Therapy Talk Traps: Words We Misuse and How It's Holding Us Back; Gaslighting

In this episode of Therapy Talk Traps: Words We Misuse and How It’s Holding Us Back, I’m diving into the word "gaslighting"—a term that’s become part of everyday conversation, often without a full understanding of what it truly means. While gaslighting is a very real and harmful form of psychological abuse, we’ve started using it to describe everything from disagreements to memory lapses, and that’s a problem. Misusing the term not only waters down its meaning but also makes it harder for real victims of abuse to be recognized, believed, and supported.

I explore the origins of the word, what gaslighting actually looks like in abusive dynamics, and why being precise with our language is a powerful step in our healing. I also talk about how casually labeling someone a gaslighter can keep us from the self-reflection and accountability that growth requires. Whether you’ve been confused by the term or you’ve found yourself using it, this episode is a compassionate, honest invitation to get curious—and get clearer—about the words we use and the power they hold.

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