A process for converting the cis (1R, 4R), trans (1S, 4R), and trans (1R, 4S) stereoisomers of sertraline into sertraline comprises, starting with an initial reaction mixture which contains at least one of these stereoisomers, converting the sertraline stereoisomers into an imine form of sertraline. The imine form of sertraline is then reduced so that sertraline and at least one sertraline stereoisomer byproduct is produced in the reaction mixture. The sertraline is then recovered from the reaction mixture, e.g., by fractional crystallization (followed by resolution of sertraline from the cis (1R, 4R) stereoisomer, if necessary). The reaction mixture is then recycled through the same steps so that sertraline is produced from its stereoisomers in an asymptotic yield.