How to recognize manipulation: instructions from a psychologist

Manipulation: The Invisible Weapon in Your Surrounding

Each of us at least once faced a situation when after communication there was a feeling of guilt, confusion or inexplicable duty. These are signs of professional manipulation. Psychologist Anna Kovaleva With 12 years of experience, he uncovers hidden influence mechanisms and provides defense tools.

Three whales of manipulation
All manipulative techniques are based on three principles:

• → Creating an Artificial Deficit (“Only Today!”)
• → Exploitation of basic fears (loss, rejection)
• → Substitution of concepts through emotional blackmail

Verbal Traps: What Manipulation Sounds Like

Gaslighting: “You make everything up, it never happened” – undermine your perception of reality.
Truisms: Using obvious truths for hidden pressure: “True friends always help.”
★ Double messages: Contradictory demands: “Be independent, but listen to your mother.”

Body Language: Nonverbal Signals

• Shortening the distance without your consent
• “Accidental” touching of the wrists/shoulders
• Imitation of your postures and gestures (mirror technique)

Anti-Manipulative Shield: 4 Protection Techniques
1. On an aggressive "You have to help me!" answer, "Maybe I can consider this later." The shock absorbers neutralize the pressure.

2. Rule of the Three Whys: Ask three clarifying questions. The manipulator is usually lost when trying to logically justify the requirements.


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Case from practice: the story of Marina
A 28-year-old client has repeatedly made excuses to a colleague who used the phrase: “If you are a true professional, you will stay after work.” Solution: Replace the response with “I evaluate professionalism by results during working hours.”

Glossary
gaslighting
A form of psychological abuse that causes the victim to doubt the adequacy of perception
Emotional blackmail
Using feelings (guilt, fear) to gain



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