Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People–and Break Free

What is gaslighting? Although the term is being used more and more frequently, many people still don’t understand what, exactly, it is. Few people realize the extent to which gaslighting affects us every day. One of the few is Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, who has worked extensively with gaslighters and the gaslighted. Gaslighting can happen in any kind of relationship; Dr. Sarkis has tailored guidance for each one. There are chapters on gaslighting in the workplace, politics, cults and extremist groups, family relationships, friendships, and the dating scene. These chapters contain the tools to identify gaslighting behaviors and effects, then how to deal with them. Other chapters include information on how to deal with gaslighting in divorce or co-parenting, what to do if you are the gaslighter, how to recognize a gaslighter, and a concluding chapter on how and where to obtain counseling.

Dr. Sarkis is addressing an issue that has been ignored for years; this book is one of the first to acknowledge the epidemic of gaslighting and attempt to provide help. Dr. Sarkis has essential advice to victims of gaslighting, for whatever situation in which it appears. Although her content is good, Dr. Sarkis’s writing style can be a bit drab. The only real-life examples are Tweet-length quotes from everyday people reporting their experiences with gaslighting, sprinkled on the page margins. But besides being a tad dry, this book is an excellent resource for anyone trying to understand and escape the decimating effects of gaslighting.