Autorentext

Robert W. Firestone, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and author whose principle focus has been the subject of resistance in psychotherapy and people amp rsquo s resistance to a better life in general. His comprehensive body of written work elucidates how the avoidance of the true nature of the human condition contributes to interpersonal pain and suffering as well as to the crisis of fellowship in which we, as a species, find ourselves. Dr. Firestone is the author of fifteen other books including Voice Therapy, Compassionate Child-Rearing, Fear of Intimacy, The Self Under Siege, The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships, Beyond Death Anxiety, and The Enemy Within.

Dr. Firestone is the consulting theorist for The Glendon Association. His studies on negative thought processes and their associated affect have led to the development of Voice Therapy, a therapeutic methodology used to uncover and contend with aspects of self-destructive and self-limiting behaviors. The concept of the critical inner voice has been applied to empirical research, developing The Firestone Assessment of Self-destructive Thoughts (FAST) and *The Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (*FAVT), scales that assess the potential for suicide and violence. Dr. Firestone has also produced 35 documentaries with The Glendon Association.

Klappentext

This much-anticipated follow-up to the critically-acclaimed and bestselling The Fantasy Bond tackles the complex question of why so many of us are compelled to repeat the pain of our past while avoiding positive experiences that could enrich our lives.

Zusammenfassung
Challenging the cycle of repeating past wounds over embracing fulfilling experiences, this work exposes the fantasy bond formed in childhood as a defense against pain. Vivid case studies illustrate how a critical inner voice disrupts intimacy and demonstrate how Voice Therapy can pave the way to personal autonomy.

Inhalt

Foreword—Phillip R. Shaver and Mario Mikulincer

Acknowledgments

Introduction

I. Introduction to the Fantasy Bond

1. The Fantasy Bond and Separation Theory
2. The Fantasy Bond in the Couple and Family

II. Dimensions of the Fantasy Bond
3. Idealization of Parents and the Family
4. The Negative Self Concept
5. Projection and Incorporation of Parents' Negative Traits

III. Behavioral Manifestations of the Fantasy Bond
6. Inwardness and the Loss of Feeling
7. Withholding
8. Self-Nourishing Habits and Addictions
9. Individuation, Regression, and the Fantasy Bond
10. Sexuality

IV. Implications for Psychotherapy
11. My Approach to Psychotherapy
12. Voice Therapy

V. Theoretical Issues
13. Death Anxiety
14. Society and Conformity
15. Polarization, Prejudice, and Ethnic Warfare

Notes
References
Index
About the Author