Will The Drama Ever End?

Will the Drama Ever End? is the essential guide for those seeking to make sense of their experience growing up in a family in which one or more narcissistic parents dominate. Dr. McBride wonderfully captures the dynamics of the narcissistic family and the impact on those within the family system through clear explanation and countless case examples. She then thoughtfully walks readers through the steps they can take to heal and live life more fully."

- Sharone Weltfreid, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist

"As a family systems therapist, I have long been both troubled and intrigued by the unique dynamics found in the families of narcissists. Dr. McBride has condensed an enormous amount of scientific data into a very usable and effective approach to healing. She makes the overwhelming journey to wholeness manageable by unveiling what is broken, explaining how that affects children and then, what can be done to not continue this damaging legacy.

Will the Drama Ever End? is an eye and heart opening book. In narcissistic families there is no safe place. Siblings are pitted against each other even after leaving home. Adults who should be protective instead turn blind eyes to the cruelty and isolation their offspring endure. The foundation for trust is systematically destroyed in such families. That our clients have the courage to hope, to love, and to recover fills me with endless admiration. They deserve truth and the restoration that flows from that."

- Elaine Jackson, LLPC, LMFT

"Will the Drama Ever End? speaks to the often-hidden trauma, fears and effects of narcissistic abuse survivors. It helps the reader understand why they feel a certain way and why relationships can be affected. Healing is an active process and is made possible by following the five-step recovery model that Dr. McBride presents. This compassionate and hopeful book will take the reader on the healing journey and onward to getting a healthy life well-deserved. Thank you to Dr. McBride for shining light in some of the darkest of things!"

- Malissa Veroni BA, MSW, RSW, DCA (Alberta) - Founder and lead Therapist at Keep'N It Real Solutions

"Dr. McBride provides the most up-to-date, comprehensive description of the effects of a narcissistic parent on (not only) children, but all members of the family. Her clear, concise examples are engaging and demonstrate the emotionally damaging effects of this type of parenting. Dr. McBride's evaluation and treatment approach are comprehensive and effective. A must read for clinicians working with clients affected by narcissistic parents. I don't know anyone who couldn't benefit from understanding the narcissistic influences in their lives through this revealing lens."

- Renee Richker, M.D., child and adolescent psychiatrist

“From the bestselling author and renowned expert on Parental Narcissism, Karyl McBride brings another rich and robust body of work to our resource library.  For anyone who is looking to capture a deeper understanding of narcissism and the narcissistic parent, the impact of narcissistic parenting on a child’s emotional experience and development, along with a clear and thoughtful ‘roadmap for recovery’ – Will the Drama Ever End? is a must-read!”

- Wendy Behary, Author/Expert, Disarming the Narcissist

“In "Will the Drama Ever End?," Dr. McBride has written an outstanding book directed at children of narcissistic parents. I have followed Dr. McBride's work for years - she has been in the trenches dealing with parental narcissism in therapy and legal settings - and her insights are sorely needed. I know from my academic work the damage that narcissistic parents can cause. My hope is that this book will validate the experience that many children of narcissistic parents have and help these adult children move outside the narcissists' psychological control and into a place that allows growth and deep connection with others.”

- W. Keith Campbell, author of The New Science of Narcissism

"Will the Drama Ever End? This book makes so much sense that everyone should read it! Children of narcissistic parents are struggling everywhere, and this book explains why. Adult children of narcissistic parents often don’t understand themselves, their relationships, or role in the world, but this book will set you free. McBride skillfully breaks down the crazy-making family dynamics and their potential life-time impact on the children with numerous relatable examples. Her successful five-step roadmap for recovery is based on her many years of experience as a therapist, as well as her own experience. Reading this book feels like a warm and understanding hug!"

- Bill Eddy, LCSW, JD, lead author of Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder and developer of the New Ways for Families® parent skills training method.

“I found Dr. McBride when I was researching background for my novel featuring a dysfunctional family based on a narcissistic mother’s neglect of her daughter, Grace.  As I listened to her audiobook, Will I Ever Be Good Enough?, I was relieved and validated that my story of Grace could be one of her cases, and happy to raise awareness of these situations.  And now, Dr. McBride’s new book, Will the Drama Ever End?, offers a handbook to those who have suffered the effects of narcissism to help them identify the trauma, reassure them of their sanity and guide them forward to heal and break free of the abuse. Brava! A welcome companion book from a brilliant therapist!”

- Maren Cooper, author of Finding Grace and A Better Next

"Will the Drama Ever End? is an important resource written by an expert in the field. This will assist our clients and clinicians in understanding the entire picture of narcissistic family dynamics. The abundance of real-life examples is so valuable and relatable to the reader, so they are not alone in their confusion. Dr. McBride's 5-step recovery program provides hope and empowerment for recovery.

- Allison Brittsan, MA, LPC, Psychotherapist

"Will the Drama Ever End? speaks to the importance of child advocacy whether you are a child, adolescent, or adult working with your inner wounded child. Not only does the book layout the dynamics of the narcissistic family, but it offers a compassionate 5-step recovery model for healing and transformation. McBride offers many relatable examples to help the reader understand the complexity of this kind of dysfunctional family. As a mental health provider, I will be recommending this book to my clients, colleagues, friends, and family. I am excited to share this work that reflects the importance of tuning into children's needs and wellbeing. I not only like this book, but I love it!"

- Kate Alexander, LCSW, child and adolescent psychotherapist

"Dr. McBride is a founder in this field, and this book is an excellent resource for people in narcissistic family systems.  It gently confronts the reality and the questions that many who grow up in this toxic and confusing environment come to therapy to explore. Dr. McBride brings up sensitive issues throughout this book and provides beautiful journaling prompts to expand an individual's own understanding of content. I look forward to adding this book to my recommended reading for my clients"

- Amy Kempe, MS, NCC, LPC, CSAT,  Therapist (CLIMB Health and Wellness) and Author

"Dr. McBride has created a thorough, accessible and compassionate guide to those struggling to break free of the negative cycles present in a narcissistic family. In compelling prose packed with relevant examples, Will The Drama Ever End? will help survivors of toxic families and the therapists who care for them recognize the hallmarks of a narcissistic family, understand the detrimental effects that this upbringing has on present-day life, and take actionable steps towards healing and thriving. Validating, relevant, and useful, this book will become a much-referenced classic in the field."

- Lia Prusha, LMFT: psychotherapist, writer, and survivor.

"Will the Drama Ever End? is an insightful book that helps readers better understand and heal from the toxic effects of being raised within a narcissistic family system. Dr. McBride thoroughly describes the narcissistic family, and the different roles family members take on and the different dynamics that play out. She provides ways for the reader to overcome self-doubt, learn to trust, build a strong sense of self and individuate. I enjoyed reading and amazing job!"

- Pam Snyder, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, ACT

"Healing from growing up with a narcissistic parent is a tricky business.​ ​For those who have the courage to open their eyes and do the work to heal,​ ​McBride is a wise guide.  Based on years of clinical experience, she lays​ ​out the healing process step by step.  Her book offers a breadth of understanding not found elsewhere, particularly in how the wounds of​ ​childhood get repeated in adulthood with siblings, partners, and friends.​ ​She teaches us how to think about our issues, and how to re-parent ourselves​ ​so that we don't repeat the mistakes of the past. This is a book all therapists and clients should read - and then reread -- to absorb its​ ​insights."

-​ Catherine Hartshorn, Ph.D., LCSW, LMFT

"Dr. Karyl McBride’s latest book, Will the Drama Ever End? provides a detailed, easy-to-follow guidebook for understanding, and breaking free from, the issues that develop from being a part of a narcissistic family dynamic. She addresses struggles with the narcissistic parent, the enabling parent, siblings, and being an only child. McBride shares her extensive clinical experience and numerous therapeutic exercises to help the reader address the heavy toll of this dysfunctional family system. The book provides tools to help with issues of self-esteem, trust, guilt, shame, fear, boundaries, parenting, and more. She also addresses the tendency to get into romantic partnerships and friendships that replicate the distorted love and communication patterns first established within the family, and how to have healthier relationships. The case studies throughout the book bring the concepts to life and are so relatable that readers may feel like McBride is describing them and their family. I’ve seen firsthand in my private practice how Dr. McBride’s Five Step Recovery Model offers practical, effective strategies for helping clients work through this form of complex trauma and end the drama of this type of intergenerational trauma. I recommend this book for the general public, clients, and mental health professionals."

-​ Kalpana Murthy, LPC, LCMHC, Certified EMDR Therapist