Key Summary
Welcome to my review for Learning How to Leave by Michael Padraig Acton, a Practical Guide To Stepping Away From Toxic and Narcissistic Relationships. Learning How to Leave is the first title in a new series of self help books called Power of You. Learning How to Leave is out now in both paperback and ebook. My thanks to Helen of Literally PR for the gifted copy.
My Review for Learning How to Leave by Michael Padraig Acton
This book is absolutely packed full of information and written in a very accessible style. It’s helpfully divided into 3 parts: 1. understanding narcissism and co-dependency, 2. different perspectives outside of therapy and 3. unhooking and recovering from a narcissist. Each part is divided into chapters and each chapter sub-divided into sections. This makes it very easy to find exactly what you’re looking for; although page numbers in the contents listing would make this even easier.
The writing style is engaging and easy to understand. The author uses real examples drawn from 3 decades as a therapist as well as from his own life. This makes the concepts easier to understand and gives the advice a true authenticity. I was horrified when during lockdown news reports came out that between April and June 2020, there was a 65% increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, when compared to the first three months of that year. If those victims had access to this handbook it would have made their situation so much easier to deal with. The advice for how to leave and how to heal is empowering. Narcissistic relationships don’t have to happen between romantic partners, they can occur in families, in friendship groups or at work. This book has me reflecting on past relationships and I feel better informed to observe others’ behaviour and spot warning signs going forward.
A deeply researched, easy to understand guide to identify, understand, leave and heal from narcissistic relationships. Illustrated with real life examples, it has the potential to change, and even save, lives. A very timely and valuable book in the wake of increased incidences of domestic abuse resulting from lockdowns.
Cover Blurb
The most comprehensive, easy-to-read, survival guide for co-dependents packed with practical advice: from identifying and understanding toxic narcissistic relationships, to learning how to leave and heal.
Narcissists thrive on isolating their ‘victim’, cutting them off from the life they could be living, and making them so dependent that they feel unable to survive outside of the toxic relationship. This book challenges the reader to refuse to accept the toxic life any longer. To choose a worthier existence. Because we all live the lives we accept for ourselves.
“A narcissist is only done with you when they’re done. For those in a relationship with a narcissist, the most powerful step you can take now is to learn how to leave.” – Michael Padraig-Acton.
Michael Padraig-Acton’s 30+ years experience in psychological therapy and counselling, plus incredible case studies and insights from leading experts, are packed into this accessible, hard-to-put-down guide that will empower codependents – and those who care for them – to understand and identify why and how they need to step away from toxic narcissistic relationships forever… and how to heal. Tackling domestic abuse, domestic violence, addiction, coercive control and more, Learning How To Leave explores myriad narcissistic relationships (romantic, family, work etc).
Michael Padraig-Acton is dedicated to finding a lasting solution to the silent pandemic of narcissistic personality disorder abuse that is spreading disaster and death across the world. The power of knowledge, understanding and support offered to co-dependents through this book can be a life-changing step towards freedom
