Gaslighting, Lies, and Healing:

The Path to Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal

In this powerful episode of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner is joined by Dr. Sheri Denham Keffer, a nationally recognized expert on betrayal trauma and author of “Intimate Deception: Healing the Wounds of Sexual Betrayal.” Together, they dive deep into the topic of gaslighting—what it is, how it impacts betrayed partners, and why it is often more devastating than the betrayal itself. They discuss the psychological and emotional toll of deception, blame-shifting, and minimization, and how these behaviors contribute to trauma.  

Dr. Keffer shares personal experiences, research insights, and clinical expertise, highlighting how gaslighting leads to deeper levels of trauma and self-doubt. They explore the critical role of truth-telling in healing, the necessity of accountability, and how betrayed partners can begin to trust themselves again.  

The episode also touches on the role of therapy, common mistakes made in the healing process, and the dangers of “social gaslighting”, where the betrayer manipulates others into doubting the betrayed partner’s experience. Finally, Dr. Keffer shares details about her “Brave One Community”, an online support network for betrayed partners, and announces her upcoming presentation at the Human Intimacy Conference in March 2025.  

Resources Discussed:  

1. Dr. Sheri Keffer’s Book – Intimate Deception: Healing the Wounds of Sexual Betrayal  

2. Dr. Kevin Skinner’s Book – Rebuild Your Relationship After Sexual Betrayal

3. The Gaslighting Scale  

4. The Brave One Community 

5. ERCEM Model (Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model)

6. Therapeutic Full Disclosure & Polygraph Process  

7. The Human Intimacy Conference (March 14-15, 2025)  

This episode is a must-listen for anyone recovering from betrayal or seeking to understand the deep psychological effects of gaslighting.