There is a strong connection between narcissistic or emotionally unstable parenting and complex trauma (C-PTSD). In other words, adults with complex trauma often have parents with narcissistic qualities or significant emotional limitations. Thus, C-PTSD children often grow into adults who are used to navigating emotionally nonreciprocal relationships.  

Gaslighting is one of those terms that we hear often in the mental health world today.  It is a common tool narcissists will use to control those around them and is an oh-too-common occurrence when discussing emotional manipulation.

My favorite thing to do is to stop toxicity and abuse in its tracks by empowering folks to see emotional manipulation from a mile away. Are you ready? Here are the ways to protect yourself from emotional manipulation:

It’s sometimes hard to imagine how the church and religious communities that teach love and compassion can become abusive and harmful.  But any institution, when power structures go unchecked and the “message” becomes more important than the people, is vulnerable to becoming harmful, rather than helpful.  This typically happens slowly over time and can be hard to see when you are inside the community.