| Praying Hearts Sanctuary |
| Recommended Reading |
| Borderline Personality Disorder I Hate You - Don't Leave Me: Understanding the Borderline Personality by Jerold J. Kreisman and Hal Straus. Published in 1989 by Avon Books. People with Borderline Personality Disorder experience such violent and frightening mood swings that they often fear for their sanity. Since there are an estimated ten million sufferers of BPD living in America today, it is important for all to be informed about this disorder. I believe that this was one of the first books written about the disorder. Chapters deal with the chaos and emptiness, understanding and healing, and communicating with the borderline. I especially like the SET system which stands for "Support Empathy Truth" as found in the chapter on communicating. Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder by Paul T. Mason, M.S. and Randi Kreger. Published in 1998 by New Harbinger Publications, Inc. This is a comprehensive and supportive self-help book for those of you who love and want to help a family member or a friend who has Borderline Personality Disorder. It is a sensitive look at what you can do to help them while helping yourself. The book is divided into three parts which include: "Understanding BPD Behavior," "Taking Back Control of Your Life," and "Resolving Special Issues." I especially liked the chapter called, "Understanding Your Situation: Setting Boundaries, and Developing Skills." Bi-Polar Disorder An Unquiet Mind by Kay Jamison. If there is anyone who hasn't yet read Kay Jamison's 'An Unquiet Mind' - go out and get it now! It is Kay's autobiography and describes graphically the ups and downs of manic depression (she prefers that terminology to bipolar disorder). I have not experienced the full blown mania that she describes, but have had suicidal depression and hypomania, and she writes movingly of her experiences of both. It is a compelling read and a good book to give family and friends who want to have some insight into what it is like to be a manic depressive. Bipolar Disorder by F. Mondimore. Another book that I have found very helpful is F Mondimore's book 'Bipolar Disorder'. It is a down-to-earth factual book, and covers everything from cyclothymia to severe extreme manic depression. It deals with practical aspects of managing the problems of living with this disorder, and I guess all of us will be able to identify with one of the cases that he describes. I found it a very comforting book - it reassured me that there were plenty of other people out there just like me, and that it is possible to live a normal fulfilled life with manic depression. Christian Perspective to Healing Healing for Damaged Emotions: Recovering from the Memories That Cause Our Pain by David A. Seamands. First published in 1981 by Chariot Victor Publishing. "Whether through our own fallen temperament, willful disobedience, or as victims of the hurtful actions of others, many of us struggle with crippling emotions, among them perfectionism, depression, and low self-worth." In this book and accompanying workbook, Dr. Seamands helps the reader to understand such topics as guilt, grace, and how to deal with perfectionism, depression and low self esteem. This is a wonderful book from the Christian perspective and is enthusiastically recommended by Dr. James Dobson. Dissociative Identity Disorder Autobiographical Books Amongst Ourselves: A Self-Help Guide to Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder by Tracy Alderman, Ph. D. and Karen Marshall, L.C. S. W. Published in 1998 by New Harbinger Publications. This book is neat because it is a book that people with the Dissociative Identity Disorder can use at home like a workbook which can be done at the reader's own pace. Tracy's words as a therapist and Karen's as a survivor are blended into one easy to read account of the process of healing. I would recommend this book for those of you who are new to the diagnosis and want to better understand what it is. Multiple Journeys to One: Spiritual Stories of Integrating from Dissociative Identity Disorder, edited by Judy Dragon and Terry Popp. Published in 1999 by Dancing Spirits Press. This book is an interesting compilation of stories told by eight women who have become integrated following spiritual experiences. Ellen Bass wrote this comment about the book, "These honest, moving accounts are windows into the experience of people with multiple personalities and the process of integration. In an engaging, straightforward, non-sensational style, the people profiled here allow us to hear what it's been like for them to become one. This book will be enlightening to people with DID, to therapists, other supporters and to anyone who wants to know more about the amazing capacities of our minds." It was encouraging to see that each women's story is prefaced by a profile of her professional career. The Family Inside: Working with the Multiple by Doris Bryant, Judy Kessler, and Lynda Shirar. Published in 1992 by W. W. Norton and Company. I found this to be a fascinating look at the process of therapy that Judy went through. Unlike most books I have read on the subject, it was interesting to see how Doris and Lynda worked together using Virginia Satir's constructs to help Judy. Another aspect that is somewhat unique to this book is the inclusion of the various developmental stages that we naturally all pass through on our way to maturity. It was helpful to read about how Doris also categorized the stages that Judy passed through on her way to integration. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a loved one diagnosed with DID as it is thorough, yet written with the layperson in mind. 37 to One: Living as an Integrated Multiple by Phoenix J. Hocking (Formerly Sandra Hocking). Published in 1996 by The Safer Society Press. "This remarkable book is a gift of hope and inspiration to both patients and therapists who are working toward resolution of Multiple Personality Disorder, now known as "Dissociative Identity Disorder." Phoenix explains what integration is and what it is not. For those with the disorder who fear integration, this book is reassuring that no one "dies" but instead there is a peace and consistency that evolves. I particularly liked this book because it begins with integration and tells what Phoenix's life was like from then on. One particular sentence that was a motto of Phoenix is "Name it, claim it and let it go." which seems like a very healthy way to deal with the childhood trauma she had experienced. Someone I Know Has Multiple Personalities: A Book for Significant Others - Family, Friends and Caring Professionals by Sandra J. Hocking. Published in 1994 by Launch Press, Rockville, MD. Sandra is an author, educator and consultant and advocate for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and childhood trauma. She had multiple personalities but is now integrated and is leading a full and happy life. This is a must read for those battling the situational disorder caused by childhood trauma. There is hope for a full and happy life and Sandra is proof. Becoming One: A Story of Triumph Over Multiple Personality Disorder by Sarah E. Olson. Published in 1997 by Trilogy Books. Perhaps you have met Sarah at The Survivor's Forum on CompuServe. This book so touched my heart that I grew to know and love Sarah just from reading her account of her healing process. Techniques used by Sarah and her therapist, Howard Asher, M. S., M. F. C. C. could serve as a model to other therapists and childhood trauma survivors. United We Stand: A Book for People with Multiple Personalities by Eliana Gil, Ph. D. Published in 1990 by Launch Press. Although this book is relatively old, it is a very simple and easy to understand book about Multiple Personality Disorder which is more appropriately known as "Dissociative Identity Disorder." Dissociative Disorder Case Studies The Osiris Complex: Case-Studies in Multiple Personality Disorder by Colin A. Ross, MD. Published in 1994 by University of Toronto Press. Dr. Ross, who is recognized as one of the foremost experts on MPD, now more accurately known as "Dissociative Identity Disorder" has compiled a collection of over two dozen case studies. Although most had dissociative disorders, not all were truly diagnosed with MPD. This book is highly educational and will help the reader to better understand the various ways that the disorder manifests itself. The Stranger in the Mirror: Dissociation - The Hidden Epidemic by Marlene Steinberg, M.D. and Maxine Schnall. Published in 2000 by Cliff Street Books. This has got to be one of the most encouraging books I have read about dissociation. Perhaps because of all the recent research findings and new therapeutic interventions, the case studies of the three women Dr. Steinberg focuses on offer hope to all who battle with this disorder. I was particularly appreciative of Dr. Steinberg's explanation of her therapy which includes the "Four C's": "comfort, communication, cooperation and connection". Books About Dissociative Disorders for Therapists Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Personality Disorder by Frank W. Putnam. Published in 1989 by The Guilford Press. Although this is an exhaustive coverage of Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as "Multiple Personality Disorder," it is written so as to be easy to read and use as a reference tool. In his preface Dr. Putnam states that this is ..." to be a book for therapists unfamiliar with dissociative disorders. It is a synthesis of ideas, techniques, and treatment philosophies gleaned from experienced therapists and work with many patients." Dissociative Identity Disorder: Diagnosis, Clinical Features, and Treatment of Multiple Personality by Colin A. Ross. Published in 1997 by John Wiley and Sons, Inc. The preface of this book begins, "The purpose of this book is to give the reader a comprehensive and detailed grounding in the history, diagnosis, and treatment of dissociative identity disorder. It is not to create diagnosticians or therapist de novo out of untrained individuals." This is a highly technical text. I feel it is excellent reading for anyone interested in dissociative identity disorder BUT do not think you can treat the disorder once you have digested all the meat inside it's covers. Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder Edited by James L. Spira. Published in 1996 by Jossey-Bass Publishers. This text is a compilation of chapters written by some of the foremost experts in the field of dissociation, including Richard P. Kluft and Colin Ross. It is a comprehensive textbook for therapists which offers a hopeful message for the treatment and management of DID. As I read this book, I enjoyed comparing the approaches each expert took to his or her specific topic. Books About Children's Mental Health Issues My Mom Is Different by Deborah Sessions. Published in 1994 by Sidran Press. Not many books about adult trauma disorders are written for children but this picture book has been used by many parents to help their children understand Multiple Personality Disorder, now better known as "Dissociative Identity Disorder." This book is tastefully done and recommended for any school age child whose mother is dealing with this baffling and complicated disorder. Self Help Books Growing Beyond Survival: A Self-Help Toolkit for Managing Traumatic Stress by Elizabeth G. Vermilyea. Published in 2000 by The Sidran Press. This is the first of its kind that I have ever seen. It is a neat workbook that trauma survivors can use in the privacy of their homes to help them deal with the past trauma. From the "Crash Course in Child Development" to the "Peer Support Networks" the survivor can work her way through the book at her pace as her mind allows. Many tools are explained and opportunities to journal are spread throughout the book. I would think many therapists would recommend this book for their clients. Child Sexual Abuse Issues The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, New Updated Third Edition by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis. Published in 1994 by Harper Perennial. This is a very comprehensive guide not only for women who have been traumatized by childhood sexual abuse but also for those who offer love and support to them. I am especially touched by the section entitled, "Courageous Women"and the one called "Honoring the Truth: A Response to the Backlash" because not only does it take tremendous courage to honor the coping mechanisms developed to survive but it also takes a strong will to deal with traumatic amnesia and the confusion about the past that it brings to the survivor's life. Secret Survivors: Uncovering Incest and Its Aftereffects in Women by E. Sue Blume. Published in 1990 by John Wiley and Sons. I felt compelled to share this quote from the back cover: "According to E. Sue Blume, incest is easily the greatest single underlying reason why women seek therapy or other treatment, yet many if not most incest survivors do not remember that the abuse took place at all." Sue is the one who created the "Incest Survivors' Aftereffects Checklist" and copies are included in this book which comes recommended by survivors I know. The Right to Innocence: Healing the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse - A therapeutic 7-step self-help program for men and women including how to choose a therapist and find a support group by Beverly Engel, M.F. C. C. Published in 1989 by Ivy Books. "There is probably no truama a child can suffer that makes her or him feel more alone than sexual abuse. That sense of isolation follows survivors of childhood sexual abuse into adulthood, when the impact of these early betrayals takes the forms of low self-esteem, unhealthy relationships, sexual problems, fear of success, physical illness, and more. Without some kind of healing process, these symptoms get worse with time, not better." These three chapter titles stand out in my mind: "You Are Not Alone," "Facing the Truth," and "Forgiving Yourself." Although I have not read this book in its entirety, it has been highly recommended by those who have. Repressed Memories: A Journey to Recovery from Sexual Abuse by Renee Fredrickson. Published in 1992 by Fireside. Most victims of child abuse repress some or all of the memory of the abuse at great expense to their health and emotional well-being. This book explains how memory repression happens, what the warning signs are for memory repression, the impact memory repression can have on the victim's life, why it is vital to recover all the pieces of the puzzle and how to recover the memories and begin healing. It is an easy read but I caution you that it might be overwhelming so take it slow and easily. The author begins the book with this caution, "The information in this book is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by competent professionals." Reclaiming Your Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Regression Therapy to Overcome the Effects of Childhood Abuse by Jean Jenson. Published in 1995 by Dutton. I am only recommending this book for educational purposes. It is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by competent professionals. Jean is an MSW who wants you to know about "how to experience all your intense feelings rooted in your childhood, to gain the ability to understand and resolve your recurrent fears, and to acknowledge and justify your needs." She states, "Eventually, you will be able to reset the compass of your life, which was broken during your childhood" and believes that "you will be able to avoid giving yourself up to therapeutic methods whose moralizing, pedagogic tendencies ... only compound your confusion." The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Wendy Maltz. Published in 1991 by Harper Perennial. Wendy, who is a nationally known psychotherapist has written an encouraging and hope-filled book. This book helps men and women to "identify the sexual effects of sexual abuse, create a positive meaning for sex and develop a healthy sexual self-concept, gain control over upsetting automatic reactions to touch and sex, stop negative sexual behaviors and resolve specific sexual problems, establish or improve intimate relationships and discover the joys of sexual intimacy." I think her check lists are especially helpful for the readers. Psychotherapy and Ethics Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide, Second Edition by Kenneth S. Pope and Melba J.T. Vasquez. Published in 1998 by Jossey-Bass. This is a must for any therapists library but also offers a great deal about ethics and legal codes for anyone seeking therapy or anyone whose supportive of someone seeking therapy. I have not read the entire book but the parts I have read have been enlightening and educational. Today's Children and Mental Health Issues Reclaiming Our Children: A Healing Plan for a Nation in Crisis by Peter R. Breggin, M.D. Published in 2000 by Persues Books. With all the violence in our schools, child therapists are taking a deeper, harder look at childhood. In this book, Dr. Breggin explores how we can improve home and schools so as to better meet the emotional needs of our children. The author of Your Drug May Be Your Problem and Talking Back to Ritalin, he also devotes a chapter of this book to "Are Psychiatric Drugs Making Our Children Psychotic and Violent?" Dissociation in Children and Adolescents: A Developmental Perspective by Frank W. Putnam, MD. Published in 1997 by The Guilford Press. I can't say it any better than Dr. van der Kolk who wrote, "This beautifully written volume addresses the very core of how children and adolescents organize traumatic experiences by dissociating. The rich mixture of empirical data dn clinical observations makes this the indispensable tool for any clinician or researcher who cares to understand why these children behave the ways they do, and which treatments are Trauma Disorders The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment by Babette Rothschild. Published in 2000 by W. W. Norton & Company. I found this book an excellent, very up to date book on the effects of trauma on the mind and the body. This is an easy to read book and clearly explains the theory of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and what therapists can do to help patients to overcome this situational disorder. She uses a situation between a man and a dog to explain how the trauma develops, then is treated. One especially valuable part for me is seeing how she addresses false memories which arise in traumatic situations. Another neat aspect of this book is that Babette has her email address in the book and she does do therapy sessions over the phone. She was very kind to email with me and offered me her services. Secondary Traumatic Stress: Self-Care Issues for Clinicians, Researchers and Educators Edited by B. Hudnall Stamm, Ph.D. Published in 1995 by Sidran Press. "As our knowledge of traumatic stress grows, so too does our awareness of the high cost of caring." This book is an excellent resource for those who have been supportive and offered therapeutic help to trauma survivors. It addresses many issued faced by those who put themselves on the front line. I especially appreciated the section on self-care and would recommend this book to anyone who is supportive for trauma survivors. Traumatic Stress: The Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body, and Society, Edited by Bessel A. van der Kolk, Alexander C. McFarlane, and Lars Weisaeth. Published in 1996 by The Guilford Press, this is the BEST book I have ever read on the topic of traumatic stress. The thirty four contributors have written chapters that address these topics: "Background Issues and History," "Acute Reactions," "Adaptations to Trauma," "Memory: Mechanisms and Processes," "Developmental, Social, and Cultural Issues," and "Treatment." As I read this book, I thought that it should be required reading for anyone in the helping professions. Everyone of us whose vocation is dealing with people will come in contact with those who have suffered traumatic stress. This excellent and thorough book opens eyes otherwise blinded by society's denial of the disastrous effects of trauma on the human body, mind and soul. If you have any loved ones in your life who have dealt with trauma, this book is also for you. I quote the dedication page: "This book is dedicated to Nelson Mandela and all those who, after having been hurt, work on transforming the trauma of others, rather than seeking oblivion or revenge." Codependency Issues Beyond Codependency and Getting Better All the Time by Melody Beattie. First published in 1989 by Hazelden Foundation, Minnesota. This is a follow-up to Codependent No More which takes the reader to the heart of recovery to address family of origin work, self-esteem, relapse, sharing recovery with children , "fatal attractions," and more - all with compassion, wisdom, and humor. True to Melody's style, it is to the point, yet sensitive and easy to read. Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie. First published in 1978 by Hazelden Foundation, Minnesota. This book, along Melody's others which are also listed in this bibliography, is about taking care of yourself. It's excellent and easy reading for anyone who has been feeling emotionally worn out due to a compulsion to take care of someone else. It explains what you can do to start feeling better by taking care of yourself. |
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