In this episode I ask you to ponder isolation and character defamation that results from a gaslighting campaign by a psychopath, sociopath, monster. I ask you to reflect on attorneys you may have retained, who were victims of gaslighting-by-proxy (yes, an actual term), hence, only served to perpetuate the erroneous image of you as troubled, mentally imbalanced (or worse), that the monster had contrived. I share my own story of a Maine attorney who was an example of this insulting line of thinking that perpetuated the monster's erroneous depiction of me (i.e.: Dr. Mario’s contrivances, in my case). I ask that you listen to Sam Vaknin’s youtube links on my website, to hear firsthand, how a psychopath uses psychological tactics often called “a rape of the mind”, in his/her attempt to destroy the prey (see links on my website). He confesses that for the psychopath “abusing others is akin to breathing”.
We speak of how the highly damaging weapon of triangulation or gaslighting, leaves the victim completely isolated; bereft of a past, of roots, of loving bonds, of a support system to help rebuild his/her life. Hence, she is isolated within her captivity both within the narcissist/psychopath relationship, and isolated afterwards, unable to speak of her experience in an ill-informed society which most likely has eschewed her due to gaslighting-by-proxy.
We reflect on how this process of gaslighting and gaslighting-by-proxy has been a prominent aspect of human behavior for centuries. Witch Hunts, The Scarlet Letter, The Manchurian Candidate, and so many other books and films, reflect this psychological phenomenon which is rarely spoken of; this profound character defamation (identity theft) which occurs for all victims of the psychopath; the lifelong isolation. Re-read all about it in The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne (remember this book from 6thgrade?)
Most literature on this subject offers little help due to the oversimplification of advice (just leave…rubbish.). Sam Vaknin is extremely accurate in his depictions of psychopathic machinations, and, JB Snow offers some literature which accurately portrays the “prey’s” experience. (more notes on www.monsterstoriespodcast.com).
This podcast has been a production of Honestly Speaking LLC. Suzann Kole, Ph.D. has worked in academe and the mental health field for over 40 years. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Narrative Studies (an area of linguistics).
