Understanding Gaslighting

Gaslighting Explained with Care: How to Recognize Manipulation — Resolutions Therapy Clinic in Laval

Understanding Gaslighting

Gaslighting: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters

People often ask: What exactly is gaslighting—and what can be mistaken for it?
A group of our therapists at Resolutions Therapy Clinic in Laval, specializing in Couple & Family Counselling, came together to clarify this increasingly common topic.

What Is Gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that causes someone to question their own reality, memory, and sanity. In our work providing couples counselling in Laval and family therapy, we see how damaging this form of emotional abuse can be. Gaslighters use denial, contradiction, misinformation, and subtle coercion to gain control and destabilize the other person’s sense of truth.

Common Gaslighting Behaviors

  • Denying facts or events the other person knows are real
  • Insisting someone’s memories or perceptions are incorrect
  • Using occasional kindness to distract from harmful behavior
  • Isolating the person from friends, family, or community

Our psychotherapists in Laval help clients identify these tactics early to prevent escalating emotional harm.

What Gaslighting Is Not — Common Misconceptions

In couple and family counselling at Resolutions Therapy Clinic in Laval, we often help clients differentiate between harmful manipulation and normal relational conflict.

  1. Common Disagreements

Healthy disagreements are a natural part of any relationship. They may feel uncomfortable, but they typically arise from differing perspectives—not an attempt to distort your reality.

  1. Constructive Criticism

Constructive feedback from a partner, employer, or family member is intended to support growth. It is not the same as emotional abuse or manipulation.

  1. Boundary Setting

Setting boundaries is essential for healthy relationships. At our Laval therapy clinic, we support individuals and couples in building respectful boundaries that protect well-being—not in mistaking them for gaslighting.

Stay tuned for Blog 2: Recognizing the Impact of Gaslighting on Mental Health

If You’re Ready to Reach Out, We’re Here to Answer

Booking your first appointment with us is simple.
Just call or text:
Nancy Chernoff – 514-953-8287

Click here

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HELENE ZYLBERSZAC
DIRECTOR
PSYCHOTHERAPIST, MSW, PSW

Helene Zylberszac, director of Resolutions Therapy Center, is a psychotherapist for individuals, couples and families. She brings a wealth of experience from over twenty-five years of work in the public and private sectors. Helene is a member of the Ordre des Travailleurs Sociaux du Québec, and holds a psychotherapy license issued by the Ordre des psychologues. She completed a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations, a psychotherapy license and a master’s degree in social work.

Helene has worked at youth protection, various women’s shelters and 10 years for the CLSC Rene Cassin.  Presently, she works collaboratively with family physicians, fertility clinics, and ASD clinics. Her numerous contacts allow her to have a global overview of issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem and adult ASD (autism spectrum disorder). With a warm and collaborative strength based approach in her treatment, Helene uses cognitive behavioral therapy, including solutions focused therapy.

Helene Zylberszac is capable of effectively intervening with individuals, couples and families while empowering them to regain control over their lives.

Born and raised in Montreal, Helene is a devoted mother, wife and fur mama. 
In her spare time Helene is an avid tennis player and meditation advocate.

To book an appointment with Helene call 514-953-8287