In this enlightening episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes clinical psychologist and trauma expert Dr. Robyn Koslowitz for a powerful conversation on breaking free from psychological control, reclaiming identity, and the complex process of healing from gaslighting.
Dr. Koslowitz, founder of The Center for Psychological Growth and host of the Post-Traumatic Parenting Podcast, draws from her extensive clinical experience working with individuals from insular and high-control communities. She shares profound insights on how gaslighting can dismantle a person’s internal world—especially when embedded in religious, cultural, or family systems—and what it takes to rebuild a grounded, authentic sense of self.
Together, Dr. Stern and Dr. Koslowitz explore the emotional traps survivors face, the concept of "post-traumatic growth," and how to parent with emotional resilience after surviving coercive control.
What You’ll Learn:
How psychological control operates in high-demand environments
The link between trauma, gaslighting, and parental identity
Why survivors often doubt their perceptions—and how to reclaim clarity
Tools for breaking the cycle of generational trauma
How to parent with intention after abuse
If you’ve experienced gaslighting or struggled to trust yourself after emotional abuse, this conversation will offer validation, insight, and real steps toward healing.
For more information about Mental Health Awareness check out these websites:
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - offers advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
MHA (Mental Health America) - focuses on prevention, early identification, and intervention for metnal health conditions.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - U.S. government site providing resources on mental health, substance use, and treatment locators.
ADAA (Anxiety & Depression Association of America) - offers resources and support for those dealing with anxiety, depression and related disorders.
To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.
Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/
Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a
Dr. Robin Stern's Books:
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
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