This is one of the most helpful books I have read this year. It definitely opened my eyes to the wide variety of toxic relationships. It also gave me the courage to walk away from the relationship with clear steps to safely do that. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with a difficult relationship even if they do not see them as toxic.

Really enjoyed this book and the insights that it brought. I believe that every person could benefit from reading this. The author gives tangible ways to overcome toxic relationships and relationship patterns. Thank you!

I received an ARC from this book in exchange for an honest review.

I learned a lot from reading this book. I found it very helpful.

This book really hit a spot I didn't know it would hit. I left a toxic relationship almost a year ago and I've been going through the healing process without any guidance. This book had some really helpful information and a lot of good quotes that I would like to remember, so I'm purchasing a physical copy as soon as possible. My only complaint is a complaint I have with every self-help/mental health nonfiction and it's that it uses she/her and he/him pronouns instead of just the gender neutral they/them. Other than that, I liked the content and I'm going to actively use what I learned to better my life.

A clearly written and practical guide for someone dealing with a toxic relationship. This can be used as a workbook and a reference. An excellent resource.

If I had just one word to describe this book it would be AWARENESS.
Are you in an unhealthy relationship? Coworker, grown child, spouse, ex?
I’ve spent many years in therapy and suffered because of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. I wish I’d had this book sooner. It was informative and so helpful. It answers questions and gives sound advice.
I fall back into my codependency sometimes and it makes me fragile. Having said that I would recommend this for anyone who needs to understand what’s happening.
This book encourages therapy but also has many exercises you can do to learn how to change the situation.
A lot of you know about my life and understanding how I’ve struggled but I can’t say enough good things about this book! It’s life changing and I hope you consider it if you need help. Trust me, it’s really helpful.
Thanks Hachette Go via NetGalley.
I’m leaving my review on Instagram, FB, Amazon, GR and BB.

Dr. Sarkis truly understands toxic relationships and articulates with a sense of compassion. I absolutely identified so many times throughout this book areas in my own personal life that were truly toxic. I loved the way she broke each area down and provided the reader with ways to combat toxicity. I devoured this book and highly recommend it to anyone suffering from any type of toxic relationship.

It was hard for me to read this and not get choked up and emotional. Wow! I have several toxic relationships in my life happening now. At least one ended with the end of my job last month, but I have a new one starting soon that is sooo much better and positive. I almost forgot what it was like to work in a positive environment!

This book has so much good information and advice! Well written and researched. This book really explains different types of toxic relationships and the signs. Very impressed with this and I think it will be a great resource for many to help people get courage to get professional help and to improve their lives.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley, Stephanie Moulton Sarkis and Hachette Books Go for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 7/26/22

Healing From Toxic Relationships: 10 Essential Steps to Recover from Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Emotional Abuse

by Stephanie Mouton Sarkis


As a clinical psychologist, on certain occasions it falls on me to help a client discern between what are typical negotiable family or relationship disputes and unsustainable toxic relationships. Some individuals are in a marriage or part of a family system fraught with conflict, cruelty, abuse, neglect, addictions and/or untreated mental illness. It is heartbreaking when one must decide that estrangement is the only solution. The process of breaking ties with toxic family members or a partner is inherently marked by uncertainty, social stigma, ambiguous loss, complexity and unpredictability. I happened across Healing From Toxic Relationships: 10 Essential Steps to Recover from Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Emotional Abuse, and in it I found a practical guide for individuals who are navigating this difficult and at times lonely journey.

Mouton Sarkis’s work offers practical advice and guidance for those who are seeking emancipation from toxic family members as well as toxic romantic entanglements or work environments. The author provides the reader with sound information regarding family dynamics, attachment theory, trauma bonding, how to identify toxic people, and other relevant concepts. The first sections of the book help facilitate the readers understanding of how they found themselves in their current predicament and how to begin to extricate themselves from their toxic relationships. In the second half of the handbook, are clear and well organized steps to heal and prevent future toxic entanglements. In a straightforward and empathic manner, Mouton Sarkis delineates 10 essential steps, as the title informs us, to healing from toxic relationships: 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 and 10) Prevent. The process of extricating oneself from toxic relationships is complicated and heart wrenching work. While providing practicable steps, the author never under plays the need for professional support and guidance. I would highly recommend this handbook both to lay individuals struggling to find their way through the mire of toxic relationships as well as to other professionals who are seeking guidance for how to assist their clients.

My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Books for the privilege of reading this digital copy.

Healing from Toxic Relationships: 10 Essential Steps to Recover from Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Emotional Abuse by Stephanie Moulton Sarkis was just what I needed as I am currently dealing with toxic relationships. I highly recommend it. Five stars.

Incredibly helpful and insightful in ways you didn’t know could help. Take the time to read this to help get your life back on track. You may not realize the impact trauma has on your daily life but once you overcome it you’ll look back and wish you’d read this book sooner.

I've been in two toxic relationships in my life; one was romantic and the other parental. I did just over two years of hardcore therapy to heal. With that experience, I can tell you that this book is a great source for anyone unsure if they're in a toxic relationship, anyone looking to get out, and those who got out and are working on healing. There's a lot of great information in these pages, and most importantly related stories that offer validation.

I devoured this book. I am currently going through a divorce with someone it took m 19 years to realize was toxic and while his toxicity is nothing compared to some of the scenarios listed in this book, I felt validated in my feelings that my mental, physical, and emotional well being are worth starting down this path alone. I thought the book was very encouraging while also being incredibly informative. I already recommended it to a friend who may be headed down the same path.

So, I was reading this book during my lunch break or when I was going to bed. In all reality, you do not know when this is happening to you. All you know is that one day you notice that you are in a toxic relationship. This book helped me understand how to move pass it, set my boundaries and literally be happy for me. But you must put in the work too not just read it. Well, this is how I did it and I can say this helped and might help other too. (Thank you NetGalley, I truly appreciate it)

Love this! Will recommend. Perfect for anyone unsure of the path forward after a bad relationship. We're all doing the thing!