Title: Navigating the Captivity Game: A Personal Journey and cbs philly news reportersProfessional Insight

Content:

Ever wondered what it feels like to be caught in a captivity game? Its a term often used to describe a psychological manipulation where one person uses emotional tactics to make another feel dependent or trapped. As a therapist specializing in relationship dynamics, Ive had the unfortunate opportunity to witness and counsel individuals ensnared in such situations. Let me share a personal anecdote that illustrates the complexities of the captivity game and how one can break free from its clutches.

What is the Captivity Game?

The captivity game often starts subtly. One person, often in a vulnerable state, begins to rely on another for emotional support and validation. Gradually, the dynamics shift. The captor starts to use this dependence to exert control, manipulate feelings, and sometimes even isolate the captive from friends and family. This manipulation can be insidious and difficult to detect at first.

The Story of Sarah and Mark

Sarah, a client of mine, was in her late 20s when she came to me seeking help. She had been in a relationship with Mark for nearly four years. Initially, Mark was everything Sarah had ever wanted in a partner: charming, attentive, and supportive. However, as time went on, Sarah began to feel an increasing sense of unease.

Mark would frequently call her multiple times a day, checking in on her, and sometimes, when she didnt answer immediately, he would become anxious or angry. Sarah started to feel guilty and responsible for Marks feelings, which is a classic sign of emotional manipulation. Additionally, Mark would often belittle Sarahs achievements and make her feel inadequate, which further eroded her selfesteem.

Identifying the Signs of Captivity Game

Through our sessions, we identified several key signs of the captivity game:

l. He made Sarah feel responsible for his wellbeing, which is a classic strategy in the captivity game.

2. Gaslighting: Marks belittling comments were designed to make Sarah question her own perceptions and selfworth, a technique known as gaslighting.

3. Isolation: Mark would sometimes discourage Sarah from spending time with her friends or family, further cutting off her support network.

Breaking Free: A Personal Perspective

Sarahs journey to breaking free from the captivity game was challenging. It required her to recognize the manipulation, build her selfesteem, and reassert her independence. Here are some steps that helped her:

n clarity and perspective.

2. Seeking Support: She surrounded herself with friends and family who supported her and provided a counternarrative to Marks manipulation.

3. Therapy: Professional therapy sessions allowed Sarah to process her emotions and develop strategies to cope with the manipulation.

ning control over her life.

Conclusion

lable.