Gaslighting vs. Defensiveness: How Betrayed Partners Can Tell the Difference - with Sarah Morales

Gaslighting vs. Defensiveness: How Betrayed Partners Can Tell the Difference - with Sarah Morales

49:14 Jan 13, 2026
About this episode
Is it gaslighting — or defensiveness rooted in shame? For betrayed partners, the difference matters…but not in the way you might think.In this episode, Sarah Morales joins Amie to break down:Gaslighting vs normal relational conflictWhy “I didn’t mean to” isn’t the deciding factorHow repeated harm still counts — even without malicious intentWhat it actually means to take your power backIf you’ve been stuck second-guessing your reality, this episode is for you.Chapters02:55 Understanding Gaslighting and Misunderstandings04:30 The Scale of Gaslighting07:05 Shame Responses16:09 The Broken Arm Analogy24:02 The Bow and Arrow Analogy25:57 Values and Boundaries28:16 Recovery and Self-Awareness32:13 Healthy Communication and Vulnerability45:52 Distinguishing Between Abuse and Gaslighting Register Now!Rise, Renew, Restore Somatic Healing Retreat in Costa Rica -  Ready to experience deep somatic healing? Join us this July for a transformative 5-day intensive created specifically for women healing from betrayal trauma or navigating divorce. This is your opportunity to reconnect with your body's wisdom, release what you've been carrying, and heal alongside other women who truly understand your journey. Get our FREE eBook - Healing From Betrayal Trauma: A Compassionate Guide to Reclaiming Your LifeQuestions or topics you'd like us to address? Send us an email with “Choose To Be” as the subject to podcast@chooserecoveryservices.com. Watch us? on YouTube.Follow us on Instagram: @choose_recovery_services?Schedule? a complimentary consultation.Join our email list to be notified when new episodes air.More from Choose Recovery ServicesBeyond the Facade Podcast - Podcast geared toward helping men live authentically and in harmony with their values.
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