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Break Through: When to Give In, How to Push Back

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“Well, he does have a good side.” “You know, it’s probably my fault.” “She’s had a rough life. I need to cut her some slack.” When you really care about someone, it’s easy to get stuck in painful, even destructive patterns—caving in to a spouse’s manipulation, ignoring a live-at-home son’s irresponsibility, not confronting a friend’s addiction. We excuse people again and again, and then kick ourselves for not setting better boundaries. But this important audio book, with its transformational tools and insightful illustrations from leading Christian counselor Tim Clinton and noted author Pat Springle, will guide you in not only breaking through to better relationships but making big changes for the better. With their expert principles for learning to say yes when you want to and no when you need to, you’ll discover how to give up your need to please, rescue, fix, or control anyone else. Leave others’ unrealistic expectations behind. Speak the hard truth to those who have hurt you. And exchange harmful relationship habits for healthy ones. Here is the expert advice you need for knowing when to give in and how to push back for the best life you can have with the people you love most.

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2012

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About the author

Tim Clinton

64 books30 followers
Also credited as Timothy Clinton

Tim Clinton, Ed. D. is President of the nearly 50,000-member American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), the largest and most diverse Christian counseling association in the world. He is Professor of Counseling and Pastoral Care, and Executive Director of the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University. Licensed in Virginia as both a Professional Counselor (LPC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Tim now spends a majority of his time working with Christian leaders and professional athletes. He is recognized as a world leader in faith and mental health issues and has authored 20 books including his latest, Breakthrough: When to Give In, When to Push Back. Most importantly, Tim has been married 31 years to his wife Julie and together they have two children, Megan and Zach.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Kate.
268 reviews10 followers
May 4, 2012
In reading this book I discovered and recognized myself and those close to me within these pages. Very beneficial to readers from all walks of life, those stuggling in present and past situations and ones needing breakthroughs and understanding which is delivered in an honest and compassionate voice. I connected with each life story contained in most chapters.

Some topics discussed are: How to really love the people in your life even if they have a hard time repaying the love, how to recognize counterfeit love, what is enmeshment, the different levels of trust and so much more! Included are self evalutation questions to reflect upon.

I learned so much while reading this well written and researched book. I found myself rereading some material before proceeding to the next chapter. Don't expect to finish it in a day or two as alot of valuable information is contained within this volume and to rush through it would guarantee missing key points. The overall message is inspiring and I found myself totally immersed into the book. I was greatly entertained and would highly recommend this book to others. Thanks to Worthy Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC for my review.
Profile Image for Judy.
599 reviews54 followers
November 4, 2024
One of those books you read every so often when you feel like you’re slipping back into old behaviors. Listened to on audio. Not my favorite way to experience a self help book, btw. I think I’ll buy the hard copy so I can mark it up.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 28 books156 followers
June 17, 2012
BREAK THOUGH
When to Give In, How to Push Back
by Dr. Tim Clinton and Pat Springle
Worthy Publishing

Often our relationships are controlled by our misconceptions of what love is. We dominate or cower in the name of love, but the very nature of this love is destructive and unhealthy. When we allow ourselves to be enmeshed we rob ourselves and the object of our devotion of a healthy relationship and the joy and happiness that true love brings. This unhealthy dependency usually masks feelings of resentment, anger and eventually hate.

But we can break through this destructive pattern and discovery what a healthy relationship is. We need to realize our true worth – that God wants more for us than to be trapped in an abusive relationship. We need to learn to step back and see where we are heading. Until we can see clearly the path of destruction we are on we cannot heal.

We cannot fix other people, they have to face the consequences of their own actions. We cannot take on their consequences and expect them to ever be responsible. Nor should we expect someone to always be there to get us out of every little situation we find our self in. Throughout the world there are emotional twelve year-olds walking around in adult bodies seeking and craving attention, affection, and affirmation from irresponsible and untrustworthy people.

When our relationships aren't what we expect them to be we feel broken and empty, so we attempt to fill the hole in our life with unhealthy relationships. We seek to fill an inner longing with one unhealthy relationship after another, but we must break the pattern we are stuck in.

Do you want to break-free and experience a true relationship - one that is not codependent on others? You can change, but the change is gradual. You cannot expect an overnight instantaneous transformation. God is willing and able to help you, you need to listen to the His call. What we refer to as a crisis is often God's attempt to wake us up.

True love is defined in First Corinthians 13. Love is unselfish, caring, forgiving and when you look to Jesus you see true love lived out. When we experience God's love we have hope and God is our center and the past has no claim on our today or our tomorrow.

We must dig deep to to work our way back up. Trials come but they are a tool to deepen our trust in God and to serve as an example of encouragement to others who are on their own journey to freedom from unhealthy and addictive codependency. Break Through is your guide to breaking free so that you can make healthy relationship decisions.
Profile Image for Nate LaClaire.
34 reviews28 followers
June 21, 2012
"By the time you’re finished with this book…you’ll not only recognize love for all that it is, but break through the fog of your relationships into the light of an amazing new day for you and for those you love the most."

Thus ends the introduction to Dr. Tim Clinton and Pat Springle’s new book, Break Through: When to Give In, How to Push Back. A lofty promise indeed, but one upon which Clinton and Springle deliver.

In the book, the authors give insight into unhealthy relationships, such as codependency and abusive relationships. Why does a wife make excuses for an alcoholic husband? Why does a father continue to bail out a deadbeat daughter? The answer may surprise you.

Using biblical insight and real-life examples, Clinton and Springle offer clear explanations for the real causes of unhealthy relationships and a clear path to forming healthy relationships. Each of the easily digestible chapters ends with a series of questions designed to make us think about our own relationships. The book also includes a guide for groups and classes who are looking to make the most of the book’s teaching.

To say that I found this book enlightening would be an understatement. It has caused me to think about my own relationships – both healthy and unhealthy – and to start to address the areas of concern. I found the writing to be very easy to read, the print perfect for my lately very tired eyes, and on top of that I love the feel of the book jacket – very soft and nice to hold.

Whether you recognize unhealthy relationships in your life or not, I highly recommend this book. You and your relationships will be changed for the better by reading it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Handlebar Marketing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Wendy Hines.
1,322 reviews265 followers
July 7, 2013
Everyone has a relationship - whether it be with your spouse, your kids, friends or family. Break Through discusses what is bad in a relationship, how to fix it or how to change it. Tough love is hard. It's easy to judge others in a bad relationship and yet not see what your nose in spite of your face. Break Through offers the tools to lead that healthier life as well as to find or rediscover your faith and your love for yourself.

Written in a format that is easy to read and understand, Break Through is engaging and what I would class a self-help book but could easily be used in a group setting. Some of the verbiage at times is a little harder to follow, but with a bit of patience, I got to my destination. A good read!
Profile Image for Naomi.
21 reviews
February 22, 2018
This book is helpful if you do not already know how to create secure connections: it's encouraging yet eye-opening to one's weaknesses. However, it's also good if you have people in your life that do not know how to communicate or relate in a mature and secure way. It helped me understand where they're coming from and how to relate to them. I'm giving Break Through three stars as while it was moderately well-written and had many nuggets of wisdom, it also read like a pop-psychology magazine rather than a mature book.
25 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2020
At the end of each chapter are think about it questions. It gives good life applications to work through.
Profile Image for Maxine Pruitt.
97 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2021
Great book helps you understand your not the only person going through these types of issues
Profile Image for Jodi Uplinger.
404 reviews
September 22, 2024
This book had a lot of good insight and recommendations. Sometimes keeping the different examples of people straight was a little hard.
Profile Image for Andrew.
788 reviews14 followers
June 7, 2012
In Break Through, Tim Clinton and Pat Springle explored the concept of learning how to handle enmeshment relationships. Throughout the book readers will be trained to see and identify counterfeit love patterns. Everyone has had to deal with people who want to be one up from you. We also have seen the people who lie down and follow all of the manipulator’s requests and demands. This book will show you how to have courage to stand up and not feel pressured to give in to their threats. The book contained countless stories from real situations that people were facing from setting boundaries and meeting disagreements head-on. Some had trouble calling problems what they truly were and they blamed themselves for the whole relationships problems. The other person should have taken responsibility for their actions. This book has very helpful questions for readers to help them to face the truth they may have been avoiding to see.





I would recommend this book to anyone who is having trouble finding a balance between helping others. If you’re having problems with setting correct boundaries, then this book will have enormous benefits for you. I was taught by reading this book that you’re not being selfish when you say no to a request. Sometimes it’s important that we say no boldly and with confidence! Its fine to help others when we can, but we have to be careful about claiming and carrying the load that they should be carrying.





The book goes on to discuss the four ways of trusting we have the heroes, the turtles, the field marshals, and the adults. Reading this book has revealed to me that I am struggle with being passive distrusting in my relationships. I avoid conflict with people that I know I must learn to confront and stand up to. I have seen the light of one particular family member that tends to expect me to give into their demands. They would constantly text and call me many times because they wanted me to desperately assist in their endeavors, while they would watch and facilitate. They always expected me and others to help them accomplish things they are able to do for themselves. I became what Tim and Pat called a turtle in my trusting ways. I would withdraw from relationships in order to protect myself from having to engage in conflict, I had a fear of disappointing others, and I didn’t form many close friendships.





This book opened my eyes to seeing that I must set healthy boundaries and limit my time with people who are determined to cross them. It isn’t my responsibility to be the Savior in their lives. The book encouraged turtles like me to stand up and speak the truth and to keep moving forward even if you’re afraid of being hurt. This book has immensely impacted the way that I am going to confront what I must face!





"I received this book for free from Worthy Publishing/Handlebar Marketing for this review".
Profile Image for Allizabeth Collins.
300 reviews39 followers
August 13, 2012
Description:

Break Through is a Christian-based guide to healthy relationships and relationship maintenance that discusses the dynamics between husband and wife, parent and child, friend and friend, man and God, and all things in-between. "[All] the expert advise you need for knowing when to give in and how to push back for the best life you can have with the people you love most." (Back Cover Quote)

Review:

I tend to enjoy Christian Literature with a Biblical basis, so I was very pleased to receive a copy of Break Through: When to Give In, How to Push Back, a relationship guide full of scripture. Everyone has the occasional relationship snag, whether it's between couples, family, friends, or even God, but what is important enough to fight for versus ignore? Is it really worth it to put strain on your relationship just to be right, or to prove someone wrong? It is not okay to allow yourself to be treated in a way that you are not satisfied with; which is why I recommend Tim Clinton and Pat Springle's well-researched and Bible-based book of relationship advice. Break Through not only confronts relationship problems head on, (arguing, manipulation, distrust, excuses, etc...), but offers real-life examples of how to work through your problems with the help of God. I was impressed by the amount, and value of, the material presented. The format was easy-to-read, down-to-earth, and had an overall tone of honesty that really resonated with me. Their message to readers in any kind of relationship is one of inspiration - things can, and will, change for the better if you work on them. I enjoyed the self-evaluation quizzes as well, they really cemented the ideas from the chapter into my mind. The only aspect that I had problems with was the repetitive nature of the text after the chapter on "Learning to Love Well". I recommend this book to anyone who is having problems in their relationship and feels like they are making excuses for the other person’s actions; anyone can benefit from reading this book!

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author (Worthy Publishing) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Ruth Hill.
1,115 reviews645 followers
June 23, 2012
I was completely impressed with this Biblically-based book about healthy relationships. And I don't mean just marital relationships, but all relationships. The authors give you practical tips on how to transform your relationships(and predominantly you)into what God wants them (and you) to be.

The thing that impressed me more than anything was that the Bible was continually consulted as the primary source. So often in Christian counseling, there is too much emphasis on secular self-help strategies. The authors continued to bring us back to what Jesus did on this earth and what the apostle Paul wrote in his epistles. They do bring in other sources by various Christian theologians and even non-Christians, but everything is measured against the world.

I did see some of myself and others in my sphere of influence. I plan to go back and do a rereading of various sections so I can apply many of their principles. In the end, it is good to know that in my experience, I am not alone. There are others who feel my pain and have walked in similar circumstances. And it is possible to change with the help of God.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever had difficulties in a relationship. Isn't that everyone?

I was sent of a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Profile Image for Susan.
Author 11 books91 followers
June 3, 2012
Have you ever found yourself making excuses for someone in your life? Saying something like, "Well, she does have a good side," or "It's probably my fault," or "She's had a hard life. I need to cut her some slack." I tell myself things like that all the time. And usually, such statements mean you're in the midst of some relationships where you're being controlled or manipulated by someone else. Since I can identify some relationships just like that in my own life, I was happy to have the opportunity to review "Break Through: When to Give In, How to Push Back," by Tim Clinton and Pat Springle.

The book lets you know about some new (at least to me) terms like enmeshment. It shows examples of how others can take advantage of us, even if they may not even be aware of it. It also gives tips on how to deal with such people (hint: it's not easy, and since people like these usually have a pattern of controlling behavior, it's not likely you'll change them).

I thoroughly enjoyed about the first third of the book. After that, it seemed to grow repetitive to me, and I began skimming. Really, I think it would have made a great, meaty magazine article. Recommended for those in situations where they feel that others are trying to control their life.
17 reviews53 followers
July 3, 2012
If you’ve ever experienced frustration with a relationship, this book is for you. This book is a game-changer for those who need help setting boundaries in their life—though some of us may not realize, until reading it, how we are contributing to the problems we have in relationships. If you find yourself making excuses for anyone in your life, you need this book. Some of us try too hard to control others; others of us allow ourselves to be manipulated, even bullied. This book addresses both these dysfunctions but offers real life examples of how to change. A quote from the book that I loved: “As we move toward healthier relationships, we’ll find ourselves developing a more secure relational style—learning how to identify and communicate thoughts, feelings, and opinions with confidence.” I want that, and this book is helping me to achieve it! Also, there’s a great wikihow article based on the book, which you should definitely read to get a feel for what the book is about: http://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-and-...
The appendix of the book, which applies the book's insights specifically to parenting, is also helpful. Here's an article based on that part of the book: http://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Respectf...
17 reviews53 followers
July 3, 2012
If you’ve ever experienced frustration with a relationship, this book is for you. This book is a game-changer for those who need help setting boundaries in their life—though some of us may not realize, until reading it, how we are contributing to the problems we have in relationships. If you find yourself making excuses for anyone in your life, you need this book. Some of us try too hard to control others; others of us allow ourselves to be manipulated, even bullied. This book addresses both these dysfunctions but offers real life examples of how to change. A quote from the book that I loved: “As we move toward healthier relationships, we’ll find ourselves developing a more secure relational style—learning how to identify and communicate thoughts, feelings, and opinions with confidence.” I want that, and this book is helping me to achieve it! Also, there’s a great wikihow article based on the book, which you should definitely read to get a feel for what the book is about: http://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-and-...
There's also a helpful article based on the book's appendix, "Break Through to Great Parenting," at
http://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Respectf...
Profile Image for Denise DiFalco.
164 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2016
Dr. Tim Clinton, LPC, LMFT and Pat Springle tackles relationship difficulties in his new book The Moment that Changes Everything Break Through When to Give In, How to Push Back. The reader will gain insight on how not to be co-dependent to a partner's destructive patterns. They will receive the tools to escape intimidation and control and no longer succumb to abuse. Real love is defined by Dr. Tim Clinton throughout the books pages. His accolades include: '"President of the nearly 50,000-member American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and founder of Light University Online, which has over 160,000 students enrolled. He is also the professor of counseling and executive director of the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University."' Break -Through stands out from other relationship studies in that it offers spiritual support along with counseling advice. The goal of the authors is offer hope to couples that relationships can work if both are willing to sacrifice and do the work but they don't condone staying in a troubled atmosphere.
The key is to know your boundaries and to set them in exchange for contentment. I highly recommend this stellar workbook to use as a reference to keep your relationship in balance.
Profile Image for Tima.
1,678 reviews128 followers
July 3, 2016
Are you struggling with an abusive, controlling, or just plain unhealthy relationship? This book is all about having healthy relationships with people and when to give "tough" love and when to "give in". It's filled with practical advice, stories and thoughts on the correct way to handle relationships and love those around us. It's from a Christian perspective and would be gold for a person dealing with one or more dysfunctional relationships.
Even though I, thankfully, don't have to deal with any of these issues, I still enjoyed the book. It wasn't too clinical or boring and was filled with stories to break up the advice being given. Definitely a book I would recommend if you are struggling with a relationship gone wrong.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Chips O'Toole.
Author 4 books27 followers
January 23, 2013
I read this for work rather than for personal reasons, so I'm not the typical reader. For instance, I'm not up against many of the issues people who need this book might be battling. However, it was an interesting read, one full of simple truths and practical advice about how and when to "give in and push back" against people in your lives with whom you have negative relationships. There are many moments of clarity in this book that people who are in dysfunctional partnerships could benefit from reading.
574 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2014
This is a very good book about relationships and how to make them Christian based. There is lots of useful information and techniques to use.
216 reviews5 followers
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July 18, 2014
interesting and good thought provoking ideas
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