Publishers Weekly
10/02/2023
Psychotherapist Mahler aims in her healing debut to guide readers away from romantic relationships that “make you feel devalued, attacked, or neglected” and toward self-affirmation and safety. According to the author, readers can trace the roots of their “own foundational constructs around relationships” back to the friends, religious beliefs, media (including TV shows and internet content), and family dynamics that shaped them, often in damaging ways. For example, children who’ve grown up trained to anticipate their parents’ needs are primed to unhealthily prioritize their partner’s later in life. After identifying common toxic relationship behaviors, including gaslighting and neglect, Mahler shows readers how to formulate a relationship exit plan and cope emotionally after ending things with someone (“Humanizing your feelings after a breakup is important, but missing them and needing to get back together are not the same thing”). Later, Mahler discusses how readers can work to establish healthy relationships with themselves by avoiding negative self-talk, practicing self-compassion, and setting manageable goals that “make you feel happy and authentically you.” Balancing compassion with smart, plainspoken truths, Mahler reminds readers that “normalized trauma is untreated trauma,” that “you are responsible for your own healing,” and that self-reflection is painful but necessary medicine, because “if you ignore where you’ve been, it’s almost impossible to heal from it.” It’s a game-changing resource for those seeking to reevaluate their relationships. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"A game changing resource for those seeking to reevaluate their relationships."
—Publishers Weekly
“Toxic Relationship Recovery should be required reading for all young people, those who have survived toxic relationships and are looking for answers, and anyone interested in psychology. Jaime Mahler masterfully explains this often-overlooked topic in an approachable and nonjudgmental way. We will be recommending this masterpiece for years to come.”
—Justin Romano, MD, psychiatrist and cohost of the Millennial Mental Health Channel podcast
“Both practical and powerful, this book is the definitive guide for understanding and healing from toxic relationships. Jaime puts names to things that most of us experience, yet many of us don’t talk about. But now we can.”
—Sarah Edmondson, author of Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult That Bound My Life and host/producer of the A Little Bit Culty podcast
“A companion when life feels impossibly toxic. You don’t have to heal alone. Jaime gently guides us from ‘That’s not normal’ to full recovery and rediscovery. I will be reading it twice.”
—Qveen Herby, recording artist, @qveenherby
“Healing from the wounds of trauma can be a very difficult journey, but Jaime Mahler’s Toxic Relationship Recovery is a guiding light toward healing and empowerment. With compassion and wisdom, Jaime shares her profound knowledge and provides a very powerful message for others to navigate the complexities of trauma recovery. Toxic Relationship Recovery is extremely easy to read and offers many case studies to help you understand the premise of the chapters. It offers insightful perspectives and practical tools which empower survivors to reclaim their strength and rewrite their narratives. If you or someone you know has been affected by trauma and needs help navigating through tough decisions, Toxic Relationship Recovery is an invaluable companion on the journey toward healing and reestablishment.”
—Yasmin Regan, trauma survivor
“Jaime gives you the two essential components required to fully heal from a toxic relationship: a trusted guide and an effective plan. As a therapist and consultant, I will be recommending this book to my clients because of Jaime’s expertise and her ability to communicate what’s necessary in a warm, engaging manner. She delivers substantial information, and she uses stories and real-world examples to help the information move from your head to your heart.”
—Trey Tucker, LPC, MA, therapist, consultant, and founder of Rugged Counseling
“Jaime finds a way to make the difficult topic of recovery from a toxic relationship understandable for clinicians and consumers alike. Her ability to connect with all groups helps to normalize these conversations and empowers those who are reading to feel like they are no longer alone. Early on, Jaime reminds readers that ‘You have value’—this helps set the tone for the healing that can be expected throughout the book.”
—Eddie Carrillo, MA, LPC, licensed mental health therapist and cohost of the Millennial Mental Health Channel podcast
“Toxic Relationship Recovery is an instant favorite and has quickly risen to the top of my recommendation list with clients. Jaime brilliantly elucidates the complexities of relationships, and helps the reader find the line between self-advocacy and toxic behavior—a line that is often difficult to discern in high-conflict relationships or after betrayal. This book is a must-read for anyone trying to recalibrate the way they love and connect with others.”
—Dr. Kate Balestrieri, psychologist, sex therapist, founder of Modern Intimacy, and host of the Modern Intimacy podcast
“Toxic Relationship Recovery offers a practical and accessible approach for individuals seeking to heal past wounds and establish healthier patterns in their relationships. Jaime’s exceptional ability to deconstruct the concepts presented in this book—along with the aid of insightful examples—empowers readers to identify and liberate themselves from toxic patterns.”
—Dr. Patrice Berry, psychologist and author of Turning Crisis Into Clarity
“I wish I could send Toxic Relationship Recovery to myself in the nineties. It would have saved me decades of heartache. Jaime covers so much ground in this book. I recommend it to anyone who might be questioning their relationship patterns, and to those who are clear about the dysfunction they’re experiencing but need concrete tools in order to create sustainable change.”
—Ingrid Clayton, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Believing Me: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma
