Thank You, Dr. Tara Palmatier – You Helped Me Escape the Madness

By Michael Thompson, Founder – Falsely Accused Network

When I first got into a relationship with the woman who became my ex-wife, I genuinely believed I’d found peace. She was affectionate, intense, and seemed to love me completely. But it didn’t take long for things to change. One moment I was adored, the next I was treated like the enemy. The emotional highs and lows were exhausting, unpredictable and frightening.

At the time, I didn’t have the language to describe what I was experiencing. I just knew that something wasn’t right. I found myself constantly doubting my memory, second-guessing my instincts, and slowly losing my sense of who I was.

Later, I discovered that she had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. That explained a lot—but it didn’t stop the chaos. As the relationship spiralled, it turned into something darker: false allegations followed by the ultimate betrayal—paternity fraud. I was led to believe I was the father of a child who wasn’t biologically mine.

During this hellish period, I was in Manchester searching for answers, for sanity, for anything that made sense. That’s when I found Dr. Tara Palmatier and her platform, Shrink4Men. I started watching her videos on YouTube and reading her articles. Finally, I felt understood. Here was someone speaking directly to my experience—clearly, confidently, without the usual bias or stigma that male victims often face.

Dr. Palmatier doesn’t pull punches. She speaks the truth about personality disorders, manipulation, trauma bonds, and the devastating impact toxic relationships can have on men. What stood out most was her refusal to make excuses for abusive behaviour simply because it’s coming from a woman. That honesty was rare—especially in a world that too often mocks, ignores, or dismisses male victims.

Her insights helped me understand that I wasn’t crazy. I wasn’t weak. I wasn’t alone.

Thanks to her work, I began the process of healing. I found the strength to leave. I founded the Falsely Accused Network to support other men going through similar experiences. And I continue to speak out—because this problem is much bigger than just one man or one relationship.

To anyone reading this who’s stuck in a confusing, painful relationship—especially if you’re a man who’s been told to “man up” or that you’re imagining things—please go and check out Dr. Palmatier’s work. Her YouTube channel is called Shrink4Men, and her website is www.shrink4men.com . You may find, like I did, that it changes everything.

And to Dr. Tara Palmatier, if you’re reading this:

Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Your work reached me across the Atlantic. You gave me clarity and courage at a time when I had neither. We’ve never met, but you helped save my life.