Turning Down The Inner Critic: How Internal Gaslighting Blocks Creativity, And What To Do About It

On this episode of The Gaslight Effect podcast, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, Senior Research Scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, for a powerful conversation about how gaslighting—especially the kind we direct at ourselves—can sabotage creativity.

Together, they examine the subtle but damaging effects of internal gaslighting: the self-doubt, second-guessing, and emotional suppression that keep us from pursuing creative ideas or expressing ourselves fully. Dr. Pringle explains how emotional intelligence can help us recognize these internalized messages, regulate our emotional responses, and build the resilience needed to move forward.

Drawing on her research and her new book The Creativity Choice, Dr. Pringle reframes creativity as a conscious, ongoing decision—one that can be strengthened through emotional awareness and social support. She and Dr. Stern explore how language, mood, and even cultural expressions influence the way we relate to our emotions and creative work.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights on how to:

• Identify and interrupt patterns of internal gaslighting

• Use emotional intelligence as a creative tool

• Shift from fear and self-censorship toward creative confidence and clarity

Whether you're an artist, educator, leader, or someone rebuilding a sense of self after emotional manipulation, this episode offers empowering guidance on how to reclaim your voice and your creative power.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

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Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

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Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

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