Rerelease: Plausible Deniability and the Power of Suggestion in Abuse
Rerelease: Plausible Deniability and the Power of Suggestion in Abuse  
Podcast: Narcissist Apocalypse: Patterns of Abuse
Published On: Tue Jun 02 2026
Description: In this rerelease episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon talks about plausible deniability as a manipulation tactic in abusive relationships. Instead of focusing only on excuses or denial after the fact, this episode looks at how abusers can use suggestion, guilt, shame, concern, victimhood, and the illusion of choice to shape a survivor’s behavior without ever making a direct demand. Brandon breaks down how this can show up through isolation, decision-making, body image, emotional responsibility, weaponized forgetfulness, and gaslighting. The episode also explores why this tactic can be so confusing for survivors, because the abuser may never say the controlling part out loud, while still steering the relationship exactly where they want it to go. Click if you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@pm.me Click on the title to read about Coercive Control as Care: Signs & Patterns Sign up to our Domestic Violence Newsletter  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.