Stories Bank
There are many ways to be manipulated psychologically. Those who intentionally utilize psychological manipulation tactics aim to gain some level of control over anyone they can. Their reasons for using these tactics vary. Some examples are scamming people out of money, controlling them in a relationship, having them join a cult-like group, or weaponizing them for political gain, but the tactics are consistent.
Has this happened to you?
If yes, we are excited to offer you a way to record your story in a safe and supportive environment. We will then store it safely for you to access and use however you wish.
All rights to the recording will belong to you, the storyteller.
Telling Your Story
How will this take place?
Antidote will utilize remote recording software to capture your story. We will ask you a series of questions to prompt the flow of the story. The interviewer asking the questions will be edited from the recording, so your story is just your words.
Our team will work with you to ensure your story is recorded with high-quality audio and video. We will meet with you ahead of time to answer all of your questions and to test the audio and video.
What will the questions be?
The story’s structure will be similar for everyone who tells their story. Our interviewer will begin by asking questions about your life before becoming involved with a person, group, or online community in which Psychological Manipulation was central to the experience.
The questions will then turn to your experience of being drawn into the controlling environment and your early involvement.
Next, there will be questions about what it was like becoming more dedicated.
Next, the questions will explore what it was like when you began questioning your involvement and ultimately separated yourself from that environment.
Finally, there will be questions about what your life has been like since then.
Antidote's Five-Phase Model
Vulnerability
This phase is when someone is more open to influence – not because they’re weak, but because they’re human. Vulnerability can show up during stressful or painful times, like grief, loss, or feeling isolated. But it can also come from being someone who cares deeply, wants to make a difference, or is searching for meaning and connection. During this time, manipulators may notice the person’s emotional openness and begin testing how much they want comfort, approval, or purpose. They may seem supportive at first, but they’re actually looking for ways to gain control. Vulnerability itself is not bad – it’s natural. What’s harmful is when someone chooses to exploit it.
Initiation
In this phase, the manipulator starts to build a strong emotional bond. They may use love, friendship, shared values, or powerful emotional moments to create trust. It may feel like a meaningful experience, but in reality the manipulator is creating confusion and dependency. They often use guilt, shame, or promises of belonging to get the person to commit emotionally. This might include blaming others, creating “us vs. them” thinking, or isolating the person from other people. The goal is to shift the person’s thinking and make them feel like they don’t have other choices. By the end of this phase, the person often starts to lose some independence – without even realizing it.
Active
By this phase, manipulation is in full effect. The person may feel trapped, confused, or heavily dependent on the manipulator or group. Strict rules, intense pressure, and emotional coercion are used to control the person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Even though it’s unhealthy, the person may feel like they finally have a purpose, community, or answers. That’s because manipulators know how to make harmful environments feel like home. Language may be twisted or repeated in a way that shuts down critical thinking. People may defend the manipulator or become emotionally reactive when questioned – not because they’re foolish, but because they’ve been trained to think that way.
Leaving
Leaving a manipulative situation is often confusing, emotional, and scary. People start to notice something’s wrong – like a lack of freedom, broken promises, or unfair treatment. They may begin to see through the lies and feel angry, sad, or lost. Even though the person may want to leave, this can trigger fear of being alone, losing a support system, or of not knowing who they are anymore. The emotional attachment may still feel strong. During this time, having a supportive person or network can help a person take steps toward freedom. Still, the process isn’t always quick. It takes time, understanding, and a lot of care.
Healing
After leaving, the person begins the process of healing. This means rebuilding a sense of self, trust, and safety – in relationships, beliefs, and life in general. There might be feelings of shame, confusion, or grief. Some people need help with communicating with others, mental health, work, or learning new skills. Therapy, support groups, or connecting with others who’ve been through similar things can be helpful. Sharing stories helps people feel less alone and more understood. Over time, people start to trust themselves again and live in ways that feel in alignment with their values and perspectives. Healing isn’t about “getting over it” – it’s about growing through it and reclaiming your life.
Why is Antidote offering this?
How the Stories Bank Aligns With Our Mission
Psychological Manipulation thrives in silence, but stories can break that silence and create change.
Through the Stories Bank, those who have experienced psychological manipulation firsthand are reclaiming their voices. Their firsthand accounts don’t just document harm—they have the potential to prevent it from happening to other people.
Firsthand stories can be used to educate policymakers, researchers, and the public about how manipulation works in real life, in different environments. Just as educational campaigns changed how we see smoking and disease prevention, the Stories Bank is building the world’s most comprehensive digital archive to give individuals the tools to use their story to expose the tactics of psychological manipulation and equip people with the knowledge to stop it.
Our Research on the Five-Phase Model
For those who tell their story and are willing to be part of our research, we will gather qualitative data on the similarities and variations within each of the phases in our Five-Phase model. This will build greater understanding of the ”why” and “how” behind the experience of Psychological Manipulation.
If you are interested in research collaboration contact us here.
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