Named 2026 Author of the Year Finalist for Rebuilding Yourself

Dr. Maria Pinto Barbosa has been named a 2026 Author of the Year Finalist by The International Impact Book Awards for Rebuilding Yourself: Recovery from Toxic or Narcissistic Relationships. This recognition marks a meaningful milestone in her work as an author dedicated to sharing messages of faith, personal growth, and hope.

In Rebuilding Yourself, Dr. Barbosa addresses the emotional wounds that destructive relationships can leave behind. Through a faith-centered approach, the book explores emotional manipulation, healthy boundaries, self-love, forgiveness, and resilience. It encourages readers to reclaim their voice, recognize their worth, and envision a meaningful future.

The book also reaches individuals preparing to date, inviting them to understand love and develop healthy boundaries before entering a relationship.

In the epilogue, Dr. Barbosa explains that her inspiration grew from years of counseling and ministry. Listening to people affected by betrayal, control, and emotional pain revealed a shared longing for understanding, restoration, and purpose. Their experiences helped shape her commitment to writing a book that brings together personal reflection, spiritual encouragement, and emotional awareness.

“You are not alone. You are not beyond restoration,” she writes.

These words express the heart of the book: painful experiences do not erase a person’s dignity or define every chapter of their life. Dr. Barbosa invites readers to reconnect with their faith, reflect on harmful relationship patterns, and take steps toward renewed confidence.

Her closing message reveals the personal prayer behind her writing-that her story, studies, and calling might help others find healing. The book reflects her belief that rebuilding involves emotional, mental, and spiritual growth, along with the courage to find one’s voice again.

The 2026 Author of the Year Finalist recognition adds a celebratory chapter to this mission. In its congratulatory message, The International Impact Book Awards celebrates the journey from an author’s dream to a published work and encourages her to continue sharing her words with the world.

An author, Christian Clinical Counselor, and founder of ACCEL  Leadership and Get-Up-and-Go Holistic Therapy, Dr. Maria Pinto Barbosa continues to place service and encouragement at the center of her work.

Rebuilding Yourself offers readers an invitation to rediscover strength, nurture hope, and approach their next chapter with faith and purpose.

Learn more about the author and her books at www.drmariabarbosa.com.

The books are available at amazon: