One of the most helpful books I've ever read
354465
The gist of this book is a contrast between what the author terms 'the medical model' (which claims that mental illnesses are biologically caused) and the 'emotional pain model' (which states that the causes of mental illnesses are to be found in emotional trauma and pain).
The first part of the book is a sound and detailed critique and repudiation of 'the medical model', while the rest of the book is devoted to an in-depth exposition of the 'emotional pain model'.
To me, it is really no great mystery why the psychiatric profession and society at large have chosen to believe that all mental illnesses are organic illnesses (i..e biologically caused), for that gives the simple and comforting illusion that these otherwise so perplexing and uncontrollable diseases have been understood and can be managed.
It's just another case of the apparently basic abhorrence of the human mind for uncertainty and lack of control.
Nevertheless, despite the (for so many) great and obvious appeal of the biological model, I think it is high time that we as individuals and as a society move away from it towards a sounder understanding of the causes of mental illness.
For the biological model IS an illusion, make no mistake about that! (as the author does an excellent job of demonstrating in the first part of the book).
While I do not believe that the emotional pain model can fully account for all mental disorders, I definitely think it is a huge step in the right direction.
As someone who has carried the label of 'chronic schizophrenic' for nearly ten years now, this book has been a real eye-opener for me, and has resulted in a much broader and more sensible understanding of the sources of my troubles than biopsychiatry can offer.
Highly recommended!
4877054
The most helpful book I've ever read.  Astoundingly well thought out with excellent examples and clear, concise writing.  Would recommend to anyone.  Can't put into words how much I appreciate this book!
3815251
I've been reading a huge number of books in this field lately and this is by far one of the best.  It's clear, concise, practical, has great examples of people from a wide variety of life experiences, but the commonality of the issues they wrestle with is so accessible and relatable that they prove to be very helpful examples.  I highly, highly recommend this book.
3996980
I gave this a five star rating because it's the best writing I've seen in a long time and it give real advice and perspectives on issues most people don't want to talk about. But this book talks about them all in such a loving yet firm tone. There are some really hard topics, like addiction and codependency, but the book deals with it in such ease and confidence that you finally know you can do it alone and do it well. There's so much help on every page. It's definitely something I'll be re-reading again and again. I've already bought some for my friends and family. I HIGHLY recommend it!
3437261
This is one of the most helpful books on the topic I have ever read. Well-written, funny, and wildly insightful. I recommend it to anyone.
506162
Had a very rough couple of years. I read various books that helped in varying degrees, but this one spoke to me the most, and helped me immensely. Some have mentioned the repetition of various words and phrases throughout the book as a negative, whereas I found them to be helpful in driving home the points associated with them, like a mantra. I have a well worn and highlighted hard copy that I keep with me as much as possible, and I have the kindle version on my phone. I feel it's my rock. I often go back and read one of the chapters when I feel I need a boost, and it helps get me through the challenging times.
2767965
One of the most meaningful and insightful books I have ever had the pleasure of reading
801799
Dr. Hall is clearly a very bright and talented therapist.  Her ideas and counsel are things that are not only thought-provoking, but that I was able to actually use to improve my interaction with my husband.  While not always easy because there's real honesty and work involved, the book was incredibly helpful for my relationship -- which was, frankly, a surprise given how little many books of this sort offer. Dr. Hall's book is insightful, has been beyond beneficial to my sense of self -- not just my sense of my own sexuality -- and has been worth infinitely more than the modest price.
4309235
I think this book is GREAT, and I don't apply superlatives lightly.  This book simply contains wisdom, a trait not found often (as opposed to knowledge or intelligence), it is compassionate and encouraging.  I happen to be single and I found it very encouraging, probably one of my 10 favorite books of all time.  It is written with Christian "beliefs", which I think most Christians will love, and it would still be extremely helpful for others, without losing any of it's power if that is not your faith.
4938195
This HAS to be one of the most useful and important books I've EVER read....and with an important health challenge, I feel
blessed that a friend told me about it.  In very easy-to-understand language, Dr. Joe gives us the secret (and the means) for
attracting everything we truly want in life.  It takes effort, constant vigilance of our thoughts....but this book should be iin
everyone's hands, I believe.
1987373
I THINK THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST HELPFUL BOOKS I EVERY USED TO HELP ME IN MY EVERYDAY SPIITIAUL JORNEY.
4785311
For me, I have read many types of self help books in the past, some OK and some meh, however, this book is in my opinion, SUPERB! There are many reasons that I like this book so below are the PROS:

+ The Exceptional Table of Contents - Each section has a section subject title that is underlined in blue and when pressed, brings you right into the section! This I really like because when I want to focus on a specific subject or topic, I just press that one and off I go it.

+ Love the section called This Old House - Love how the author has this little story of the house to begin the book. It drew me in right away as every section of this book did--II read it cover to cover without stopping!

+ My favorite section is Born Free, Living in Prisons - This section has some sample checklists of questions that really makes one think. For me, I went back and read this section once again as it was that helpful.

+ Another section that I found so so helpful is called Why Should You Care: It's Your Life. This section is all about decision making for yourself.

+ Every section I found very helpful in this book and I highly recommend it to you!
4910693
This book is truly amazing. The thoughts and ideas are well balanced to cover many of the life experiences we all have - doesn't matter if your an entry level employee, top paid executive or a stay at home mom - the info is all relevant to life both at work and at home. We all have many common experiences in life and it's important to share those experiences and learn from each other. If you're like me and sometimes needs some help, a mentor or some guidance - this book can help clear a path for you. By the way, I really don't like to read - not sure why I even bought this book, but glad I did and thankful.
1542585
This book has been such a good friend to me. I'm still reading it, but it shone a light on many things I deal with and very helpful for recovery steps, etc. I wrote more about my background of abuse, but it felt too revealing, but this book is so helpful for anyone who has experienced trauma ranging from one isolated incident from which they didn't recover or get proper support for, all the way to full blown ongoing physical/emotional/sexual abuse by neglectful, narcissistic and/or abandoning parents.  This book has also been helpful to me dealing with the very minimal interaction I have with family members today as an adult. It's not enough to address the past - you have to set boundaries and self protect as an adult no matter how much manipulative martyrdom and guilt your parents/family tried to pour on you now that they are old.

I worry that the title of this book might not resonate or reach all of the people who could benefit from reading it, because most people don't know that they are stuck in shame, self loathing, sabotaging, self-abandoning behavior because of something related to cPTSD. Most people who come from the backgrounds we come believe what was put on us was normal and deserved, to even ask the question; what is my problem and how can i fix it? They just think they are fatally flawed forever as their childhood experiences taught them they are. So, they may never find their way to this book. But I found it somehow on my own, so when the student is ready, the teacher appears, I suppose.  (** if you're a stickler for spelling, sentence structure and grammar, you'll notice mistakes throughout the book. But it doesn't take away from the information. He could use a better editor.)
1315432
A very well-written and incredibly useful book!
837172
I really, honestly wish I had come across this book about 10 years ago. It would have prevented me from going through 10 extremely difficult years of ups and downs, never fully understanding why I was continuing to fail.  Bouncing from job to job, and dealing with a whole array of negative experiences.  Little did I know until reading this book, is that I was creating those conditions and experiences for myself.  This book opened my eyes like no book has ever done so before.  It's beautifully written, easy to understand, very easy to apply, and it's the kind of book that would change the state of affairs in this world if everyone HAD TO read it.

I can't say enough good about this book and the instant results it will bring.
3877872
This is an amazing book. I read it through cover to cover twice and passed it along both times. I have never encountered a book that I feel I must buy and send to EVERYONE I know, like this book. A counselor friend recommended it and we talked about buying copies, passing them out with postcards and asking people to read the book, pass it along to someone else and send back a postcard describing how it helped them. We haven't done this yet, but it would be a good idea to get this book into as many hands as possible. It is simply amazing. It's so easy to read and so helpful. You don't want to put it down. I am so thankful that the author took the time to describe her therapy in such an enjoyable, easy to understand and follow way. Thank you.