Motherhood Moment: Book Nook - The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships

“The key to healthy relationships is accepting that real love is messy, imperfect, and a work in progress,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Marie Manly, whose fourth book, The Joy of Imperfect Love, guides readers into a transformative journey toward compassionate, healthy connections.

“As we release the illusion of perfection and channel our energy into positive actions, we naturally become more connected to ourselves and others,” Dr. Manly notes.

In The Joy of Imperfect Love, Dr. Manly provides research-backed insights, captivating case examples and empowering exercises to lead readers through an exploration of how attachment issues and unresolved trauma negatively impact both self-love and relationship quality. Then, Dr. Manly offers sound solutions for creating the awareness and healthy habits that promote lasting love.

Her inclusive narrative makes her insights accessible to all demographics and sexual orientations, and key concepts such as communication skills and emotional intelligence can be applied to romantic relationships, friendships, social relationships, and work relationships.

Well-researched and fact-based with an emphasis on replacing destructive patterns such as negative self-beliefs and toxic inner narratives with healthy, awareness-based dynamics, The Joy of Imperfect Love aims to foster the positive mental and emotional health the world so desperately needs.

“Readers will breathe a sigh of deep relief as they discover the doable, real-life secrets to creating joy-filled relationships and genuine, imperfect love,” Dr. Manly offers.

About Dr. Carla Marie Manly

Clinical psychologist, author, podcaster, and advocate Dr. Carla Marie Manly is based in Sonoma County, California. In addition to her clinical practice focusing on relationships and personal transformation, Dr. Manly is deeply invested in her roles as a consultant and speaker. With a refreshingly direct and honest approach — plus doses of humor — Dr. Manly enjoys supporting others in the ever-evolving journey of life. Working from a transformative model that honors the body-mind-spirit connection, Dr. Manly offers holistic relationship and wellness seminars around the world. Her three previous books, Date Smart, Joy from Fear and Aging Joyfully highlight her empowering approach and profound expertise. She has been cited by numerous media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Forbes, Oprah, Newsweek, NBC, HuffPost, Reader’s Digest, Psychology Today, Parade, Women’s Health and more. Look for Dr. Manly’s upbeat mental health podcast — Imperfect Love — on all major podcast platforms. Dr. Manly also co-hosts the Familius podcast, Helping Families Be Happy.