Interpersonal

Isolation Tactics

What it is

Systematically cutting someone off from their support network to increase dependence and control.

How it works

The manipulator gradually reduces the target's contact with friends, family, and other support systems through criticizing those relationships, creating conflicts, monopolizing the target's time, or moving them away from their network. Once isolated, the target becomes wholly dependent on the manipulator for emotional support and reality-checking.

Real-world examples

  • •A controlling partner who criticizes every friend until the target stops seeing them.
  • •A cult leader who requires members to cut ties with non-members.
  • •An abusive employer who demands such extreme hours that employees have no outside life.

Ethical guidelines

  • ●Healthy relationships encourage outside connections, not restrict them.
  • ●Never make someone choose between you and their support network.
  • ●Recognize that wanting someone all to yourself is a red flag, not a sign of love.

How to defend against it

  • ►Maintain regular contact with friends and family no matter how busy a relationship makes you.
  • ►Be alert when someone consistently disparages everyone else in your life.
  • ►If you realize your world has shrunk to one person, treat that as an urgent warning sign.

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