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.

'Will help so many learn to recognize what an abusive relationship is' - Mel B, Patron of Women's Aid

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.

'I read it all in one sitting, it is brilliant! This book is so relatable and Maddy's funny and engaging approach starts serious conversations' - Teresa Parker, Women's Aid

Recognize the markers of a toxic relationship with this pragmatic and darkly funny guide from comedian Maddy Anholt.

About the Author
Maddy Anholt is a comedian, actor, Women's Aid Ambassador, and the author of How to Leave Your Psychopath. She has appeared in sitcoms for BBC Three, BBC One, ITV and Channel 4. She's had four sell-out solo comedies at Underbelly, Gilded Balloon, Latitude Festival Main Stage and the Soho Theatre. Her show, Herselves was nominated 'Best New Show' at the Leicester Comedy Festival. She performed at Underbelly, Edinburgh where she was shortlisted for The Voice's 'Pick of the Fringe'. Maddy also wrote and starred in her own comedy for BBC Radio 4 and has amassed over seven million views online for her sketches.

Reviews
As someone who has experienced coercive control myself, I know that speaking out is brave but so important. Maddy talks about this very serious issue in an extremely human often even funny way which I think is brilliant because it helps remove the fear and shame, and will help so many learn to recognise what an abusive relationship is. -- Melanie Brown ('Mel B'), Patron of Women's Aid
Maddy Anholt has written the ultimate guide to identifying the psychopath in your life. Combining scientific analysis with throat-tightening memoir, read this and extradite yourself from the power players. Taut, terrifying, terrific. -- Nichi Hodgson, author of The Curious History of Dating
How To Leave Your Psychopath is like sitting in a room with your girlfriends comparing relatable, crushing stories about cruel exes whilst cheerleading each other on to leave, heal, and live again. -- Chimene Suleyman, writer and editor of The Good Immigrant USA
I read it all in one sitting, it is brilliant! This book is so relatable, really well written and Maddy's funny and engaging approach starts serious conversations about what a healthy relationship is. -- Teresa Parker, Women's Aid
This book is visceral, candid, and insightful, Maddy Anholt is an exceptional writer, who has crafted a book on relationships that is not only very funny but also extremely heartfelt. -- Giles Paley-Phillips, author of One Hundred and Fifty-Two Days and Blank: Why It's Fine to Falter and Fail, and How to Pick Yourself Up Again
A humorous take on a serious subject: the insidious and dangerous effect of the controlling men who destroy the physical and mental well being of the women they seek to diminish. -- Cherie Blair QC, Patron of Refuge



Book Information
ISBN 9781529075939
Author Maddy Anholt
Format Hardback
Page Count 384
Imprint Bluebird
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 494g
Dimensions(mm) 224mm * 143mm * 38mm