Currently Rebuilding Site - Pardon the broken links, I am currently a one-woman business and do all the tech myself!
Coming soon: Community, Online Course Access, PDF Downloads!!!!
Thanks for your patience, Deb Murphy
Healing happens when we stop wondering if we're crazy and start trusting that our instincts were right all along.
About the Author
I help sensitive people and empaths break free from emotional abuse cycles and trauma patterns to transform their lives, reclaim their power, and manifest their full potential.
Meet Deb Murphy
Author, Transformation Coach, Founder of Self To Be
My journey to writing therapeutic fiction didn't begin in a classroom or workshop, it began in the lived reality of toxic relationships that left me questioning my own sanity. As an empath who spent years repeating the same manipulative partners, I understand the confusion, self-doubt, and isolation that comes with emotional abuse.
Here's what I've learned: You're not broken. You don't have bad luck. You were targeted.
Why I Write These Stories
After my own healing journey, I realized that traditional self-help books, while valuable, often felt clinical, detached, and hard to focus on. What I wanted during my darkest moments was a story that showed me I wasn't alone; characters who made the same mistakes I did, who felt the same confusion, and who ultimately found their way to freedom.
The Self To Be series was born from this need.
These aren't just romance novels or cautionary tales; they're therapeutic fiction designed to help you recognize manipulation tactics before you're trapped, validate your experiences without judgment, and show you that healing is not only possible but inevitable.
Becoming
Loyal readers
2025
Founded
1
Published Books
My Mission
I believe that every person who has survived a toxic relationship has the potential to help others recognize the red flags they wish they'd seen.
Through Self To Be, I'm creating a community where:
Recognition comes through relatable storytelling
Validation replaces self-blame and confusion
Healing happens through seeing your own journey reflected in fiction
Empowerment grows from understanding you're not alone
More about Deb:
Professional Background
With over 25 years in technical writing, aviation maintenance, electronics, and engineering, I bring a unique analytical approach to understanding manipulation patterns. My technical background helps me break down complex psychological concepts into clear, recognizable patterns that readers can easily identify.
Meditation & Mindfulness
As the founder of Mindshift Meditation, I've spent over 20 years exploring the intersection of mindfulness, movement, and healing. My training in Tai Chi, Qi Gong, martial arts, and energy healing informs my understanding of trauma recovery and nervous system regulation—essential elements in healing from toxic relationships.
Writing & Communication
My expertise in ghostwriting and content strategy means I know how to craft stories that resonate deeply. Whether I'm helping CEOs find their voice or creating characters who mirror your own experiences, my goal is always the same: authentic connection that creates transformation.
The Personal Side
As a single mom building this entire platform myself (yes, I handle the writing, web development, DNS setup, graphic design, and everything in between), I understand the challenge of rebuilding your life after manipulation. Some days are harder than others, but every day is a choice to keep moving from who I was to who I'm becoming.
Self To Be captures the healing journey from a diminished sense of self to reclaiming who you truly are.
Let's Connect
Whether you're just beginning to question a relationship, deep in the healing process, or ready to help others on their journey, I'd love to connect with you. I also offer coaching services for those looking for structured support and guidance.
Email: deb[at]murphyfreelance.com
Phone: 501-238-1593
Articles: @MurphyFreelance on Medium
Professional Services: murphyfreelance.com
Meditation Practice: mindshiftmeditation.com
Copyright 2025 Deb Murphy, MurphyFreelance.com, DebMurphy.com
Healing happens when we stop wondering if we're crazy and start trusting that our instincts were right all along.
The Book That Teaches And Heals Through Story
Abbi, a single mom, thought she'd found "the one," but what felt like perfect compatibility was actually masterful manipulation.
Experience love-bombing, mirroring, and emotional abuse as they unfold in this true-to-life therapeutic fiction.
Not Just a Story—A Complete Self-Healing Course.
The Reflection Trap is the first book in the Self To Be series, blending story with a practical healing toolkit. It's designed to help you recognize covert emotional manipulation and start healing immediately.
Spot Red Flags Early: Decode love-bombing, gaslighting, and the Six-Stage Manipulation Cycle.
Trust Your Gut: Understand your body's nervous-system signals (based on Polyvagal Theory) when something feels "off."
Calm Anxiety & Reclaim Control: Use provided grounding and self-soothing strategies to empower your healing.
Set Boundaries & Protect Your Peace: Develop scripts and mindset tools to stop guilt-based control.
Rebuild Self-Worth: Heal the trauma bond and create relationships rooted in respect and calm.
Recognize the Red Flags. Reclaim Your Power. Heal for Good.
Breaking Free
Coming Spring 2026
Abbi's breaks the toxic patterns she realizes were established in her childhood as we follow her healing journey from victim to survivor to thriver.
The story doesn't end with recognizing the trap, it ends with breaking free and reclaiming your life.
Find out when the next story drops.
