From psychologist and author of Gaslighting?, a practical recovery plan outlining ten foundational steps to true healing
In Gaslighting, Dr. Stephanie Sarkis unpacked the manipulative behavior used by narcissists and sociopaths to make their victims question their own reality and keep their victims in their thrall. Now, in Healing from Toxic Relationships, she extends compassion and knowledge to anyone in the aftermath of an abusive or toxic relationship. Survivors often struggle to heal; their self-esteem may be damaged, they may feel rage and betrayal, they may punish and/or blame themselves. Dr. Sarkis has seen it all: as a specialist in toxic behavior and personality disorders, she is on the front lines with survivors. Healing from Toxic Relationships helps survivors to understand the underpinnings of toxic behavior and how to move forward, tackling everything from getting self-esteem back, self-care, how to avoid toxic relationships in the future, and more. Dr. Sarkis' 10 Essential Steps are less of a one-size-fits-all approach and more of an accessible framework for healing, one step at a time:
1.Block Contact
2.Forget 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. About the Author: 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 www.stephaniesarkis.com. |
