Unhitched - by Oona Metz (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Navigate the emotional side of divorce and emerge stronger, more confident, and ready to thrive with this essential guide for women.

Unhitched inspires women to use their divorce as a transformational opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Nationally recognized divorce expert and therapist Oona Metz provides a compassionate yet practical roadmap through every stage of the divorce process. Whether making the decision to end a marriage, coping during separation, dealing with the rollercoaster of emotions, coparenting, or navigating life after divorce, this book offers a wealth of psychological tools to guide you forward.

With over thirty years of experience supporting women as they navigate divorce, Metz weaves together practical guidance, relatable vignettes, and engaging exercises to help make the journey through divorce less overwhelming and more empowering. Topics include:

-The five phases of divorce grief
-Establishing separation boundaries
-Supporting children through the process
-Rediscovering your identity and confidence
-Exploring new relationships post-divorce

Filled with key takeaways, reassuring insights, and inclusive stories tailored for women in both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ relationships, Unhitched offers a reassuring guide to life before, during, and after divorce.

Review Quotes

"Unhitched is a compassionate guide and steady hand for any woman facing the upheaval of divorce, whether chosen or not. With equal parts empathy and practicality, Oona Metz offers the emotional support you need to weather this grief-filled transition, along with clear, tactical steps to navigate the messy in-between."
--Melissa Urban, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Boundaries

"With wisdom, heart, and refreshing honesty, Unhitched feels like a trusted companion through one of life's hardest passages; a gift for anyone facing the end of a relationship--not only providing validation and comfort but also empowering readers with the tools to rebuild their lives with strength and hope."
--Wendy T. Behary, LCSW, author of Disarming the Narcissist

"Unhitched isn't just a guide, it's a companion. Whether you're still deciding whether to leave, figuring out how to co-parent without losing your mind, or rebuilding your sense of self after it all falls apart, this book meets you exactly where you are. Metz speaks directly to the emotional reality of this transition in a way that makes you feel seen...It's the book every woman navigating divorce deserves."
--Olivia Howell, Cofounder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry

"There are few life events more profoundly unsettling than divorce. Delivered with compassion, practicality, and best of all, hope, Unhitched is the book I wish I'd had."
--Florence Williams, author of Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey

"Oona Metz's Unhitched is exactly the guide women facing divorce need. Metz shares the wisdom she's earned over years of practice as a therapist, as well as practical feedback for the confusing, and often gut-wrenching season of life that accompanies a divorce. For any reader who seeks advice, reassurance she is not alone, and comforting guidance during the lonely road to divorce, Oona Metz's book is a must-read."
--Christie Tate, New York Times bestselling author of GROUP

"With wisdom, heart, and refreshing honesty, Unhitched feels like a trusted companion through one of life's hardest passages; a gift for anyone facing the end of a relationship--not only providing validation and comfort but also empowering readers with the tools to rebuild their lives with strength and hope."
--Wendy T. Behary, LCSW, author of Disarming the Narcissist

"The information and exercises in Unhitched make it a compass in a time of great upheaval. The warmth and empathy provide an emotional anchor as Oona Metz lovingly guides readers to turn divorce turmoil into self-transformation."
--Marisa Franco, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Platonic

"In Unhitched, Oona Metz has gathered wisdom gained from her decades of work into a highly accessible, emotionally relatable, and practical guide. Throughout the book, beautifully designed exercises deepen the reader's experience, clarify personal obstacles, and highlight pathways to transformation and growth."
--Patricia L. Papernow, EdD, author of Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships

"Unhitched is a compassionate and clear-eyed guide that every divorcing woman deserves. Practical and affirming, it is written with a true inclusivity that embraces LGBTQ+ relationships as fully as any other. Oona Metz offers not just a roadmap but a steady hand to hold along the way."
--Dawn Dais, author of The Sh!t No One Tells You About Divorce

"Unhitched is the must-read guide for any woman navigating the pain of separation or divorce. Blending compassionate advice, practical exercises, and fascinating real-life vignettes, the book gives you the tools and encouragement you need to heal, grow and move confidently into your next chapter."
--Vikki Stark, MSW, author of Runaway Husbands

"Few books prepare therapists for the terrain of divorce as effectively as Unhitched. Oona Metz offers a steady and compassionate presence, guiding readers through the turmoil of separation and showing women not only how to endure the climb but how to emerge stronger, clearer, and renewed. [...] For clinicians, Metz provides a trusted framework for guiding clients through one of life's most difficult transitions. This book will quickly become an indispensable companion on the journey of healing and renewal."
--Lorraine Wodiska, PhD, CGP, President, American Group Psychotherapy Association

"Unhitched is the compassionate, clear-eyed guide divorcing women need. Oona Metz brings the deep experience of a therapist and the warmth of a trusted friend. Her message is clear: your life isn't ending, it's just beginning."
--Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, host of My So-Called Midlife

About the Author

Oona Metz is a nationally recognized therapist, writer, and speaker who specializes in treating women navigating divorce. With over thirty years of experience, Oona has supported hundreds of women through the process of divorce. She is the founder of The Beacon Group Fellowship which trains mental health clinicians throughout the country to lead divorce support groups. She lives near Boston, Massachusetts, with her partner, and a handful of pets. Her young adult children have flown the coop but return home often.