Category Archives: Manipulation

Drs Carter and Simon Discuss All Things Narcissism

During a remarkable interview, Dr. Carter and I sometimes use different terms, but we describe the same realities – perspectives that differ considerably from those taught during our professional training but which both experience and abundant recent research soundly validate.

Manipulation Tactics and Gaslighting

Manipulation tactics and gaslighting go hand in hand. In fact, it’s a manipulator’s astute use of tactics that induces the gaslighting effect.

Why Some Never Seem to Learn

Some folks never seem to learn or change their ways, even in the face of failure. Real change, meaningful, lasting change, is a matter of the heart, not the brain.

Looking Good Vs. Being Good: Impression Management 101

Personal empowerment is largely about appreciating how different looking good is from being good. It’s also about recognizing and understanding the wide spectrum of character disturbance we experience these days and how to deal with it.

Things That Seem Like Love But Aren’t

Some things in life sure do seem like love. And too many come to realize what love really is and isn’t too late in a relationship, when they’ve already invested a lot. The sense of dissapointment, disillusionment, and betrayal that inevitably follows can be a serious soul crusher. 

Manipulation and Gaslighting Early Research

In Sheep’s Clothing lifted the veil on covert personalities, their manipulation tactics, and gaslighting. Now the task is to create a less character-impaired world.

Beyond Egocentrism to Wholesome Character

Mature character demands we outgrow our natural egocentrism. But an entitled, egocentric, narcissistic culture holds many of us back.

Compulsive Lying Versus Tactical Lying

Most pathological lying is tactical lying, for the sole purpose of maintaining a position of advantage to abuse and exploit.

Obstinate Denial and Mental Filtering

Some so-called denial is rooted in obstinacy, a stubborn refusal to accept a reality that challenges a person to change and grow.

The Crazy Making Behaviors of Disturbed Characters

Recognizing manipulation tactics when you encounter them, and responding appropriately is key to both sanity and personal empowerment.