Breaking Trauma Bonds with Narcissists and Psychopaths: Stop the Cycle of Manipulation, Exploitation, and Abuse in Your Romantic Relationships

by Shahida Arabi MA

Overview

Break free from manipulation and gaslighting—once and for all.

Are you thriving in your relationship, or merely surviving? Are you the victim of constant manipulation, gaslighting, and deception at the hands of your partner? Do you find yourself constantly making excuses for your partner’s abusive behavior? If you feel trapped in a relationship with someone who displays narcissistic or psychopathic behavior, you may be experiencing a trauma bond—a powerful connection you’ve developed with your abuser as a result of the danger, betrayal, or a power imbalance inherent in your relationship. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and it’s not your fault.

Written by an expert in narcissism and toxic relationships, this powerful guide is packed with the tools you need to finally break free from the destructive grip of narcissistic or psychopathic abuse. You’ll learn how to spot manipulation tactics used by abusers to create and maintain unhealthy bonds, so you can better recognize, understand, and draw boundaries with your partner. You’ll also discover insightful tips and practical strategies to help you end your relationship safely and build healthy relationships in the future.

Trauma bonding can have devastating effects. It can cause you to not only tolerate mistreatment, but even protect and defend your abuser simply out of a need to survive. This book clears a path to connect with and validate your authentic outrage at how you’ve been treated, so you can finally process your pain and move forward on your path to freedom. Go ahead, take the first step today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781648483561
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	01/02/2025
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Shahida Arabi, MA, is a published researcher and expert specializing in narcissism. She is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University, and holds graduate degrees in psychology and sociology. She is also author of several best-selling books, including Becoming the Narcissist’s Nightmare, The Highly Sensitive Person’s Guide to Dealing with Toxic People, and Power. Her books have been translated into more than eighteen languages all over the world. Her writing has been featured on Salon, Bustle, Psychology Today, Huffington Post, VICE, and New York Daily News. She lives in Manhattan, NY. Find out more about her at www.shahidaarabi.com.

Editorial Reviews

Breaking Trauma Bonds with Narcissists and Psychopaths is a vital resource for survivors seeking to reclaim their mental and emotional well-being. Shahida’s insightful guidance empowers individuals to break free from the destructive cycles of manipulative relationships. With clarity and compassion, this book provides a road map for detaching from toxic bonds and rediscovering inner strength. A must-read for those ready to break free from the grips of trauma and reclaim their sense of self.” 
—Lisa A. Romano, life coach and award-winning author specializing in codependency and narcissistic abuse recovery

Lisa A. Romano

A transformational book for survivors of narcissistic abuse, it provides a killer combination of impeccable research, science, and case studies to reassure readers that what happened to them was no one-off or in any way their fault, and, additionally, that the distress they feel is not an ‘overreaction,’ but the measurable effect of trauma on their brains—which can, happily, be gradually reverted by doing the healing work Arabi outlines.” 
—Annie Kaszina, PhD, coach, founder of www.recoverfromemotionalabuse.com, and author of Married to Mr. Nasty and The Woman You Want to Be

Annie Kaszina

Readers will find validation and clarity in Shahida Arabi’s science-based, research-backed analysis. They will also encounter a knowledgeable and compassionate guide who provides hope and the important steps to begin to support the self-awareness necessary to break through the disorientation and fragmentation that accompanies this kind of destructive relational dynamic, and ultimately return to wholeness.” 
—Gretchen Seitz, DAOM, LAc, owner of Seitz Acupuncture and Integrative Health

Gretchen Seitz

This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand why they became so unhealthily attached to a toxic person, and how to reclaim personal power and integrity.” 
—George Simon, PhD, author of the international best-seller, In Sheep’s Clothing, and Character Disturbance

George Simon

Shahida Arabi masterfully educates readers about the complex intersection of neuroscience and the intricacies of healing in the aftermath of psychological abuse. Written in a style that is digestible, informative, and packed with research, Shahida’s book will no doubt serve as an essential guide for survivors and helping professionals alike. Bravo, Shahida!” 
—Andrea Schneider, MSW, LCSW, licensed clinical social worker/psychotherapist in the San Francisco Bay Area, and author of Soul Vampires

Andrea Schneider

Shahida Arabi’s work has contributed mightily to our understanding of how to help victims identify, avoid, and escape from toxic narcissists and psychopaths. Her latest book, Breaking Trauma Bonds with Narcissists and Psychopaths, brilliantly outs the dynamics of such exploitive, destructive people. Her guidance on escaping from ensnaring narcissists is the most comprehensive I have ever read. Anyone who reads it will be aided greatly in avoiding or breaking trauma bonds.” 
—Pete Walker, LMFT, traumatologist, and best-selling author of Complex PTSD and Holistically Treating Complex PTSD

Pete Walker