Sherry Lou Canino, Coach & Author, On a Holistic Approach to Healing Narcissistic Abuse

Narcissistic abuse is an often unseen form of emotional manipulation and control that leaves deep scars on its survivors. Sherry Lou Canino, an artist, author, and advocate, has been using her voice and experiences to shed light on this subject for 20 years. Through her books, workshops, and upcoming projects, she is helping survivors reclaim their power and heal holistically.

Sherry’s books, The Silent Abuse and Reclaiming Your Life, emerged from her personal battles with narcissistic abuse. “After a big shakeup in my life earlier this year, I found myself at a crossroads,” Sherry recalls. “For the first time ever, I got arrested, unjustly, as it was self-defense. I felt like my life was falling apart. Three different people told me I should write a book, and one day, I just decided that’s what I’m going to do.”

Her first book, The Silent Abuse, became both a cathartic release and a beacon of hope for others. “It’s not just a story of hurt, pain, and injustice. It’s a story of healing, resilience, and triumph,” she shares. Her second book, Reclaiming Your Life, is a practical guide meant to help survivors understand narcissistic abuse and take actionable steps toward recovery. “It’s designed to be a self-help book that can be used on its own or in conjunction with therapy,” she explains. “I wanted it to be accessible for those who may not have the resources for additional support.”

Her signature workshop, “Rebranding of Self,” is an eight-week program that takes participants on a transformative journey. “It’s all about breaking the trauma bond and creating a new identity,” Sherry explains. “At the end of the eight weeks, participants are ready to start thriving and living the abundant life they were always meant to have.”

To make the program more adaptable, Sherry plans to divide it into two separate modules for those who may not feel ready for the full experience. Additionally, she is developing workshops focused on inner child healing, alongside two oracle decks specifically designed to support narcissistic abuse survivors. “The oracle decks are a tool for self-reflection and empowerment,” she says.

While Sherry has ambitious plans for creating a foundation to support survivors, her immediate focus is on raising awareness and empowering individuals. “Many survivors leave abusive relationships with no money for food, housing, or legal representation,” she says. “I’d love to establish a fund to help with these critical needs.” She also aims to compile a book of survivor stories, with proceeds going toward this initiative.

“As healers and therapists, we do not ‘heal’ others. We hold space so they can heal themselves,” she explains. This perspective shapes her approach to working with survivors. “My role is to help them remember their own power and strength, so they can take back control of their lives and truly thrive.”

This belief also drives her emphasis on listening without judgment. “Survivors are often doing everything they can just to get by day to day,” Sherry says. “The last thing they need is someone telling them what to do. They need to be seen and heard.”

With her online courses, books, and creative projects, she is on her way to create any little impact possible. “This isn’t just about me,” she says. “It’s about creating a ripple effect—helping survivors find their voice and reclaim their lives, so they, in turn, can inspire others.”

Her work is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of holistic healing. For survivors of narcissistic abuse, Sherry Lou Canino offers more than just hope, she is your roadmap to recovery and a reminder that thriving is not only possible but inevitable when you take back your power.