If you lived through a damaging or abusive childhood, this book understands. It offers validation and hope, through honesty and practical guidance.

It explores and explains:

• How early experiences shape the patterns of our adult lives
• Ways to understand and work through present challenges
• Actionable steps toward creating the future you deserve

Your healing journey is unique to you. There’s no single right way forward, and this book respects that truth. You’ll discover a range of approaches, from traditional therapy to practices like cold water immersion, movement therapy, and mind–body work. This book empowers you to find your own route to destinations of your choosing.

The book addresses essential questions about the parts of our lives that have the greatest impact:

• How can trust be rebuilt?
• What makes a relationship healthy or harmful?
• How do you recognize narcissism, codependency, and gaslighting?
• What is forgiveness, and is it always necessary?

From processing your emotions to reshaping your thought patterns, from traditional psychotherapy to movement-based practices like boxing and dance, you’ll find practical tools that make sense for your life. Learn to recognize and avoid thinking traps while building healthier ways to process both your thoughts and your feelings. Above all, the book is a friend and companion on your journey, offering guidance as you move forward at your own pace.

Your past is part of your story. But it doesn’t have to define your future.

*This book was previously published as Parents Can Really F*ck You Up: A Compassionate Companion and Guide to Overcoming a Traumatic, Abusive, or Unfair Childhood by Jackie Poet*