Healing isn’t just about leaving the past behind, it’s about changing the patterns that keep us trapped in it. Breaking free from a toxic relationship feels like a victory, but for many survivors, the real battle begins afterward. Despite wanting something different, they find themselves trapped in the same painful patterns, drawn to relationships that mirror their past. It’s confusing, exhausting, and often leads to self-blame.
Sherry Lou Canino understands this struggle. As a holistic trauma healer, coach, and author, she helps survivors break these cycles, not through willpower, but by uncovering the deep emotional patterns that keep them stuck. Healing isn’t just about leaving the past behind; it’s about rewiring the beliefs that keep pulling survivors back and choosing something better.
How Sherry Guides Survivors to Break Free
Sherry’s approach is built on self-awareness, boundaries, and emotional healing. She teaches survivors to pause and ask, “Am I drawn to this because it’s healthy, or because it’s familiar?” This moment of reflection is crucial. Many people mistake emotional intensity for connection because it mirrors their past. Learning to differentiate between love and trauma bonds is key to ending unhealthy patterns.
She highlights how setting boundaries is an important way to show self-respect. Many survivors learn to put others’ needs before their own. As a result, they often feel that saying no is wrong because they believe love requires sacrifice. However, boundaries are not strict barriers; they are guidelines that help protect emotional health. When survivors start to set boundaries without feeling guilty, they can build healthier relationships.
Rebuilding Self-Trust
One of the biggest hurdles in breaking toxic cycles is rebuilding self-trust. Survivors often doubt their ability to make good decisions, especially after years of being manipulated or gaslighted. Sherry helps them reconnect with their intuition by teaching mindful decision-making. Instead of reacting out of fear or habit, she encourages them to slow down, observe their emotions, and make choices that align with their well-being.
Emotional regulation is another important part of healing. Trauma can cause survivors to operate in fight-or-flight mode, making them reactive rather than intentional. Through breathwork, mindfulness, and grounding exercises, Sherry helps them regain control over their emotions. When survivors feel safe within themselves, they are less likely to seek external validation in unhealthy places.
Lessons from Her Own Journey
Sherry’s insights don’t come from theory alone, she’s lived this journey herself. She understands what it’s like to feel trapped in toxic patterns, drawn to familiar pain because it once felt like love. Her turning point came when she realized that healing wasn’t just about understanding the past, it was about actively choosing a different future.
She knows firsthand the fear of being alone, the doubt that comes with starting over, and the courage it takes to walk away from unhealthy relationships. But she also knows that true healing happens when survivors stop waiting for the right person and start becoming the right person for themselves.
The Path to Lasting Change
Breaking free from toxic cycles isn’t about avoiding relationships altogether, it’s about learning to engage in them differently. It’s about recognizing red flags early, trusting yourself enough to walk away, and knowing that love should feel safe, not exhausting.
Sherry Lou Canino’s mission is to give survivors the tools to stop reliving their past and start creating a healthier future. Through her coaching and resources, she helps them shift their mindset, build confidence, and step into relationships with clarity and self-respect.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Readers are encouraged to seek support from qualified healthcare professionals for personal guidance and treatment.
