The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It

Some wounds don’t leave bruises, but they still break the heart. Emotional abuse can be subtle—words that control, actions that manipulate, patterns that leave you feeling worthless or trapped. It can happen in marriages, families, friendships, and even within the church. So how do you recognize it? And what can you do?

In The Emotionally Destructive Relationship, counselor and social worker Leslie Vernick offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you break free from confusion and take steps toward healing. With empathy and experience, she helps you:

• Reveal behaviors that are meant to control, punish, and hurt.
• Confront and speak truth when the timing is right.
• Determine when to keep trying—and when it’s time to walk away.
• Get safe and stay safe, both emotionally and physically.
• Build an identity in Christ, stepping into His freedom and love.

No one should have to stay in a relationship that destroys their heart and soul. This book will help you see your situation clearly, make wise choices, and walk in the healing and wholeness God desires for you.

Leslie Vernick is a licensed clinical social worker, relationship coach, and author of The Emotionally Destructive Relationship and The Emotionally Destructive Marriage.

Visit leslievernick.com for books, resources, and her blog.