Who's Pulling Your Strings?

How to Break the Cycle of Manipulation and Regain Control of Your Life

By: Harriet Braiker

Narrated by: Kate Reading

A self-empowering plan for anyone who wants to stop being manipulated by others

In Who's Pulling Your Strings?, Dr. Harriet B. Braiker, New York Times best-selling author of The Disease to Please, explains how depression, low self-esteem, chronic anger, and feelings of helplessness are often the result of being caught in relationships with manipulative people - including family members, friends, coworkers, and associates. More importantly, she arms listeners with the knowledge and tools they need to understand and identify manipulative personalities and to free themselves from the bondage of relationships with them.

Working from sound psychological theory and research, yet writing in a warm, accessible style, Braiker exposes the most common methods manipulative people use to control others - and makes clear that it takes at least two people to enable such a relationship to function. With the help of valuable self-assessment quizzes, action plans, and how-to exercises, she empowers listeners to:

• Recognize the signs of a manipulative relationship
• Spot manipulators and their typical modus operandi
• Assess their own vulnerability to manipulation
• Identify the seven main "head games" manipulators play
• And much more, including informative case studies and highly effective resistance tactics to help those who identify themselves as victim-participants end the damaging cycle of control and manipulation - and clear the way for success and happiness.

“She devotes her book to explaining how manipulators operate and, more important, what their victims can do to end these destructive relationships.” (Harry Wessel, Orlando Sentinel)

“[O]ffers practical suggestions for those who find themselves repeatedly yanked, right down to language they can use in a tight spot.” (Joanne Trestrail, Chicago Tribune)

©2004 Harriet B. Braiker, PhD (P)2005 McGraw Hill-Ascent Audio

Enjoyed. recommend.

Very good . enjoyable. I thought made light of life altering decisions.. would recommend.

It helped me

Eye-opening guide ! exposes manipulation, builds awareness, and empowers you to set strong personal boundaries

Validating and Encouraging

Very insightful and relatable content. Multiple examples highlighting the pros and cons. Recommended solutions are realistic and take into consideration people pleasing tendencies.

Great breakdown of type of people that get manipulated

It was really detailed and allowed me to recognize myself. She gives good tips to follow to combat manipulation also. A must read to gain understanding and empower you to enact agency

Phenomenal eye opener

A great read that provides indepth knowledge on manipulation, tactics and avoidance. It provided clarity for my relationships and opened my eyes to myself and my approach. Wish I had started with this book on the topic of manipulation