Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

How to Leave Your Psychopath: The Essential Handbook for Escaping Toxic Relationships

Rate this book
Are you forever finding yourself in the stranglehold of controlling companions? Well, fear not, because once you’ve finished reading this book, you’ll be able to wave ta-ta to unhappy and unhealthy relationships for good. Consider me the Psycho Sprucer, Bad Boy Buster, the Hot Mess Assessor – ready to leave your love life sparkling.

How to Leave Your Psychopath is a candid account of the complex, subtle nature of coercive control and abusive relationships from comedian Maddy Anholt, who - until her eyes were opened - had spent her entire dating life trapped in them.

Relatable and accessible, the book covers all the common techniques these toxic twerps use to exert control, including gaslighting, breadcrumbing and negging. This book is the ultimate handbook to help you see and respond to red flags, recognize controlling traits, and learn to give any prospective date a score on Maddy's unique 'Psychometer', from super-empath to psychopath. Vitally, by interweaving psychological insight and autobiographical anecdotes, Maddy shows you the road to self-discovery, leading you on the path to safer dating and a healthier, more joyful life.

Funny, judgement-free and full of brilliant first-hand advice, this empowering guide will help anyone ditch their controlling partner to find freedom and happiness.

384 pages, Hardcover

Published February 2, 2022

9 people are currently reading
230 people want to read

About the author

Maddy Anholt

2 books

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
75 (52%)
4 stars
47 (33%)
3 stars
14 (9%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Gemma.
12 reviews
February 15, 2022
I loved this book , I actually feel like it has changed my life ! It has given my experiences a voice - made me feel less alone , made me realise that I am not a weak victim and that I will get through the toxic relationship that I have survived . Reading it was like a direct view of my previous relationship it was mind blowing , reassuring and emotional all in one ! It gave all my thoughts , fears and yeah hopes a voice .
The book is well written , non preachy and at places funny , inspiring and upsetting - but knowing someone has went through a scarily similar situation and survived and thrived is amazing !
Please anyone out there who is feeling those little niggles at the back of your mind that you keep pushing away, read this book ! Seeing red flags but hoping that it will get better , it won’t get better ! Take notice of those red flags - read this book !!!
Profile Image for Hestia Istiviani.
1,045 reviews1,978 followers
May 31, 2022
Semakin dibaca, semakin dibuat kesal.

Bukan karena kontennya yg menyebalkan, tapi karena aku jadi mengingat kembali pengalaman nggak menyenangkan ketika masih punya relasi spesial dg seseorang yg ternyata tipe Controll-begitulah Maddy mendeskrepsikan individu dg kecenderungan "psikopat."

Rasanya nggak enak banget. Tapi kalau nggak aku evaluasi, aku nggak belajar & masih menyalahkan diriku sendiri atas kesialan yg pernah menimpaku.

Maddy bukan seorang psikolog. Ia seorang penyintas dari hubungan nggak sehat yg dijalaninya selama 3-4 tahun. Dalam How to Leave Your Psychopath, Maddy menceritakan kisahnya secara emosional lalu dilanjutkan dg penjelasan logis mengenai sifat seorang Controll & bagaimana agar kita nggak masuk dlm rayuan mautnya.

Sepanjang isi buku, porsi cerita Maddy memang lebih banyak ketimbang saran atau alasan mengapa seorang Controll bisa melakukan sesuatu seperti itu. Tetapi, itulah yg membuat buku ini nggak terkesan menggurui. Beberapa bagian pun Maddy menyarankan untuk berkonsultasi dg tenaga profesional.

Yang agak sulit kucerna adalah gaya bercerita Maddy. Dituliskan dg gaya bicara orang Inggris seperti misalnya, "S'red wine. All I had" & beberapa bahasa gaul yg aku nggak familiar.

Meski dituliskan bahwa Maddy adl seorang komedian, aku nggak begitu saja menertawakan pengalaman buruk yg ia coba ceritakan secara komikal. I mean, I've been there & membayangkan hal itu lagi masih membuatku marah.

Selepas membaca ini, minimal aku punya awareness tambahan terkait sifat seorang Controll & bagaimana manusia menormalisasi hubungan nggak sehat. Termasuk, "Bystander Effect" yg membuat korban makin kesulitan keluar dari jeratan Controll.

(Yah, itulah kenapa aku bilang kalau tulisan Maddy bikin aku kesal sekali).

Memang, nggak mudah untuk lepas dari Controll. But believe it or not, sekalinya kamu lepas, rasanya lega banget & you deserve to be loved. Di luar sana, masih ada orang yg lebih layak buat kamu. Jangan percaya kalau dia bilang, "You can't live without me." Pede sekali dia huh!
Profile Image for Jo Durrell.
28 reviews
April 5, 2025
How to Leave Your Psychopath by Maddy is a raw and insightful guide that provides practical advice for individuals seeking to break free from toxic, manipulative, and emotionally abusive relationships. The book offers a combination of personal experiences, expert advice, and steps to take when you’re ready to leave a relationship with a psychopath or narcissist.

Maddy does an excellent job of shedding light on the subtle manipulations that often go unnoticed and how to spot the signs of psychopathic behavior. It’s clear that the author has personal experience with the subject matter, which makes the book all the more powerful. The practical tips on setting boundaries, healing, and reclaiming your life were incredibly helpful.

While the book is empowering and filled with valuable advice, it can also be intense at times, especially if you’re personally dealing with the aftermath of such a relationship. But I believe the emotional weight is necessary to really understand the depth of the damage these relationships can cause.

I gave it 4 stars because I felt like it could have delved deeper into the psychological aspects of recovery, but overall, it’s an incredibly helpful and empowering read for anyone who needs support in leaving a toxic relationship
Profile Image for MariaJoy.
1 review
January 16, 2022
Amazing book that highlights toxic relationships, what to look for and avoid, and how to escape them!

I loved reading this and seeing what was applicable to the relationships in my life (with my partner and my parent’s relationship). I laughed and I cried reading this book. It’s both informative and interesting to see what the author went through and what she overcome.

If you feel you may be in a toxic relationship or know someone who might be this is a must read!!
Profile Image for Victoria White.
240 reviews
April 25, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
A brilliant author and well written, even funny in parts despite the themes. Very interesting points and she was brave to share. I really hope she reaches who she wants to with this book! Mainly focused on romantic relationships between men and women.
Profile Image for Giftie.
22 reviews
July 12, 2022
4.5 Stars!
This read really well. I could feel the sheer pain of the author's lived experience through those pages. I found myself looking forward to the italicised pages because there I could connect with the author's past and imagine the vividity of her pain. The beauty in the ending is the realisticity of it; for years she couldn't leave but one day something snapped. And suddenly, she no longer needed the inhaler that was him. Yet even this freedom came with thorns along the way. This story will truly read incredibly well as a memoir.
Profile Image for Manic Booksy Dreamgirl.
388 reviews23 followers
February 17, 2022
Really readable look at toxic relationships of all kinds. I read through this book in about two days as it was too fascinating to put down.

The author manages to share a massive amount of really useful information in a very accessible way. I'm certain it will help a lot of people. There's plenty of laughs in it and a plethora of insights that'll leave you seething in recognition.

So glad I picked this book up. Check it out if you're curious.
Profile Image for Charlotte Wild.
13 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2022
I inhaled this book (as fast I inhale books!)
It was funny.
It was informative.
It struck home (a bit too much!).
It was the book that I wish that I had had when I first started dating.
But also it is the book I wish I had had for relationships as a whole (not just romantic ones).
Maddy’s anecdotes of life experiences are relatable, shared with humour but mostly provide a huge WARNING of what to look out for (& then avoid!)
So thank you Maddy.
From, my adolescent self.
Profile Image for Isabelle Verebelyi.
67 reviews
October 23, 2022
This book is one I would tell anyone to read that’s been in a toxic relationship. I’m glad to say I didn’t find too many examples relevant to my dating life, but it helped offer perspective for those that have experienced relationships with psychopaths. Everyone should read it.
Profile Image for Emma Buckett.
Author 1 book2 followers
February 10, 2022
I am currently getting out of a relationship with a toxic narc controll. Finding this book is a relief, like breathing again. I am not alone. I am not weak.
4 reviews
March 8, 2025
"How to Leave Your Psychopath" - A Must-Read for Anyone in a Controlling Relationship

This book is, without a doubt, the best I have read in its genre so far.

How to Leave Your Psychopath is a powerful resource for anyone struggling to escape an abusive, manipulationship. A word of ⚠️ if you're in an actively abusive environment, keeping a physical copy of this book may not be safe. Consider opting for the digital version instead.

The author’s deep dive into abusive relationships doesn’t disappoint. She describes the abusive partner’s behavior with precision, introducing the concept of “Controlls”—a term she uses to describe individuals with narcissistic or psychopathic traits who often control and manipulate their victims. These individuals are incapable of love and lack empathy, making them especially dangerous.

One of the book’s standout qualities is its explanation of why it often takes victims an average of seven attempts to leave an abuser. Through her own experiences, the author sheds light on the complex psychological and emotional patterns that keep victims trapped. She offers a thorough examination of trauma bonding, explaining how the hormonal rush that comes from the abuse creates an addiction-like dependency on the abuser, making it incredibly difficult to leave. It’s not just the chemical addiction —there are very real, practical reasons that keep victims in these relationships.

The author’s use of humor adds a much-needed lightness to the heavy topics discussed, and her references are spot-on. I found myself highlighting important passages that I will use as future reference.

I want to say thank you to the author for how deeply she connected her personal experiences with broader insights into abusive dynamics.

Who Should Read This Book?

* Anyone considering leaving or currently trying to leave a toxic, manipulative relationship should read this book. However, be aware: this is not light reading. You will encounter heavy, painful truths that may be difficult to process. You may find yourself laughing and crying, and you may need to take breaks. But there is no shame in your experience, and this book will help you better understand your feelings and experiences.

* If you're a friend or family member of someone in an abusive relationship, this book offers practical advice on how to support them through the process of leaving. The author provides clear guidance on safety plans, offering shelter, and even how to discreetly share the book with someone who might not yet be ready to take the step. Be prepared for a tough read, though—this book is emotionally intense, and it’s vital to approach it with empathy and understanding. The manipulative tactics of an abusive partner are incredibly powerful, and it’s common for a victim to return to their abuser an average of seven times. The first year after departing is the most dangerous time for them, so remember that leaving an abuser is rarely a straightforward process.

Final Thoughts

One of the most painful realizations in the book is the understanding that your partner—whether you’ve been together for years or just a few months—does not love you, cannot love you, and never will. The emotional and psychological pain of this realization is like no other, and the author poignantly conveys this heart-wrenching truth.

The book also does an excellent job detailing how sex is weaponized by the abuser. It is often used to degrade, manipulate, and control. The victim feels isolated, cut off from friends and family, and often too ashamed to speak out. These feelings are compounded by the abuser’s smear campaign, making it even harder for the victim to seek help.

In conclusion, How to Leave Your Psychopath is an invaluable resource for anyone caught in or trying to leave an abusive relationship. It offers deep insights, practical advice, and the emotional support needed to navigate one of the most difficult challenges anyone can face. But, above all, it is a reminder that there is no shame in leaving, and that you are not alone.
Profile Image for Tenielle Thompson.
35 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2023
I couldn't put this one down! Such useful insights into the inner-workings of the relationships between narcissists and empaths. Having had a recent experience dating a narcissist briefly, I was curious about how I ended up in that situation and how to avoid being manipulated like that in future. What I think she brilliantly assesses is the difference between shame and accountability. Recognising your own vulnerabilities and how they make you an easy target for controlling personalities, is an important step in the healing process. If the abuser refuses to take accountability, the least you can do is acknowledge your own mistakes (without blame) and try to learn from them.
There was a lot I could relate to in what she described, particularly the parts pertaining to love-bombing and gaslighting. Her nuanced account of her own partnerships with 'Controlls' offered me a perspective on how complicated trauma bonding can be and why it is not so easy to leave an abusive situation. As the self-esteem is eroded overtime, the abused becomes disempowered and helpless. They may be dependent on the abuser for a number of reasons and carry with them the hope that the partner will eventually change and be the person they portrayed themselves to be in the initial courtship. The fear of leaving may also be greater than the fear of staying. Whether that be because a co-dependent person struggles to be alone and care for themselves first, or because it is simply too dangerous to leave a volatile/aggressive Controll.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It can shed a light on similar turmoils you may have experienced/are experiencing, or help you to acknowledge what a loved one may be experiencing. The tools in this book are designed to help survivor's of narcissistic abuse regain their strength.
17 reviews
January 2, 2025
This is the book that any teenager- under 20s person should read especially girls, as they will probably encounter some psychopaths in their lives.

The author, Maddy Anholt, intertwines fragments of her life, love life mainly, where she generously shares how she became a survivor of domestic abuse and coercive behaviour. She also provides relevant information about how and why people get stuck in these type of relationships. The fact that she combined non-fiction and fiction parts makes it really easy to read. I thoroughly recommend it.

Sadly, I just learnt that the author recently passed away (13 September 2023), due to a rare brain cancer. She had a partner and 1 year old baby. I wonder if all the constant stress and trauma she endured while “dating” the waste of a man Damien was, had something to do with it. Unfortunately, you never win against an abuser, nobody wins.
Profile Image for Emily Jones.
110 reviews
January 12, 2025
A humorous yet insightful self help book that offers guidance to individuals trapped in toxic relationships with manipulative, narcissistic, or psychopathic partners. Drawing on the author's personal experiences and expert advice, the book provides practical tips for recognizing red flags, setting boundaries, and ultimately escaping an emotionally abusive relationship. Maddy combines wit and humor with serious advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone navigating difficult or abusive partnerships. I would highly recommend it to high schoolers and beyond.

Maddy uses her real life examples to illustrate the many subtle clues and patterns of behaviour to be aware of.

I was also really sad to read that the author has since died at a very young age!
Profile Image for Pip Snort.
1,509 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2024
I'm no longer in the trenches of this sort of thing, but this book strikes me as not being as universal as it hopes to be, in terms of the experience of victims of psychopaths. Still, I applaud its intentions and the resources and strategies it highlights and I hope it is a helpful resource.

I also wonder at its speculation about the experiences of psychopaths. It would be very interesting to see more fact based investigation into their thinking as I am convinced it is less strategic and more survival driven than our good/evil dynamic allows us to acknowledge. After all, many victims of abuse go on to abuse others.
Profile Image for Brodie.
61 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2022
I read this for research on writing a believable and accurate narcissistic character, and I have learned so much. I have never personally experienced an abusive relationship, but if it were to ever happen, what to look out for will remain in my mind, thanks to this book.

It is witty, easy to read and I can see how readers that have been in abusive relationships can relate to Maddy's story. She does not shy away from the important details, and I have incredible respect for her coming out on top. Thank you Irish Miss Honey for helping her.
Profile Image for Emziethebookworm .
544 reviews14 followers
March 13, 2026
Now this went into so much detail, some parts a could relate to as I have been in a toxic relationship before and it really wasn't a nice experience at all.
This audiobook really did hit me deep and made me remember things I didn't really want to remember, but it's okay it happens, sometimes your past catches up with you.
I will for one be keeping my eyes open for more works by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Jacinta.
39 reviews
March 1, 2025
Great book. Super insightful and easy to read. She delves into all toxic relationships traits ( not just psychopathy) and how we can get caught up in the same cycles again & again.

“Take accountability for creating and cementing boundaries, learn who you are and use your awareness as an armour.”

261 reviews
May 6, 2025
A mixture of autobiography, advice and at times comedy (less so later on as the book gets more serious). I would recommend to anyone who has a loved one who is in an abusive relationship, and to anyone who is in one and thinks they can secretly and safely read the book.
3 reviews
February 1, 2022
A must read if you’re in an unequal relationship. Entertaining and well-written.
Profile Image for Liz Rolph.
177 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2023
A very interesting book ,not quite what I thought when I bought the book. Note to self do your research. But definitely an eye opener
Profile Image for Nadine.
2,625 reviews61 followers
January 24, 2024
An agonizing read - the mixture of autobiographical vignettes of the authors life and hard facts & advice on getting out of destructive relationships & recognising toxic situations.
Profile Image for Ali.
364 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2025
An absolute must read. Insightful and life saving.
21 reviews
March 24, 2024
I highly recommend this book !

For anyone trying to navigate and figure out the roller-coaster of toxic relationships , this book is a must-read. Maddy has written this book with snippets of her humour, personal experiences, and research.

Thank you so much, Maddy, for your courage, strength , determination, and willpower to share your stories.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.