In this pivotal episode of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis take listeners into one of the most damaging elements of betrayal trauma: gaslighting. While the term is often used casually in modern culture, Kevin and MaryAnn break it down clinically and relationally, helping listeners understand how gaslighting reshapes a person’s reality and intensifies post-traumatic stress symptoms.

MaryAnn explains the origins of the term and how betrayed partners often experience it as “crazy-making.” When someone senses something is off, but their partner denies, minimizes, or dismisses the concern, the betrayed partner begins to question not only their spouse—but themselves. Dr. Skinner shares the research behind his gaslighting scale and reveals a critical finding: gaslighting is the strongest predictor of PTSD symptoms among betrayed partners, even more influential than adverse childhood experiences.

Together they describe how denial, blame, minimizing, hiding, and lying distort a betrayed partner’s internal compass. Gaslighting becomes a form of psychological abuse, causing confusion, self-doubt, and a loss of trust in one’s own instincts. This erosion of personal reality leaves many partners unsure of what is true and what to believe.

The episode also highlights the path forward—what Gaslighting No More truly means. Dr. Skinner outlines the transformational role of a formal therapeutic disclosure, impact letter, and emotional restitution letter. These structured interventions help restore truth, rebuild safety, and begin repairing the relational damage caused by deception. MaryAnn emphasizes the importance of trained therapists, thoughtful pacing, and emotional support as couples engage in this process.

Listeners are reminded: your reality matters, and reclaiming it is essential to healing. Whether within the relationship or individually, addressing gaslighting is foundational to restoring trust, clarity, and emotional stability.

• Skinner, K. — Internal research on gaslighting, deception, and PTSD correlations.

• Kefer, S. (2018). Intimate Deception: Healing the Wounds of Betrayal.

• Carnes, S. — ITAP foundational work on sex addiction and partner trauma.

• Vaughn, P. (1989). The Monogamy Myth. Research on the healing effects of discussing betrayal details.

• CDC Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.

• Dr. Kevin Skinner – Treating Trauma from Sexual Betrayal

• Dr. Kevin Skinner – Rebuild Your Relationship After Sexual Betrayal

  • Chapter 13: Gaslighting No More

• Psychological abuse dynamics

• Denial, blame, and deception patterns

• Therapeutic Disclosure Model (FTD)

• PTSD symptoms associated with betrayal trauma

• IITAP.com — Directory of Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSAT) and Certified Partner Trauma Therapists (CPTT)

• HumanIntimacy.com/Rise — Free betrayal trauma assessment including gaslighting and PTSD indicators

• Human Intimacy educational groups, intensives, and therapeutic programs led by Dr. Skinner