045 - From Cult Survivor to Cult Expert: Dr. Janja Lalich on Cult Deconstruction and Building a Legacy at the Lalich Center

The Gaslight Effect

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern talks with Dr. Janja Lalich.

Janja is a distinguished sociologist, a leading expert on cults and coercive control, and a guiding light for those navigating the dark waters of psychological manipulation. Drawing from her own years as a cult member of the Democratic Workers Party in California, she brings a deeply personal perspective to her research. Her groundbreaking work has helped countless individuals understand and recover from the effects of toxic relationships and environments.

She is the author of pivotal books such as "Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships," "Bounded Choice: True Believers and Charismatic Cults," and "Cults in Our Midst."

She is also the founder and director of the Lalich Center for the Study of Groups and Coercion, where she continues to support and educate those affected by manipulative groups and relationships.

On today’s episode, we’re diving into the intricacies of gaslighting—what it is, how it operates, and the profound impact it can have on our lives. Dr. Stern and Dr. Lalich explore how this form of psychological abuse unfolds in both personal relationships and within larger groups, and most importantly, how to recognize and break free from it.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

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