin Stern takes her psychologically abused readers on a step-by-step journey that will help them take control of their lives and their destinies."
-- Phyllis Chesler, Ph.D., author of "Women and Madness "and" Woman' s Inhumanity To Woman"
Compassionate and honest in equal parts, the Gaslight Effect is like a sturdy, truth-telling friend in difficult times. Robin Stern will show you you' re not alone in your toxic relationship, and she' ll also help you identify your role and how to change- and be a stronger, wiser person as a result."
-- Rachel Simmons, bestselling author of "Odd Girl Out"An essential survival tool. In a clear, comforting, and sophisticated voice, therapist Robin Stern takes her psychologically abused readers on a step-by-step journey that will help them take control of their lives and their destinies."
-- Phyllis Chesler, PhD, author of "Woman' s Inhumanity To Woman"
