CERTIFIED DECONSTRUCTING
GASLIGHTING® REPAIR SPECIALIST
Wellness Professionals Training & Certification
Gaslighting has moved from a rather obscure topic
to a pop-culture phenomenon...
It has even been mentioned in the newest DSM-5-TR under "Spouse or Partner Abuse, Psychological".
Yet, up until now, it has been an issue our clients have struggled with
and we have not had a clear standard of care nor a model to follow when providing care.
As helping professionals we need to be informed and equipped to provide the best care for our clients surrounding the wide variety of gaslighting experiences they will come to us with.
We need a unified front, a standard of care, and a proven model to follow for the issue of gaslighting.
It may be a lofty goal, but that is what I'm aiming to do with this training and certification:
Certified Deconstructing Gaslighting® Repair Specialists (CDGS)
will both lead the way AND be the sought-after professionals when dealing with gaslighting!
Gaslighting and Best Practices
"Sarah’s course and work with me on gaslighting gave me the insight on how family of origin issues and my addiction had not only gaslight me but clearly showed me how those things worked their way into how I behaved in many of my relationships.
The clarity that the course gave me was instrumental in changing my thinking and behavior to a place of integrity and honesty.
I would strongly recommend the course to anyone who is serious about recovery of self and rebuilding and maintaining good relationships."
~ Tom V, Canada
The Gaslighter in "Recovery"; A Snapshot of their struggle:
Many "gaslighters" that are in recovery are nervous to look into the gaslighting that they've done (or been told they've done), because they're afraid that means they're automatically a narcissist.
I'm here to tell them (and you) that they don't have to be afraid...
MANY people I have met over the last decade have had some understanding that gaslighting plays a part in the problems they're having in their relationships - those toxic behaviors they either didn't realize they were doing or don't know where they came from.
MANY were in recovery from an addiction and were just starting to realize that not only was gaslighting a part of the behaviors they did to hide their addiction from others, but it was also part of what drove and enabled their addictive mindset.
MANY want to learn how to stop gaslighting, as well as REPAIR the damage that was done by the gaslighting they did.
NOW THEY CAN!
For the first time ever, there is a program specifically designed for THE GASLIGHTER. I’ve taken the work that I’ve been doing with men in recovery since 2018 and turned it into an eight-lesson course.
What will they do?
They will gain understanding, raise their awareness, nurture empathy, connect the dots of how gaslighting crept in and disconnected them from their authentic self, and how they perpetuated that gaslighting in their relationships with others. They will learn tools to STOP doing gaslighting behaviors, what they need to do to make amends and repair, and a four-step process for life-changing communication.
I'm here to give you the tools and support you need to help your clients break free from the chains that are holding them back from living out of a place of integrity, empathy, and alignment with their authentic self.
Who the CDGS Certification is for...
The Deconstructing Gaslighting® programs take people DEEP into understanding the moving parts of gaslighting experiences and relationships.
My heart and mind are ALWAYS keeping SAFETY for the client at the forefront, and therefore in order to carry the CDGS certification, the requirements are to have at least one of the following:
-
Professional license is current and in good standing
-
Coaching certification is through an ICF accredited program
*All applicants will need to provide documentation of these requirements during the application process.
While the programs are psycho-educational, and loaded with lots of information (I've been told time and again it's like a college-level course), work aroundgaslighting inevitably stirs up or hooks trauma.
That is why I created these programs with the intention that a trauma-trained helping professional would guide and support people through the programs.
CDGRS Training
This training takes your knowledge and skills to the next level. Sarah Morales is the first professional to take all the information there was about gaslighting, expand that understanding with her own research, and develop a model that teaches the gaslighter not only how to recognize when they are doing a gaslighting behavior, but how to connect the dots as to why they are doing those behaviors/where those behaviors originate.
This training will educate and equip you, the helping professional, in a way that will allow you to meet your client where they're at WITHOUT having to refer out!
You will be able to provide SPECIALIZED care - IN HOUSE!
This training, and the subsequent use of the Deconstructing Gaslighting® Repair course, will provide you with READY MADE group and 1:1 material - all aimed at helping your clients find what so many have told me was "The Missing Piece" they needed to get UNSTUCK, and find freedom and make amends.
And finally, in this training you will learn information and tools that will enable you to master proven strategies to address overwhelming emotions like shame (via self-gaslighting), anger, anxiety, fear and depression (due to the impact their gaslighting behaviors have had in their relationships).
NO NEED TO REINVENT
THE WHEEL!
I've spent the past decade focused on deconstructing all the moving parts of many types of gaslighting experiences, with the intention of turning what I learned into psychoeducation.
For the past seven years, I've been testing and refining both the information I deliver, and the method in which it is delivered, in order to not just educate, but help people assimilate the life-changing psychoeducation and tools I've collected over the years.
Now that I have the receipts to back it up, I'm presenting YOU with the ability to use my course in your own practice!
Components of Training
The goal of the Certified Deconstructing Gaslighting® Repair Specialist training is to establish consistent, reliable care that will set THE standard around the issue of gaslighting.
As professionals you will learn the deconstructing skills and tools you can use with your clients, which will enhance each client's experience and integration of the content and practices in the Deconstructing Gaslighting® Repair course.
This self-paced training is a step-by-step guide to maximizing results and getting your clients to a place of greater awareness, empathy, and ability to make amends.
Level 2 training (and certification) provides additional exercises, tools, and supervision that will enhance the professionals mastering of both the deconstructing process and the tools clients use to anchor in their growth during their journey of healing from the gaslighting behaviors have had in their lives.
Learning objectives of the
Deconstructing Gaslighting® Repair Specialist Certification
-
Thorough understanding and ability to describe in detail the methodology of the Deconstructing Gaslighting® courses.
-
Thorough understanding of the goals and objectives for each lesson in the course and how to use those goals to help your clients stay on course to meet their desired outcomes for their journey.
-
Learn the significance of each of the supplemental activities I call "anchors", what your role as the helping professional is with your client for each anchor, and how to maximize the anchor's potential for greater insight for your clients.
-
Learn the most common needs and struggles clients have as they move through the program and how to address them.
-
Explore the use of analogies and stories as supplemental information to emphasize or aid your client in recollection of pivotal points or stubborn obstacles.
-
Utilize tools adapted to enhance the use of "powerful questions" to help your clients gain greater insights and transformational shifts.
-
Learn key connections between the Deconstructing Gaslighting® programs and the APSATS MPTM (three phase model of partner betrayal derived from Judith Hermann's Trauma Model) and understand when to use the different lessons according to which phase of the APSATS MPTM your client/your client's partner is in.
-
Examine common pitfalls that helping professionals fall into with gaslighting so you can be aware and avoid them.
-
Explore the need for establishing support teams with collaboration between therapist and coach.
-
Assess your clients' readiness to begin the Deconstructing Gaslighting® Repair course, and understand the possible adaptations based upon clients' needs and readiness.
-
Assess for the need for therapeutic and other support services during your client's journey.
CERTIFIED DECONSTRUCTING GASLIGHTING® REPAIR SPECIALIST - CDGRS LEVEL 1
4 HOURS OF TRAINING VIDEOS
-
3 training videos with quizzes after each one to test your comprehension of the material.
-
8 videos in the client-facing Deconstructing Gaslighting® Repair course with quizzes after each.
UPON COURSE COMPLETION, YOU WILL
-
Receive an official "CDGRS LEVEL 1" certificate upon completion.
-
Gain access to the “Helping Professionals Toolbox” upon course completion (an extensive manual that includes lesson outlines, worksheets, play exercises, client progress checklist, card-deck (coming soon), and all videos in one streamlined, digital place).
-
Be added to my online public resource directory of all helping officials who are Level I Certified CDGRS so that other potential clients in your area can find you!
CERTIFIED DECONSTRUCTING GASLIGHTING® REPAIR SPECIALIST - CDGRS LEVEL 2
-
Requirement of completion of Level I, PLUS:
-
Attendance at a virtual experiential workshop (2 hours):
-
Harnessing the power of the anchors
-
Case studies to deconstruct with focus on gaslighting risks and traps
-
-
Four hours of consultation in either group or 1:1 sessions with Sarah Morales.
-
Receive an official "CDGRS Level II" certificate upon completion of workshop and supervision.
-
Be added to my online public resource directory of all helping officials who are Level II Certified CDGRS so that other potential clients in your area can find you!
"Through Sarah's guidance, I gained a deeper understanding of gaslighting's intricacies, along with a shared meaning and understanding with my clients. I'm grateful to be able to walk my clients through the materials with a solid program for them to learn and grow. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to offer their clients applicable tools and skills laid out easily and effectively."
- Alana Gordon, MFTI, CCPS, CSAT Candidate, Brainspotting Practitioner
CERTIFICATION OPTIONS
CERTIFIED DECONSTRUCTING GASLIGHTING® REPAIR SPECIALIST LEVEL 1 (CDGRS LEVEL 1)
$119
CERTIFIED DECONSTRUCTING GASLIGHTING® REPAIR SPECIALIST LEVEL 2 (CDGRS LEVEL 2)*
Option #1: Individual
-
Two-hour workshop - $200
-
Four hours of consultation:
-
Group consultation - $50 per session
-
1:1 consultation = $150 per session
-
(Your choice of type of consultation. You can mix and match group/1:1 hours. You will get more details about consultation after completion of your CDGRS Level I certification).
-
Option #2: Group/whole practice - inquire with Sarah for group training and consultation packages by contacting Sarah at sarah@sarahmoralescoaching.com
*Completion of Level I required
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:
-
One-hour on-boarding call - $150
-
Support session via Zoom (50 min) - $150
-
Monthly consultation subscription (via Zoom meeting): $50/month
-
*Can be applied to CDGRS Level 2 supervision requirement
-
-
Support package via WhatsApp: $150 per month; limited to total of 60 minutes of Sarah’s time listening/responding; can cancel at any time.
You can find more information about the consultation options here.
"My experience with Sarah and her understanding of, and ability to help others recognize and understanding gaslighting patterns, has been exceptional. I love how Sarah takes a close look at each of the individual pieces of a gaslighting experience, and helps people put it all together to help them understand the patterns and connections in their own unique experience.
I have watched Sarah's material be so impactful for people I work with and I am so excited to be able to utilize this material with my clients! "
- Kimberly Day, LMHC, CCPS
Professional Bio:
Sarah Morales is the owner and creator of Deconstructing Gaslighting® and is widely recognized as an expert and thought leader on the topic of gaslighting She helps raise public awareness around gaslighting through her many public platforms and creates programs that help empower victims of gaslighting.
Sarah currently sits on the board of APSATS (the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists), consults & contracts with numerous helping professionals, and is frequently invited as a guest speaker at national conferences and on podcasts.
This is the story of how she arrived here…
"In January 2011, the FBI came to my house, and I had my
“discovery” of my (then) husband's sexually deviant behavior.
Shortly after, I joined a group led by a therapist/coach named
Marsha Means. As I was going through her group, she
recognized some gifts in me, and encouraged me to get my
certification as a life coach. She asked me to join her team of
coaches helping other women heal. So that is exactly what I
did. I got my certification as a life and relationship coach, and
started leading women through groups that were going
through Marsha’s workbook. As my life was in a lot of
transition during that season, I did this for about a year.
In July 2012, I moved myself and my two kids to Austin, TX, and I took a year off of helping others so that I could nurture my own healing and focus on my kids.
By February of 2013, I was ready for more. I met with a local CSAT named Peter Daniels III, of Therapy Works. Peter hired me to create a program for the partners of the sexually addicted men he was providing therapy for. I built a thriving program that included individual coaching, workshops, support groups, and retreats. Several significant things happened during the four years I worked for Peter at Therapy Works:
-
It was during this time that Peter sent me to a conference where I learned about APSATS. I jumped at the opportunity to receive cutting edge training and certification that would enable me to better serve my clients. I was one of the earliest Certified Life Coaches to go through the APSATS training, which was in May of 2014. I accumulated my hours of professional work and supervision and became an APSATS Certified Partner Coach (CPC) in February of 2016.
-
Peter handed me the book, “The Gaslight Effect” by Dr. Robin Stern to help me prepare for an intensive he wanted me to co-facilitate. Little did he or I know how the course of my life just changed trajectory. I immediately knew this was something VERY important – something life-changing.
-
Peter believed in me and saw my potential long before I could see it for myself. His trust and belief in me gave me the courage to build, create, deep-dive, and move into the thought-leader that I am today. He challenged me to become the person he knew I already was.
-
During my tenure with Peter, he started an in-patient treatment program for drug and alcohol addiction, focusing on treatment for vets, people coming out of incarceration, and the homeless. It was in this context I first began working with addicts in recovery (as a coach, teaching life-skills).
By April 2017, I had grown to the point where I knew the next step for me was to start a private coaching practice and focus on my specialization in gaslighting.
In 2018, I was approached by Sharon Rinearson of CORE Relationship Recovery. They were building an amazing, international team to conduct specialized intensives, and they wanted me on their team as their “go-to aslighting expert”. I gratefully accepted, came on board as one of their contractors, and am there to this day. Some highlights from my work with CORE are:
-
The weekly Tuesday night men’s group I have facilitated for the past five years. I have grown to love these men, and they have taught me what sincere, fully embraced recovery looks like. My work with the addict in recovery has grown exponentially as I have worked with them.
-
The three-hour sessions I get to do in their intensives with addicts who are wanting to understand the impact that their gaslighting has had on those they are in relationship with, what “triggers” their gaslighting behaviors, and strategies to stop gaslighting behaviors.
-
The three-hour sessions I get to do in their intensives with the partners of addicts who are desperate to learn how to recognize gaslighting when it's happening, where & why they are especially vulnerable to their gaslighter, and strategies on how to stop getting sucked in & stay connected to self-trust.
These are the main things that helped my hone my skills, test my information and tools, and establish a proven way to help people heal.
In 2013, I came across the word gaslighting, and since then I have made it my mission to take this complicated, nuanced topic, deconstruct it, and make it understandable and implementable in people's lives.
My decade plus of studying, continually deconstructing, and coaching both individuals and groups culminated in 2025 with my DECONSTRUCTING GASLIGHTING® ACADEMY offerings: a free webinar, signature program, program for the gaslighter, wellness professional trainings/courses (and more to come) and podcast – all aimed at empowering others to better understand and identify gaslighting in their lives and relationships.
My passion to empower others to transform their lives fuels my work with my clients and pushes me to continue developing new programs on the cutting edge of helping others grow to know, trust, and love themselves more than they knew was possible."
