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:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.