Personal Development Recent Picks

December 2008

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Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.

Why talking is not enough : eight loving actions that will transform your marriage, Susan Page (2006)
"This is a very powerful book. It offers a radical notion -- that you can make your marriage a whole lot better, without getting your spouse to do it with you. Most people probably would think this is either impossible or terribly unfair. But Susan Page argues that if you're unhappy or not getting what you want out of your marriage, you have a whole lot more power to make your marriage better than you ever imagined. In fact, she makes it clear that feeling that power, that sense of control over the emotional quality of your marriage, MORE than makes up for any feeling of how "unfair" it all is that you're the one who's orchestrating the changes. The "8 Loving Actions" that she talks about are, in fact, ways that one person can change the dynamics of a relationship, turning anger, fear or distance into support and caring. More and more research on marriage shows that it's not "conflict" and the inability to resolve it that breaks up marriage; it's the dysfunctional dance that two people get into, that make them unable to support and soothe one another. This book shows you how to go from being a victim of the dance, constantly getting your feet stepped on, to taking the lead. Eventually your spouse can't help but start trying your new, more enjoyable dance steps. This probably won't be enough to fix a marriage that's been damaged by drugs, alcohol, constant philandering, or physical abuse (although Susan Page has very useful advice even in those circumstances). But for garden-variety marital unhappiness -- the feeling of being unsupported, or of the marriage having gone stale -- this book is a godsend. It can make the difference between resigning oneself to having a ho-hum marriage that's not really great, but not really bad enough to leave -- and having a marriage that is full of life, and joy, and satisfaction for years to come." (Amazon Reader)

The Sedona method : your key to lasting happiness, success, peace and emotional well-being, by Hale Dwoskin. (2008)
"I have been hearing wonderful things about the Sedona Method from clients and friends for about 20 years. Recently, I finally took the course with my wife and my 12-year-old son. I've been amazed at the simplicity of the Method and the powerful impact it has had on my life. Through my work with Chicken Soup for the Soul and through Self-Esteem Seminars, I have been exposed to many self-improvement techniques and processes. This one stands head and shoulders above the rest for the ease of its use, its profound impact and the speed it produces results. The Sedona Method is a vastly accelerated way of letting go of feelings like anger, frustration, jealousy, anxiety, stress and fear as well as many other problems-even physical pain-with which almost everybody struggles at one time or another. Reading this book is the equivalent of taking the Sedona Method Basic Course and several Advanced Courses rolled together. Filled with practical techniques and enlightening true stories, Hale clearly and generously explains everything we need to know to master the releasing process and to continue using the Method day by day, moment by moment in real life situations, such as having more fulfilling and harmonious relationships, building financial security, developing satisfying careers, breaking nasty habits, losing weight, and enjoying good health. He reveals the Sedona Method's powerful secret for manifesting what you want in your life, while showing you how to be at ease and comfortable with what you already have. The Method also enables you how to have greater ease, enjoyment and peace of mind with all that you experience on a daily basis." (from the foreword by Jack Canfield).

The complete idiot's guide to the power of the Enneagram, by Herb Pearce, with Karen K. Brees. (2007)
"The Enneagram system has been used for decades to help people understand their strengths and weaknesses, heal neuroses and inner conflicts, enhance creativity, strengthen workplace team-building, and aid in couples therapy. Literally thousands of workshops are held around the globe, from China to Miami. The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Power of the Enneagram, by certified teacher and counsellor Herb Pearce, gives the reader a complete workshop course in this amazing self-enrichment program and includes proven applications for nearly every important aspect of our lives: relationships, work, and spiritual and psychological development. Written from over 16 years of instructional experience, The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Power of the Enneagram takes the mystery and complexity out of this rich system of analysis and allows anyone to benefit from its useful insights." (Global Books in Print)

Not "just friends" : rebuilding trust and recovering your sanity after infidelity, by Shirley P. Glass with Jean Coppock Staeheli (2004)
"One of the world's leading experts on infidelity, draws on more than two decades of original research and hundreds of clinical cases to chronicle the human story of what occurs before, during, and after the trauma of betrayal. In NOT "Just Friends," Dr. Glass reveals that the disclosure of infidelity is a traumatic event that can reverberate for months -- even years. An important therapeutic breakthrough, her trauma recovery approach helps couples cope with the obsessions, volatile emotions, flashbacks, and other post-traumatic reactions of betrayed partners. In NOT "Just Friends," infidelity is any secret sexual, romantic, or emotional involvement that violates commitment to an exclusive relationship. An emotional affair, in fact, can be even more destructive to a marriage than extramarital sex. An extramarital affair that involves both sexual intercourse and a deep emotional attachment poses the greatest threat -- and this is the kind of intense infidelity that is becoming more common. In the new crisis of infidelity, more men are getting emotionally involved, and more women are getting sexually involved. Dr. Glass provides a step-by-step guide through the stages of suspiciousness, revelation, and healing. She gives couples in the midst of turmoil the tools to reestablish safety and foster hope. Healing is not possible until the full story of the affair has been shared. Dr. Glass gives concrete advice about how to tell, what to tell, and when to tell. Eye-opening quizzes help you explore personal vulnerabilities and outside influences to ensure safe friendships and secure marriages. With Dr. Glass's profound, practical guidance, recovery and healing is possible for both partners. Whether you are an involved partner, a betrayed partner, an affair partner -- or a therapist who would welcome a proven, trauma-based approach to healing infidelity -- you will find wise, nonjudgmental counsel in NOT "Just Friends."" (Global Books in Print)

Living with bereavement, by Sue Mayfield. (2008)
"Bereavement is an experience that touches everyone, but no two people experience it in the same way. For many people, coming to terms with the death of someone they love can be a very lonely and confusing time when they wonder if the way they feel is ‘normal'. In this honest and reassuring book, writer Sue Mayfield maps out the mixed emotions grieving people often experience, providing practical, emotional and spiritual help for anyone living with bereavement. Realistic yet hopeful, Living with Bereavement offers down-to-earth advice for handling grief and points the way to healing." (Book Jacket)

Follow yourself home : word remedies to heal & inspire, by Jane Pujji. (2007)

Don't get fooled again : the sceptic's guide to life, by Richard Wilson. (2008)

The firstborn advantage : making your birth order work for you, by Kevin Leman. (2008)

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