Doctrinal Gaslighting

Using religious doctrine or theology to deny, minimize, or reinterpret lived harm.

• You are told your pain comes from weak faith or poor understanding.

• Harmful teachings are reframed as loving or necessary.

• You begin questioning your own memory or emotional reactions.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

· Over time, this can disconnect individuals from their own internal compass.

· Emotions and perceptions may feel unreliable or suspect.

· Healing often involves reclaiming the right to name lived experience.