“Brave and innovative” - Lori Gottlieb, psychotherapist and author of the New York Times bestseller Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.

A book that debunks myths and inspires, combining research and memoir to explore the growing phenomenon of estrangement from toxic relatives – showing it not as a tragedy, but as an empowering and effective solution to the pain of familial abuse.

After decades of torment from his mother, both physical and psychological, and years of trying to set boundaries to no avail, Eamon Dolan took a radical step: he cut his mother out of his life. No more phone calls, no more visits, no more contact. Estranging himself from his abuser gave him immediate relief and set him on a path of freedom, self-confidence, and joy like never before.

In The Power of Parting, Dolan has written the book he wished he had when he was struggling to free himself from his mother's abuse. In the process, he discovered how widespread estrangement is. One in five British families will be affected by estrangement, and at least 27% of Americans are estranged from a parent, sibling, or other family member. Dolan realized that estrangement should be understood and embraced, not hidden behind shame.

Drawing from his own suffering and healing, as well as expert advice and testimonies from other brave survivors, Dolan first explains why abuse harms us in childhood and beyond, and why limited or no contact may be our best option. He then guides us through the steps of a successful, positive estrangement: how to dedicate crucial time to yourself, how to set rules for your abuser, and – if they cannot or will not respect your boundaries – how to end a toxic relationship. He also offers advice on how to reduce the guilt and grief that often accompany estrangement, and how to break the cycle of abuse.

With a compelling combination of clarity and empathy, Dolan encourages others to do what he ultimately did for himself: to determine if the people in their lives treat them with the care and concern they deserve – and to distance themselves from those who do not.

Pages: 304, Year of Publication: 0715, Dimensions: 16.4x16.4cm