"Drama of the gifted child" was the very first book I read when I started therapy years ago. These two books are the same in content (the first is the updated version). It has opened my eye to see how my parents parented us and why I turned out to be the way I am.

This book was recommended to me by Kris's therapist. I didn't really think I need it, but man, it was the most painful and eyeopening experience to read this book and do the excercises recommended. If you have suffered from any kind of abuse, this book can open the doors that had locks on them for so long and take you back to places you never thought you have ever been to. Takes courage to read it! I know someone who keeps it under her bed, because it is so hard to face the issues and read and face the 'truth'.

The MALE counterpart of the book above.
Identify and validate childhood experiences;Explore strategies of survival and healing; Work through issues such as trust, intimacy, and sexual confusion; Establish a support network for continued personal recovery; Make choices that aren't determined by abuse

This book has changed me profoundly without me even noticing it. It was recommended to me by my Greek Orthodox Pastor in 1998. I was looking for answers on who I am, why have I gone through the things I did, what is religion and faith. I have read it on a thirteen hour plane trip back to Europe, and I got off the plane with cried out eyes. Small, but powerful book.
A spiritual master shows us how to live a life of spiritual assurance in the midst of difficult life situations. This book was born in response to personal requests asked many times by a variety of people--many of whom are far removed from any traditional religious base--for Nouwen to describe the way to live a spiritual life in a material world. Nouwen's answer is both a challenge and a promise that life works, has deep meaning, and is worth all the pain and struggle.

Neuwen has not written a book I didn't read and found useful and enjoyed.

Are you your own worst enemy? Are you devastated by criticism? Do you have trouble telling your loved ones what you really need? If you said yes, you're a victim of low self-esteem.
Workbook presents a course in self-esteem based on new research and sound principles. Checklists, fill-ins, and exercises show readers how thoughts, emotions, physical health, and behavior impact their self-esteem. Periodic checkups help them gauge their progress, and final sections offer strategies for preventing relapse.

You’re probably too tired to read this book. If you -- like millions of women and men -- try everyday to meet the needs of your loved ones, you’re probably exhausted.Braiker shows us how the urge to be “nice” can leave us depleted. Why do we feel pressure to care for others before ourselves? And how we can put our own needs back on the docket? With revealing quizzes and explanations, the author helps to find answers that return us to ourselves. People pleasers are not just nice people who go overboard trying to make everyone happy. Those who suffer from the Disease to Please are people who say "Yes" when they really want to say "No." For them, the uncontrollable need for the elusive approval of others is an addiction. Their debilitating fears of anger and confrontation force them to use "niceness" and "people-pleasing" as self-defense camouflage. (by www.bn.com)

We based our new marriage group at our church on this book. It has turned our relationship around 180°. We are very thankful that we were led to this book.
If you are desperate and want and ready to receive help: READ this book. I guarantee, you  will find it helpful. It might just give your relationship the boost it needs to get healthy.

These two books are in the works for us now. This is what we are reading and discussing in our sessions with our wonderful therapist. So far we enjoy the books. Ann -our therapist- told us she wishes this book was available 25yrs ago when she got married.

Our new project and book for our marriage book. We will be starting back after our summer hiatus in September. More input coming then.

We saw Milan and Kay in Ventura when they had their seminar at a church there. We loved what they had to say. They are funny and extremely insightful. A great book to figure out who you are and why you became the person emotionally you are today.

 Are You Troubled by Someone's Drinking?
Al-Anon Is for You!

Millions of people are affected by the excessive drinking of someone close. The following questions are designed to help you decide whether or not you need Al-Anon:

Do you worry about how much someone else drinks?
Do you have money problems because of someone else's drinking?
Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else's drinking?
Do you feel that if the drinker cared about you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?
Do you blame the drinker's behavior on his or her companions?
Are plans frequently upset or canceled or meals delayed because of the drinker?
Do you make threats, such as, "If you don't stop drinking, I'll leave you"?
Do you secretly try to smell the drinker's breath?
Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
Have you been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker's behavior?
Are holidays and gatherings spoiled because of drinking?
Have you considered calling the police for help in fear of abuse?
Do you search for hidden alcohol?
Do you every ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking?
Have you refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety?
Do you feel like a failure because you can't control the drinking?
Do you think that if the drinker stopped drinking, your other problems would be solved?
Do you ever threaten to hurt yourself to scare the drinker?
Do you feel angry, confused, or depressed most of the time?
Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?
 
www.al-anon.alateen.org