Ella Dawson

A mental health expert sheds light on "gaslighting"--the manipulative technique used by sociopaths, narcissists, and others--offering practical strategies to cope and break free. He's the charmer -- the witty, confident, but overly controlling date. She's the woman on your team who always manages to take credit for your good work. He's the neighbor who swears you've been putting your garbage into his trash cans, the politician who can never admit to a mistake. Gaslighters are master controllers and manipulators, often challenging your very sense of reality. Whether it's a spouse, parent, coworker, or friend, gaslighters distort the truth -- by lying, withholding, triangulation, and more -- making their victims question their own reality and sanity. Dr. Stephanie Sarkis delves into this hidden manipulation technique, covering gaslighting in every life scenario, sharing: Why gaslighters seem so "normal" at firstWarning signs and examplesGaslighter "red flags" on a first datePractical strategies for copingHow to coparent with a gaslighterHow to protect yourself from a gaslighter at workHow to walk away and rebuild your life With clear-eyed wisdom and empathy, Dr. Sarkis not only helps you determine if you are being victimized by a gaslighter -- she gives you the tools to break free and heal.

Foreword by Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office ARE YOU A VICTIM OF SUBTLE ABUSE? Are you always the one apologizing? Constantly questioning and blaming yourself? Do you often feel confused, frustrated, and angry? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone. Nearly half of all women—and men—in the United States experience psychological abuse without realizing it. Manipulation, deception, and disrespect leave no physical scars, but they can be just as traumatic as physical abuse. In this groundbreaking book, Avery Neal, founder of the Women’s Therapy Clinic, helps you recognize the warning signs of subtle abuse. As you learn to identify patterns that have never made sense before, you are better equipped to make changes. From letting go of fear to setting boundaries, whether you’re gathering the courage to finally leave or learning how to guard against a chronically abusive pattern, If He’s So Great, Why Do I Feel So Bad? will help you enjoy a happy, healthy, fulfilling life, free of shame or blame. “This book can open eyes for people who may have lost pieces of themselves along the way. Great examples and exercises. It is a companion from start to finish.” —Dr. Jay Carter, author of Nasty People “No-nonsense insights and practical ways to regain control of and empower your life.” —Dr. George Simon, author of In Sheep’s Clothing “The new gold standard in abuse recovery, allowing readers to break free from old patterns and reclaim their lives.” —Jackson MacKenzie, author of Psychopath Free “This insightful book can awaken self-esteem, save relationships, even save lives.” —Gavin de Becker, author of The Gift of Fear