Dodging Energy Vampires: An Empath's Guide to Evading Relationships That Drain You and Restoring Your Health and Power

It would be hard for me to distill down my journey toward realizing I am an empath into something that would fit in a review, but it's a journey that hasn't been easy. For the youngest part of my life I thought I was unlovable. Then I thought I did everything wrong, AND I was still unlovable. If people loved me, they'd care for me the way I cared for them... Wouldn't they? After I finally shed those lies, I thought my problem was that I had anxiety, and of course the first thing doctors wanted to do was give me medication that would "fix" me. My system is far too sensitive though, and the medications messed me up so badly I had to go off of them instantly. And the story goes on. Doesn't it for all of us? It wasn't until I turned to holistic medicine that I finally calmed my mind enough to tune into myself, and then myself in relation to the world around me, and only then did I finally realize I can sense energy, and that I have an energy of my own. For over a year now I've been reading and reviewing books about anxiety, thinking all the while that I was making progress, but I knew as soon as I saw this book that it would offer me something different, and it did! It gave me explanations for my life. It explained away the insanity. The feelings of exhaustion, confusion, and frustration. It made me realize I am not alone... there are others like me out there, a LOT of them... and I never had anxiety, or suicidal depression, and I'm not crazy. I actually was profoundly lucky to not marry an energy vampire. My husband normally has a very calm energy. He's relaxed, fun, and funny. (My energy vampires have always been, sadly, other wounded souls who have attached to me as their lifeline, and ended up sucking me dry.) But he doesn't believe in any of this, at ALL, and for far too long I've let his skepticism keep me from exploring who and what I am. Well no more. This book was amazing, and I can't possibly recommend it enough for anyone who wants to learn about empaths, or who suspects they are one. You aren't alone! You aren't crazy! Healing and peace are possible, and this book is the perfect place to start, so PLEASE don't miss it!!!

Northrup’s book is engaging and accessible. It provides straightforward information, wise insights, immeasurable comfort and overdue validation to empaths, sensitives and intuitives, who are often plagued repeatedly by the “energy vampires” in their lives and wonder why. An “energy vampire” evokes to mind either a charming, stealthy predator or annoying acquaintance who constantly monopolizes your valuable time and saps your energy reserves. What Northrop is really referring to are character-disordered individuals on the personality disorders spectrum, re: narcissism, borderline personality disorder, sociopathy and psychopathy. Depending on where a person falls on the spectrum, a “vampire” can be self-absorbed, critical, manipulative, devious or devoid of empathy or a conscience. The strength of Northrup’s book is that it provides the reader with the confirmation that they have long-suspected to be true, that giving, open-hearted people are often the unwitting targets of these dark, relentless perpetrators. Northrup combines solid research and personal examples that demonstrate the unhealthy dynamic that exists between highly sensitive people and these covert manipulators with ulterior motives. Most importantly, the book explains how to remove or limit the exposure to these toxic people and establish stronger boundaries. Additionally, Northrup explores the link between the psychological warfare inflicted by these individuals and the development of subsequent physical illness. This is an instantly absorbing read, that will particularly resonate with anyone who has encountered one of these disturbing souls. My only criticism is that the term “vampire” tends to dilute the seriousness of these truly dangerous people. While it is apt and accurate that they can indeed siphon the life energy and resources from their victims, it cannot be overstated how much of a genuine and ominous threat these individuals can potentially pose. A great read.

Seriously I would give this 10 stars if I could. This is Northrups' best book ever. Like all her other books, it is truly ground breaking. From the very beginning, she is telling us things that we have been wondering about but never really talked about.I often felt alone with trying to shift the dysfunctional vampiric dynamics in my life. Now I feel not only validated that I am not the crazy one but empowered about how to change those unhealthy relationships forever. She goes into these shadows topics in a way that was life changing and such a relief for me. As an empath it can feel extremely lonely and this really helped me feel reassured in so so so many ways. There are so many practical tips about how to deal with dark energies of all kinds. I love her thorough definition of empaths- I have never understood it as deeply as I did with her. Upon reading this book, I ended two toxic relationships and then shifted another one forever. I know someone wrote here she makes it black and white- I actually feel that is one of the greatest strengths of the book. If we go grey in this topic, we get lost, we get trapped in old cycles. Some things need to be so clearly defined in black and white terms that it frees us and that is exactly the freedom this book created for me. I know this book will have so many five star reviews and so many people's lives are going to be so profoundly impacted. I feel so honored to be one of the first to review this! What a treat! Thank you so much for all the light you give on a very dark topic. This is liberating, life changing and I know this is going to continue to be ground breaking and revolutionary for this whole planet. I couldn't put it down the info in here is true gold.

Dr. Northrup’s has done some fascinating work to date on the health effects of living with a narcissist from an empath’s perspective. In this short book, she identifies both personality types and explains why empaths, particularly a certain type of empath, are vulnerable to a narcissist’s bullshit charm. She also explains how to disengage from narcissistic relationships even if the narcissist is a parent or one’s own child. She offers plenty of self-care modalities and plenty of resources for support. The identification of the narcissist personality is relatively new to our lexicon. The education in identification, the physical and mental signs to look out for when you’re a narcissist’s presence, and how to evade them without sacrificing your health and well-being are is critical in a world where they walk among decent people. The aspect of her message I appreciate most is her declaration that not all people are good. Some are evil and out to get what they want no matter what the cost to others. A faulty belief system is the empath’s biggest downfall and Northrup nails it here. Time to turn the bloodletting back on those vampires. Let them bleed out. BRB Rating: Own It.

This book has so many wonderful & interesting insights - a great reminder of the light within ; loaded with lots of practical wisdom.

This book is immensely helpful in identifying and removing any energy vampire in your life, as well as more quickly spotting the next one who comes your way so you don't let them into your life or at least not so intimately like you previously would have. Once you read this book you will see how easy it is to understand why you feel your energy (physical and psychic energy) depleted around certain people and stop wondering what is wrong with you. Absolutely nothing! There are just certain people (energy vampires) that are not a good energetic match of some of us, simple as that. No more wasting time trying to figure it out or change yourself or to try and change them (impossible). I also like the way the book discusses the varying spectrum of individuals that can zap your energy, from just the energy-sucking selfish friend, family member or coworker to the narcissistic partner who may actually have even deeper issues going on and can cause greater harm to you ultimately. This book will help you get clear about any of these types of people in your life and move forward with your energy restored.

Dr. Northrup is amazing!!! I love her books. Thank you for another life changing book 😳wow.

This book is a wonderful addition to my new library for the new spiritual journey that I'm on

Excellent insights into coercive control situations. and importantly, how to deal with them in a way that can revive ones own power without exploding situations. People are usually in difficult relationships because they are soft hearted and hate conflict - that's OK, you don't have to be as aggressive and abusive as the difficult partner to get out of their control, it can be done effectively with an understanding of some of the insights in this book. Let them be who they are, you be who you are and stop feeding them. Great strategies to think about.

Awesome read: I have been struggling with vampires most of my life. This book definitely gave me my answers in the most wonderful and precise method. I liked the way the author keeps including techniques and tricks to use as tools for an empath. I believe the lord led me to this book.

this book was for me the right help in real emergency and it assists me to help others too in my profession as a psychotherapist. Even as a professional it is easy to get trapped in a toxic relationship. It helps to identify the issues in such relationships and encourages to set boundaries and to go for help outside and also to heal your own deep wounds. The book deals in an easily understandable way with severe personality disorders that make even experienced therapists throw the towel. It would be fine to translate the book in some other languages as German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian and add international ressources that are relevant for Europeans too.

Achei o livro meio viagem, com uma pegada de feminismo exagerado e vitimismo. De leitura cansativa e muito previsível. Quase não consegui terminar de ler.

buenisimo y muyclaro , es una guia ideal para identificar si eres empath .. y ver como hacerle con los vampiros...............