S4 E6 Havi Kang on Gaslighting and Financial Abuse

Beyond Theory

In this episode of the Beyond Theory podcast, Havi Kang, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist, delves into the complex issues of gaslighting, financial abuse, and narcissism in relationships, and their impact on women's mental health and addiction. The conversation sheds light on the importance of recognizing these abusive tactics and providing trauma-informed treatment for women seeking to heal from relational trauma.

Havi explains that gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that makes the victim doubt their own perceptions and believe something is wrong with them mentally. She traces the origin of the term to an old movie where a husband manipulated gas lights to make his wife appear mentally unstable. Financial abuse, another tactic discussed, involves controlling and limiting access to money, hiding financial information, and sabotaging the victim's financial independence.

The episode highlights the prevalence of narcissistic abuse among women entering treatment programs, with many having experienced gaslighting and other manipulative tactics from their partners. Havi emphasizes the need for education to help these women recognize that the abuse was not their fault and to provide them with a supportive environment to share their experiences openly.

Through Havi's work at Willow House, a women's treatment program, she aims to create a safe space for women to heal from the trauma of abusive relationships. By offering validation, empowerment, and the opportunity to find their authentic voice, the program helps women make informed decisions about their relationships and future.

Havi shares a poignant success story of a patient who struggled with self-harm and gender identity issues, highlighting the transformative impact of comprehensive, trauma-informed treatment. After receiving support and guidance, the patient was able to embrace their true self and find happiness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Recognizing Gaslighting and Financial Abuse: Learn to identify the signs of gaslighting, a form of emotional abuse that makes victims doubt their perceptions, and financial abuse, which involves controlling access to money and sabotaging financial independence.

2. Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships: Understand the prevalence of narcissistic abuse among women seeking treatment, and the importance of education in helping them recognize that the abuse was not their fault.

3. Trauma-Informed Treatment for Women: Discover the significance of trauma-informed care in women's treatment programs, which provides a safe space for healing from relational trauma, validation, and empowerment.

4. Overcoming Self-Harm and Gender Identity Struggles: Learn from a success story about a patient who found happiness and self-acceptance after receiving comprehensive treatment for self-harm and gender identity issues.

5. Breaking Free from Abusive Patterns: Recognize the importance of raising awareness about gaslighting, financial abuse, and narcissistic abuse in relationships to help women break free from abusive patterns and reclaim their lives.

6. Reducing Stigma in Seeking Treatment: Understand the significance of reducing stigma surrounding seeking treatment for mental health and addiction challenges stemming from relational trauma.

7. Finding Authentic Voice and Empowerment: Discover how specialized treatment programs help women find their authentic voice, make informed decisions about their relationships, and become empowered to heal.

This episode emphasizes the significance of raising awareness about gaslighting, financial abuse, and narcissistic abuse in relationships, and the role of specialized treatment programs in helping women recover from the mental health and addiction challenges stemming from relational trauma. By reducing the stigma surrounding seeking treatment and providing a healing space for women, Havi Kang and the Beyond Theory podcast aim to empower women to break free from abusive patterns and reclaim their lives.