Healing from Toxic Relationships

Surviving and escaping a toxic or abusive relationship can often only be part of the struggle. Long after, survivors often struggle to heal; your self-esteem may be damaged, you may feel rage and betrayal, and you may punish and/or blame yourself. The author of Gaslighting and specialist in toxic behavior, narcissistic abuse, and personality disorders, Dr. Stephanie Sarkis has seen it all--and she is here to help you understand how to move forward. In Healing from Toxic Relationships, Dr. Sarkis extends compassion and knowledge to survivors, helping you understand the underpinnings of toxic behavior and how to find peace.

Highlighting ten essential steps, Dr. Sarkis provides survivors with an accessible framework that can be applied to anyone preparing to heal:

1. Block or Limit Contact

2. Create Your Own Closure

3. Forgive Yourself

4. Establish Boundaries

5. Talk to a Professional

6. Practice Self-Care

7. Reconnect

8. Grieve

9. Look Outward

10. Prevent: Keeping Toxic People Away

Anyone who is in a toxic relationship-whether it's with a romantic partner, colleague, family member, or friend-deserves a way out and a path forward. Dr. Sarkis offers help and hope.

“"Readers will appreciate the practicality of the guide, which distills its insights into easily digestible enumerated lists (e.g., the five types of boundaries, the six strategies for addressing insecure attachment styles) and detailed 'check-ins' that help with self-assessment of such questions as 'Do you have anger control issues?' and 'Is your relationship codependent?' The result is a thorough program for healing from abuse."-- Publishers Weekly”

"Readers will appreciate the practicality of the guide, which distills its insights into easily digestible enumerated lists (e.g., the five types of boundaries, the six strategies for addressing insecure attachment styles) and detailed 'check-ins' that help with self-assessment of such questions as 'Do you have anger control issues?' and 'Is your relationship codependent?' The result is a thorough program for healing from abuse."--Publishers Weekly

Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, PhD, NCC, DCMHS, LMHC is a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, gaslighting, narcissistic abuse, and ADHD. She is the author of several books, including the best-selling Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People - and Break Free. Dr. Sarkis is a National Certified Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and Circuit Mediator. She is an American Mental Health Counselors Association Diplomate with a designation of Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Child and Adolescent Counseling, one of only 20 therapists in the US with that designation. She has been in private practice for 20 years. She is a senior contributor for Forbes and a contributor to Psychology Today. She is the host of the Talking Brains podcast. She is based in Tampa, Florida. You can visit her website at

Surviving and escaping a toxic or abusive relationship can often only be part of the struggle. Long after, survivors often struggle to heal; your self-esteem may be damaged, you may feel rage and betrayal, and you may punish and/or blame yourself. The author of Gaslighting and specialist in toxic behavior, narcissistic abuse, and personality disorders, Dr. Stephanie Sarkis has seen it all--and she is here to help you understand how to move forward. In Healing from Toxic Relationships , Dr. Sarkis extends compassion and knowledge to survivors, helping you understand the underpinnings of toxic behavior and how to find peace.Highlighting ten essential steps, Dr. Sarkis provides survivors with an accessible framework that can be applied to anyone preparing to heal: 1. Block or Limit Contact2. Create Your Own Closure3. Forgive Yourself4. Establish Boundaries5. Talk to a Professional6. Practice Self-Care7. Reconnect8. Grieve9. Look Outward10. Prevent: Keeping Toxic People AwayAnyone who is in a toxic relationship-whether it's with a romantic partner, colleague, family member, or friend-deserves a way out and a path forward. Dr. Sarkis offers help and hope.

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