Bouncing Back: How Women Lose & Find Themselves in Marriage & Divorce

"A tender hug of a memoir." - Ashley Kalagian Blunt, bestselling author of Dark Mode
When Ellen Holtzman's marriage falls apart, she turns to a therapist for support, eventually becoming a psychotherapist herself. Years later, she treats two patients, Lisa and Meghan, whose marriages are similarly crumbling. Lisa is a timid woman who wrestles with the decision to divorce her unfaithful spouse. Meghan is torn between her traditional marriage and a growing awareness that she no longer loves her husband. Holtzman's work with both women forces her to reflect on her own personal history - particularly why she stayed in an unfulfilling marriage until her husband finally left her.
With compassion, sensitivity, and keen insight, Holtzman tells all three women's stories. As she does, she invites the reader into the inner life of a therapist in action. Holtzman also offers a realistic perspective on navigating the end of a marriage and teaches people in troubled relationships important lessons: how to increase self-confidence, become more assertive, and create a solid sense of who they are and who they want to be.
Bouncing Back is a compelling narrative of strength and self-discovery in the aftermath of divorce that will resonate with anyone contemplating, recovering from, or reflecting on the breakup of a marriage. It is a practical read that acknowledges the challenges of divorce while providing an authentic picture of moving forward with resilience.
"The book is beautifully written and infused with the author's wisdom and compassion." - Joy Wolfe Ensor, PhD, former president of the Michigan Psychological Association Who better to guide women through the heartbreak of an unhappy marriage than a seasoned psychotherapist who has lived it herself? Decades after her own divorce, Ellen Holtzman reflects on her journey as she helps two of her patients confront the struggles of their faltering relationships. Together, the three women grapple with fear, uncertainty, and a sense of loss. But Holtzman discovers that a marital crisis can lead to self-discovery and new opportunities. Compassionate, insightful, and deeply relatable, Bouncing Back offers hope and inspiration to anyone facing the end of a relationship. The compelling narrative will resonate with readers searching for strength and clarity as they imagine a new future. "If you're looking for a soulmate to help you through the divorce journey, Bouncing Back is the book for you." - Abigail Trafford