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The Toxic Parents Survival Guide
Recognizing, Understanding, and Freeing Yourself from These Difficult Relationships
by Bryn C. Collins
Pub Date 09 Oct 2018
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Talking about this book? Be sure to tag it using #TheToxicParentsSurvivalGuide #NetGalley |
Description
If you or someone you love grew up with an emotionally unavailable, narcissistic, or selfish parent, you probably struggle with residual feelings of anger, abandonment, loneliness, or shame. For anyone who endured a nightmare or a wasteland instead of a nurturing childhood, The Toxic Parents Survival Guide will offer you the clinical insights and the day-to-day tools so you can break the chains of toxicity that bind you in a mess you didn't create.
Psychologist Bryn Collins pulls back the layers to explore the very complicated relationship with an emotionally unavailable parent. Whether they were unavailable because of addiction, mental illness, or being overly controlling or an iceberg, this imminently practical book will help validate your frustration and emotional struggles, help you set clear boundaries, and learn how to un-mesh yourself and move forward to a place of strength and peace without any guilt. Using case studies, quizzes, and jargon-free concepts, Collins profiles the most common types of toxic parents and offers the tactics and tools you need to change and break free of these painful associations.
Your wounds can be healed and you can move forward. The Toxic Parents Survival Guide will help you find different ways of dealing with your parents' painful legacy so that you don't suffer and don't pass along emotional unavailability to the next generation or your current relationships.
If you or someone you love grew up with an emotionally unavailable, narcissistic, or selfish parent, you probably struggle with residual feelings of anger, abandonment, loneliness, or shame. For...
Description
If you or someone you love grew up with an emotionally unavailable, narcissistic, or selfish parent, you probably struggle with residual feelings of anger, abandonment, loneliness, or shame. For anyone who endured a nightmare or a wasteland instead of a nurturing childhood, The Toxic Parents Survival Guide will offer you the clinical insights and the day-to-day tools so you can break the chains of toxicity that bind you in a mess you didn't create.
Psychologist Bryn Collins pulls back the layers to explore the very complicated relationship with an emotionally unavailable parent. Whether they were unavailable because of addiction, mental illness, or being overly controlling or an iceberg, this imminently practical book will help validate your frustration and emotional struggles, help you set clear boundaries, and learn how to un-mesh yourself and move forward to a place of strength and peace without any guilt. Using case studies, quizzes, and jargon-free concepts, Collins profiles the most common types of toxic parents and offers the tactics and tools you need to change and break free of these painful associations.
Your wounds can be healed and you can move forward. The Toxic Parents Survival Guide will help you find different ways of dealing with your parents' painful legacy so that you don't suffer and don't pass along emotional unavailability to the next generation or your current relationships.
A Note From the Publisher
Psychologist Bryn Collins pulls back the layers to explore the very complicated relationship with an emotionally unavailable parent. Whether they were unavailable because of addiction, mental...
A Note From the Publisher
Marketing Plan
Early reviews via NetgalleyCoverage in Counselor magazineFocus on Minnesota media Regular on Tom Anderson radio showBookstore tour planned in major US marketsReviews in recovery trade media
Early reviews via NetgalleyCoverage in Counselor magazineFocus on Minnesota media Regular on Tom Anderson radio showBookstore tour planned in major US marketsReviews in recovery trade media
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9780757321047 |
PRICE | $15.95 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
If you or someone you love grew up with an emotionally unavailable, narcissistic, or selfish parent, you need to read this book today! When one suffers through toxic parenting, one didn't get the nurturing necessary to develop into a fully-functional adult. The Toxic Parents Survival Guide will help by giving you the tools needed to overcome. Written in a clear, easy to access format, this book is a good read and reference for all who are struggling with childhood demons. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Yes
|
|
I requested this because I grew up with toxic parents and because I was looking to spruce up our nonfiction/selfhelp selection with some new and fresh titles. This book did not disappoint. There is nothing earth-shatteringly new here for those who have explored the topic already but this book is clear, succinct and very readable. A great introduction and overview on dealing with toxic family that also offers strategies and validation for those who suffer from poor and even abusive relationships with their parents. |
Recommends This Book
Yes
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
I'm reading this piece meal but my it is so very poignant and relative. It's easier to read in sections and in between fiction reads to ensure it isn't too heavy going. It is very true to form and a great eye opener of a read. I would recommend. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
If you ever wondered what you did wrong as a child that made your parents treat you like something less than human, The Toxic Parents Survival Guide might be the book for you. I grew up with what I later called dysfunctional parents(though toxic is actually a much better word). I left home when I was 15, a home that from the outside looked 'picture perfect', but one where I was beaten down and mentally abused every day of my childhood. I have never regretted leaving even for a single minute, and as you can imagine, being on your own at 15 is no picnic, so the fact that being basically homeless with very few life skills was still a better option to me, says quite a lot. This book does a great job of clearly explaining what it is like to have emotionally unavailable parents who seem to take great satisfaction in letting you know that you aren't good enough. Sometimes, just hearing that you aren't alone and that there isn't anything you could have done differently is enough to get you headed in the right direction. The author covers identifying the toxic behaviors as well as coping skills to help you heal and lead a life free( or relatively free) from your childhood demons. It is a very comprehensive guide to understanding your upbringing and assisting you in moving beyond your past to a better future. As an adult, I thought I could interact with my parents again, but sadly, the dynamics hadn't changed. I read this book at the perfect time, as I began sliding down the rabbit hole again and apparently needed a reminder that sometimes you just have to let go and move on. I highly recommend this to anyone who had a wasteland of a childhood and wants to better understand why. I received an eARC from HCI Books through NetGalley. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
#TheToxicParentsSurvivalGuide #NetGalley I read a review copy of the book that I had requested as it covers a subject close to my heart and my experience of growing up. Very interesting, relative, and the book explains clearly what it is like to have emotionally unavailable parents or parent. The author writes about coping strategies in order to overcome the toxic behaviour. A very good read in which the author shows a great understanding of the subject. I would recommend this. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
At first I wasn't sure in what direction this book was heading. There were a lot of definitions and explanations on feelings and emotions. It read a lot like a text book and I felt a bit bored. But then it started getting into the relationship dynamics and how these dynamics can often lead to toxic relationships. I thought these observations were thought provoking and thorough. The author did an amazing job breaking each dynamic down and offering good solutions. The only thing I questioned were the verbal responses. When you're speaking to a parent who is often confrontational asking them how to resolve the issue can sometimes come off as belittling. Often time you have to approach the conversation with organic response that fit the cultural dynamic. I still felt the material was instructive and insightful. Definitely recommend. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
I have not finished this book yet but I'm liking it so much I'll end up buying it so I can highlight and underline paragraphs, which I never, ever rarely do. It's a deep book that can't be read in one session. It breaks down different kinds of emotion/mind sets and the different kind of toxic people that are in the world. It is quite an eye opener. I do like the suggestions and advice this author gives. He does not sugarcoat the situations and tells the readers it takes time and patience for things. I highly recommend it for anyone who is dealing with this sort of thing.. I do hope he comes out with a guide to talk to younger audience because this book is focused on adults and to help younger children an adult would need to read it first and cater toward each individual child. It's a good book. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
I found this book to be very good and helpful. It was easy to read and the author provided good solutions that can help people deal with every type of emotionally unavailable parents, because there are more than one. The practical advice that you wiil find in this book can help people deal with the problematic relationship with their parents , heal the wounds from their childhood and move forward with their lives. I recommend it. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
This little book looks simple, but proved to be a brilliant how-to guide for navigating day-to-day interactions that can feel like minefields of highly charged emotional conflict with difficult or disordered parents, and other people in our lives who fill those roles. It works like a map. presenting a clear and simple way to chart of several kinds of unbalanced parent-child relationships. Don't underestimate it! The Toxic Parents Survival Guide also offers succinct phrases to help you quickly sidestep all the verbal traps a parent can hurl to pin you down where they want you. She also reminds you that with practice, these methods and strategies will help you get better at keeping your equilibrium and holding your ground. I'm amazed at how a professional can break down a family conflict into 5 basic roles. If you need a manual for how to embark on a phone conversation or a lunch date with a chronically blaming or gaslighting parent, this will get you started. Of course, no book can be the cure-all to all parent-related troubles. As one might expect, Collins advises a long-term commitment to therapy. She also identifies some disordered parents where no interacting at all is your best course. If you're drained from chaotic interactions that leave you feeling powerless or out of control, this great book will help you clear the cobwebs, find your footing, and your sanity. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
Read an Excerpt

The Toxic Parents Survival Guide
Bryn C. Collins
Additional Information
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9780757321047 |
PRICE | $15.95 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
If you or someone you love grew up with an emotionally unavailable, narcissistic, or selfish parent, you need to read this book today! When one suffers through toxic parenting, one didn't get the nurturing necessary to develop into a fully-functional adult. The Toxic Parents Survival Guide will help by giving you the tools needed to overcome. Written in a clear, easy to access format, this book is a good read and reference for all who are struggling with childhood demons. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Yes
|
|
I requested this because I grew up with toxic parents and because I was looking to spruce up our nonfiction/selfhelp selection with some new and fresh titles. This book did not disappoint. There is nothing earth-shatteringly new here for those who have explored the topic already but this book is clear, succinct and very readable. A great introduction and overview on dealing with toxic family that also offers strategies and validation for those who suffer from poor and even abusive relationships with their parents. |
Recommends This Book
Yes
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
I'm reading this piece meal but my it is so very poignant and relative. It's easier to read in sections and in between fiction reads to ensure it isn't too heavy going. It is very true to form and a great eye opener of a read. I would recommend. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
If you ever wondered what you did wrong as a child that made your parents treat you like something less than human, The Toxic Parents Survival Guide might be the book for you. I grew up with what I later called dysfunctional parents(though toxic is actually a much better word). I left home when I was 15, a home that from the outside looked 'picture perfect', but one where I was beaten down and mentally abused every day of my childhood. I have never regretted leaving even for a single minute, and as you can imagine, being on your own at 15 is no picnic, so the fact that being basically homeless with very few life skills was still a better option to me, says quite a lot. This book does a great job of clearly explaining what it is like to have emotionally unavailable parents who seem to take great satisfaction in letting you know that you aren't good enough. Sometimes, just hearing that you aren't alone and that there isn't anything you could have done differently is enough to get you headed in the right direction. The author covers identifying the toxic behaviors as well as coping skills to help you heal and lead a life free( or relatively free) from your childhood demons. It is a very comprehensive guide to understanding your upbringing and assisting you in moving beyond your past to a better future. As an adult, I thought I could interact with my parents again, but sadly, the dynamics hadn't changed. I read this book at the perfect time, as I began sliding down the rabbit hole again and apparently needed a reminder that sometimes you just have to let go and move on. I highly recommend this to anyone who had a wasteland of a childhood and wants to better understand why. I received an eARC from HCI Books through NetGalley. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
#TheToxicParentsSurvivalGuide #NetGalley I read a review copy of the book that I had requested as it covers a subject close to my heart and my experience of growing up. Very interesting, relative, and the book explains clearly what it is like to have emotionally unavailable parents or parent. The author writes about coping strategies in order to overcome the toxic behaviour. A very good read in which the author shows a great understanding of the subject. I would recommend this. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
At first I wasn't sure in what direction this book was heading. There were a lot of definitions and explanations on feelings and emotions. It read a lot like a text book and I felt a bit bored. But then it started getting into the relationship dynamics and how these dynamics can often lead to toxic relationships. I thought these observations were thought provoking and thorough. The author did an amazing job breaking each dynamic down and offering good solutions. The only thing I questioned were the verbal responses. When you're speaking to a parent who is often confrontational asking them how to resolve the issue can sometimes come off as belittling. Often time you have to approach the conversation with organic response that fit the cultural dynamic. I still felt the material was instructive and insightful. Definitely recommend. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
I have not finished this book yet but I'm liking it so much I'll end up buying it so I can highlight and underline paragraphs, which I never, ever rarely do. It's a deep book that can't be read in one session. It breaks down different kinds of emotion/mind sets and the different kind of toxic people that are in the world. It is quite an eye opener. I do like the suggestions and advice this author gives. He does not sugarcoat the situations and tells the readers it takes time and patience for things. I highly recommend it for anyone who is dealing with this sort of thing.. I do hope he comes out with a guide to talk to younger audience because this book is focused on adults and to help younger children an adult would need to read it first and cater toward each individual child. It's a good book. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
I found this book to be very good and helpful. It was easy to read and the author provided good solutions that can help people deal with every type of emotionally unavailable parents, because there are more than one. The practical advice that you wiil find in this book can help people deal with the problematic relationship with their parents , heal the wounds from their childhood and move forward with their lives. I recommend it. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|

Recommends This Book
Strongly
|
|
This little book looks simple, but proved to be a brilliant how-to guide for navigating day-to-day interactions that can feel like minefields of highly charged emotional conflict with difficult or disordered parents, and other people in our lives who fill those roles. It works like a map. presenting a clear and simple way to chart of several kinds of unbalanced parent-child relationships. Don't underestimate it! The Toxic Parents Survival Guide also offers succinct phrases to help you quickly sidestep all the verbal traps a parent can hurl to pin you down where they want you. She also reminds you that with practice, these methods and strategies will help you get better at keeping your equilibrium and holding your ground. I'm amazed at how a professional can break down a family conflict into 5 basic roles. If you need a manual for how to embark on a phone conversation or a lunch date with a chronically blaming or gaslighting parent, this will get you started. Of course, no book can be the cure-all to all parent-related troubles. As one might expect, Collins advises a long-term commitment to therapy. She also identifies some disordered parents where no interacting at all is your best course. If you're drained from chaotic interactions that leave you feeling powerless or out of control, this great book will help you clear the cobwebs, find your footing, and your sanity. |
Recommends This Book
Strongly
|