The Lemon Tree Coaching
Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. I’m your host, Dr. Allison Sucamele. Each week I’ll be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.
The Lemon Tree Coaching
# 116 - DARVO: A Manipulation Tactic Unmasked
Have a mental health question or topic suggestion? Text the TLT Pod today.
DARVO is a manipulative dynamic that shows up in abusive relationships, narcissistic conflict, and even institutions. It stands for Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender—a pattern that, once recognized, transforms how we understand gaslighting, deflection, and emotional power plays.
Whether you're recovering from a toxic relationship, working in trauma-informed spaces, or simply curious about how people manipulate truth, this episode is for you.
If you'd like daily inspiration and reflection prompts, join The Lemon Tree Coaching community on Instagram: @thelemontreecoaching. I share quotes, book recs, and thoughts on everything from burnout to betrayal.
📚 Currently reading:
– Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
– Loonshots by Safi Bahcall
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Dr. Jennifer Freyd’s DARVO research hub: https://dynamic.uoregon.edu
- Betrayal Trauma by Dr. Jennifer Freyd
- The Gaslight Effect by Dr. Robin Stern
- The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Recommended Instagram Accounts:
Support Resources:
- U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
- RAINN (Sexual Assault Support): 800-656-HOPE
- Australia emergency services: Dial 000
If this episode resonates with you, please share it, leave a review, or continue the conversation with us on Instagram. For journaling prompts, educational downloads, and lesson plans, visit my shop on Teachers Pay Teachers: The Lemon Tree by AKS.
Let’s help make this complicated life a little easier for one another.
Psychological Disclaimer
The content in this episode of The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
While we explore topics related to psychological manipulation, trauma, and relational dynamics, each listener’s experience is unique. If you are experiencing distress, confusion, or trauma-related symptoms, we strongly encourage you to seek guidance from a licensed mental health professional.
Listening to discussions about topics like DARVO, gaslighting, or abuse can be triggering. Please care for your emotional well-being and take breaks as needed. You are never alone, and support is always available.
If you or someone you know is in crisis:
- In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- In Australia, dial 000 for emergency services
- For domestic violence support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233
- For sexual assault support, call RAINN at 800-656-HOPE (4673)
By continuing to listen, you acknowledge that this episode is not a therapeutic session and does not establish a client-coach or client-therapist relationship.
Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and always prioritize your mental health and safety.
