Reviews
“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 “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
“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. Infused with decades of hands-on experience and relatable real-world examples, Unhitched will help you reclaim your footing and step into the next chapter of your life with strength, grace, and clarity.” –Melissa Urban, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Boundaries “Oona Metz's Unhitched is exactly the guide women facing divorce need. In her book, 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. Most of all, Metz's Unhitched offers hope that brighter days are ahead.” –Christie Tate, New York Times bestselling author of Group and B.F.F. “In her brilliantly crafted new book, Unhitched, Oona Metz offers a wise, compassionate, and deeply practical guide for navigating the emotional challenges of separation and divorce. With warmth and clarity, she empathizes with the struggles, honors the grief, and illuminates a path toward resilience and renewal. 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 “When I went through my own divorce, I remember desperately wishing there were more real resources out there. Not just legal advice or financial calculators—but emotional guidance. A voice that could sit with me in the mess, look me in the eyes, and say, You’re not broken. You’re becoming. That’s exactly what Oona Metz offers in her groundbreaking new book, Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women. Oona is a nationally recognized therapist who has been supporting women through every stage of divorce for over three decades. She knows what this journey looks like—not just on paper, but in your heart. And in Unhitched, she weaves together wisdom, lived experience, and practical psychological tools to help you move through divorce in a way that is clear-eyed, compassionate, and deeply empowering. This 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. With topics like the five stages of divorce grief, establishing boundaries, supporting your children, rediscovering your identity, and dating again—Oona speaks directly to the emotional reality of this transition in a way that makes you feel seen. What I love most is how inclusive and honest this book is. It’s written for all women, including those in LGBTQ+ relationships. And it’s not about bouncing back—it’s about growing forward. I truly believe Unhitched will change lives. It’s the kind of book that makes you breathe easier, cry in relief, and say, ‘Finally. Someone gets it.’ It’s the book I wish I had—and the one every woman navigating divorce deserves. So here’s your invitation: buy Unhitched now. Do it for yourself. Do it for the friend who’s secretly struggling. Do it because this book is going to change the conversation around divorce—and you deserve to be part of it.” –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 “I feel seen. I am not alone. I have a path forward. This is what women enduring divorce will think after they read Unhitched. The information and exercises in this book make it a compass in a time of great upheaval. The warmth and empathy of it provide an emotional anchor as Oona Metz lovingly guides readers to turn divorce turmoil into self-transformation. After reading it, I'm convinced that it's possible for a divorce to be the beginning of a more deeply actualized life.” –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 and The Stepfamily Handbook “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: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women. In this volume, 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. Drawing on the powerful metaphor of mountain climbing, Metz leads readers step by step through the challenges of divorce toward the summit of healing and growth. Her writing is clear and accessible—an invaluable quality for those navigating distress and uncertainty—while her thoughtful structure allows the reader to open any chapter and find immediate, practical guidance. The book is rich with resources: practical strategies, reflective exercises in every chapter, case examples, affirmations, and answers to the questions most often asked by women facing divorce. Metz does not shy away from the difficult realities, including the impact of divorce on children, yet her voice remains both supportive and realistic throughout. Unhitched is a guide for women, offering strength, clarity, and hope. 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 “Through my work advocating for and listening to women in midlife, I’ve met so many quietly grappling with divorce—carrying shame, questioning their choices, or simply feeling stuck. Unhitched is the compassionate, clear-eyed guide they 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 “What Oona Metz does by illuminating the steps of the divorce process and underscoring them with vignettes and examples, is provide women with the feel and potential of group connection. Her book normalizes, destigmatizes, and allows for hope, redefinition, and empowerment. Unhitched invites every woman who faces divorce to feel informed and connected as she finds a way to reclaim her life.” –Suzanne Phillips, PsyD, author of Healing Together, host of Psych Up “Oona’s voice is clear, encouraging, reassuring. The metaphor of ‘journey,’ finding one’s way, beautifully woven throughout. The practical approach of this book is both containing and reassuring. I would highly recommend it to anyone getting divorced and to therapists working with divorcing women.” –Siobhan M. O'Neill, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School “As a therapist with over 20 years of experience, I’ve often struggled to find a resource I could confidently offer my clients going through divorce. Unhitched by Oona Metz is the first book that fully delivers on that need. This book is a game-changer. The real-life stories are relatable and compassionate, and the guidance is clear, practical, and hopeful. Oona offers a roadmap that meets people where they are, without judgment or pretense. I truly believe Unhitched has the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. I’ll be recommending it widely to my clients, colleagues, and anyone whose life has been touched by divorce.” –Theresa Cohen, LICSW, certified EFT couples therapist and supervisor “Unhitched by Oona Metz is destined to be a classic in both professional and personal self-help literature. Oona eloquently and elegantly explores, explains, and expands the process of divorce from a practical and human perspective. Unhitched is a must have for one's professional library.” –Richard Beck, LCSW, AGPA Fellow, former president of International Association for Group Psychotherapy, senior lecturer at Columbia University School of Social Work “Oona Metz's calm, knowledgeable voice, engaging and warm writing style, and direct and relevant guidance were just what I needed as I navigated the rocky waters of divorce. Oona Metz is a wise and reassuring guide, whose exceptional clinical experience resonates on every page.” –Susan Marine, PhD, professor of educational leadership, Merrimack College, author of Stonewall’s Legacy “Unhitched by Oona Metz, provides readers guideposts, guardrails, and mile markers during what is unquestionably one of the most difficult journeys of their lives. In her book, Oona not only shares her years of experience with women charting and overcoming the obstacles and challenges of their own divorces, but she provides practical exercises that can immediately be used by anyone in the process of their own divorce. As founder of Consilium Divorce Consultations, I can say without reservation that Unhitched will become recommended reading for all of the attorneys, judges, financial planners and mental health professionals we certify.” –Heidi-Rachel Webb, EdM, JD, founder of Concilium Divorce Consultations, cofounder of Concilium Institute “Reading Unhitched makes you feel like you have a best friend holding your hand throughout the journey. You can do it alone but with Oona Metz’s masterpiece of a divorce support book, you don’t have to!” –Gabrielle Clemens, JD, CDFA, author of Marriage is About Love, Divorce is About Money, Forbes Top Woman Wealth Advisor “Oona Metz’s book is a tremendous contribution to the field as it successfully synthesizes a practical how-to manual with the empathy and insight only a psychotherapist working with hundreds of clients who go through divorce can impart.” –Vicki L. Shemin, J.D., LICSW, clinical social worker, divorce attorney, mediator, parenting coordinator “In Unhitched Oona Metz shares the depth of her professional experience to guide people as they navigate the journey of divorce. Oona’s compassionate, thoughtful approach will comfort, console, and empower anyone who is facing the challenge of divorce. As a judge who saw many challenging family cases in my courtroom, I believed that most people were looking to be guided in a positive direction. Often, the guidance they needed was beyond what I could give them under the law. This book will lead individuals and ultimately, families, to the solutions they need to move forward before, during, and after divorce.” –Hon. Julie Kunce Field, retired Colorado District Court Judge, cofounder of the Consilium Institute “Oona Metz brings her deep expertise as a therapist to Unhitched—an important read for any woman considering divorce. It’s smart, compassionate and packed with the kind of clarity and guidance women deserve during one of life’s hardest chapters.” –Amy Polacko, divorce coach and coauthor of Framed “Oona’s voice is one that divorcing women need to hear: authentic, bracing, and affirming. As a psychologist and university faculty member studying intimate partner violence, I have talked with hundreds of women struggling through separation and divorce. I know how lonely the process can be and how much women long for exactly what this book provides. It is certain to become essential reading—not only for those directly involved in the process of divorce—but for the friends, family, and professionals who want to help them through.” –Lisa A. Goodman, PhD, coauthor of No Safe Haven “In a climate where women initiate 70% or more of divorces, there is an ever-increasing and urgent need for practical and emotional guides specifically tailored to women. Unhitched moves beyond destructive stereotypes of it being implicitly a wife's job to make marriage last forever at any cost--a narrative still disturbingly prevalent in popular culture—and instead provides a roadmap for navigating not only divorce's many sticky logistics, but the emotional, financial, parenting, and dating terrain of its aftermath. Metz's work will help many to heal and thrive.” –Gina Frangello, author of Blow Your House Down “Oona Metz’s book takes women compassionately by the hand and leads them through the journey of divorce. She offers insightful exercises to navigate grief and provides practical advice to demystify the divorce process so women can feel empowered as they transition into their new life. She also includes valuable information on how to set up a healthy co-parenting structure so kids can feel supported and prioritized. I highly recommend Unhitched to any woman—or any person supporting a woman—going through divorce. It’s the book I wish I had when I was going through it.” –Aurisha Smolarski, author of Cooperative Coparenting for Secure Kids “As a woman who has been divorced twice and had few resources to turn to, especially after my second divorce at midlife with two young children, I would have welcomed a book like Unhitched. Oona Metz offers those facing divorce with essential information, wisdom, and compassion. Whether a divorce was wanted or not, Unhitched is a book you will turn to again and again throughout your journey.” –Vicki Larson, journalist and author of LATitude “Oona Metz's Unhitched is a wise and empathetic guide to the landscape of divorce, from the emotional to the logistical and financial. For mothers in particular, it offers reassurance that even if the path through is difficult, both you and your children can thrive on the other side.” –Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth
“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
