Mental Health Books

This text was a relatively quick read and it confirmed what I had learned in my teacher prepatory classes; however, it is the kind of belief system that some districts have steered away from in attempts to be more in touch with the emotional needs of students (this is not to say that meeting the emotional needs of the students isn't important, however, effort *can* equal achievement! It was in excellent condition; as well.

As other reviewers have noted, Jeanne Chall was passionately opinionated but also extremely well informed from her own decades of experience and research of educational methods. The evidence she presents in this book is wide-ranging, both historically and in subject matter. And her arguments as always are both rock-solid factual and heart-tuggingly persuasive. This is an excellent book that I would encourage as an appropriate and thoughtful gift for any educator.

Parents who are concerned with getting the best education for their children should also read this book. Chall's language is less esoteric here than in her scholarly articles (although this is a scholarly book and her conclusions are consistent with those papers). She demonstrates here that educational methods and research are not too obscure for the general reader.

In fact, her review of 100 years of research and experimentation shows that the common-sense notions held by the layman are correct -- that real teaching (instruction, direction, leadership, not just "guidance") works best to educate children. Chall explains why this is so, and shows the dire consequences of ignoring the facts.

This is an important book because Chall endeavors to provide a historical and social context for understanding the debates about how best to teach the majority of children in schools. Chall invites educators, publishers, parents, and policy makers to look beyond the politics and trends in education, and to focus on the research evidence on what methods get results. She also calls for teacher training programs to empower teachers with the knowledge to examine and question the research they base their practice on. She advocates for using the past constructively to inform choices made in the future. She often said that doctors would never dream of prescribing a brand new treatment without researching past cures and treatments... and yet educators, she said, seemed to reinvent the same ideas over and over without considerating research evidence already gathered. It made her hopping mad.

What is interesting to about this book is the story of it's evolution. Originally Chall drafted a very candid and straight forward manuscript based on the questions and opinions she had developed over 50 years as an educator. The book was going to be quite different from her well known scholarly publications. But then she kept rediscovering bits of newspaper and scraps from nagazines which she had piled away in vast personal collection of snippets -- all of which confirmed her thinking on what was going on in education. She became so excited about each interesting piece of evidence that including them became irresistable for her. But with each new snippet she then felt a need to address alternative viewpoints in order to try and offer a well rounded approach. Having been attacked in the past for her poignant views, I think she found it difficult (or maybe just stupid) to set herself for obvious criticisms. So what would originally have been a very personal argument based on her depth of experience in the field eventually evolved into a scholarly review of the historical evidence. This book -- completed during the last month's of her impressive life -- may not be her best work. But it is certainly her most personal. You just have to read between the lines.

What a wonderful journey of unconditional love between two people. As I read the book, I felt as if I was receiving an energy treatment. I would feel waves of energy inside me come to the surface and then release as I was reading. Each time I would stop after reading a portion of the book, I would feel lighter and have a more hopeful attitude about life in general. Last night after I completed reading the book, I was filled with a sense of unconditional love and knew that I am life itself (at least those were the words that fit closes to my experience). As a result, I started taking small steps with a new perspective of unconditionally loving myself. I have actually experienced results. It's an experience of raising consciousness. I also liked the more universal perspective of life which the book presents. Truly mind expanding. Joyce Wright R.N.

Most people live their lives within the boundaries of what the common five senses proclaim and consider this their reality. This book opens up those boundaries to a world far beyond most imaginings -- like a quantum leap into an expanded universe. Since I am a practitioner in the field of healing, this book was extremely beneficial as well as an engaging read that gave my experiences of mystical beings and realities beyond the norm a touch of reality. A most amazing journey with "Master Leeney" and Gary. Looking forward to Book Two!

I've been over the material in this book numerous times during the 2 1/2 years it took to write, so I know the story inside and out. After all it's my life I'm talking about. But when the author's copy came for inspection and I was checking for pages and chapters being in the right places, I would find myself reading for 5 pages before realizing it. That's what everyone has said, that its an engaging story.

Some said I'm telling too much. The details are too intimate. But what we decided was it needs to be candid--not some piece of fluff or something to puff up someone's ego. Especially not our own. The story is much too important, in its own right. It's about real life, as experienced in the company of someone who can see far more than an ordinary person. Try it. I think you'll like it.

pattrice jones speaks with clarity and passion about issues that are often overlooked in actvist communities. Drawing from her experiences as both and activist and a trained psychotherapist, she is able to convey her thoughts in a way that makes sense to both audiences.

This book will make a huge difference for anyone who has ever felt angry, hurt, or guilty because of something surrounding their activism. I found special value in her deep understanding of activist culture and her sensitivity to the unique ways in which activists view the world and themselves in it.

I highly reccomend that all activists read this book, whether or not you feel you struggle with symptoms of afershock. Chances are good that one of your activist companions will at some point, and it would make a huge difference in our communities (as well as our effectiveness as individuals and as movements) if all activists were familiar with the components of aftershock and how to support one another in dealing with them.

I highly, highly reccomend this book. Read it and discuss it with the people in your collectives. It may help to heal some past hurts and prevent others from ever happening. My deepest thanks to the author for having written this important book.

As a holistic health counselor, I believe that Aftershock would be useful both for therapists as well as survivors of trauma. In fact, I'll go one step further and say that it is essential reading and that even though you probably won't agree with everything jones has to say, you will undoubtedly be moved, and if you're like me, may even question some of your own behavior and deep-seated beliefs.

Reading this book, I was touched by jones' candor, saddened and shocked by the stories of trauma, and ultimately empowered by the specific tools offered to forge on in the face of a mad and maddening world. Aftershock is a holistic manual that deconstructs and demystifies what it means to stand up against injustice, showing us first-hand how to confront trauma, and giving us the power and clarity to survive.

AFTERSHOCK: CONFRONTING TRAUMA IN A VIOLENT WORLD -> A GUIDE FOR ACTIVISTS AND THEIR ALLIES is psychotherapist/radical progressive activist pattrice jones's gift to her fellow activists and allies. In it, she imparts her plans for the REAL 'war on terror' - "the struggle for a world in which nobody lives in fear of atrocities perpetrated by human beings." This involves healing those activists who have suffered (and continue to suffer) from "aftershock," a phenomenon that jones describes as "the physical and emotional reverberations of frightening, horrifying, or otherwise traumatizing experiences endured in the course of their activism." On a larger scale, we must also work together to heal our "trauma culture," which consists of a society that is both traumatized and traumatizing and is characterized by deep divisions, such as those between groups of people, between humans and non-human animals, and between people and nature.

In the "User Guide," jones suggests specific sections that may be especially helpful to aftershocked activists, friends and allies of those suffering from aftershock, and therapists working with activists. However, I urge everyone to read AFTERSHOCK in its entirety. jones is a gifted and accessible writer, so this is hardly a chore! Even when discussing complex psychological theories, jones manages to keep the conversation friendly and interesting, with little jargon. Occasionally she'll wander off on a slight tangent - such as when discussing the rise of patrism, pastoralism, and the patriarchy - and you'll find yourself wishing she'd expounded on the idea rather than guiding you back to the issue at hand. As a result, AFTERSHOCK is filled with all sorts of intriguing ideas and theories.

Much of AFTERSHOCK addresses the activist community directly. jones begins by tackling what is perhaps the deepest division traumatizing our culture today - the artificial wall that's been erected between human and non-human animals. jones explains the physiological processes from which our "animal emotions" originate, and stresses that we cannot suppress, ignore, and neglect our bodies, our feelings, and ourselves without suffering from deleterious consequences such as burnout. Nor will ignoring a trauma make it go away; rather, doing so could exacerbate or cause aftershock. The first action we must take against trauma and aftershock is to confront and embrace our animal selves.

jones then fleshes out her concept of "aftershock." Because of the trauma they've faced, aftershocked activists may suffer from clinically diagnosable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression, as well of symptoms of each. Here, jones takes on some controversies within the psychological community, such as "shadow syndromes," gender bias in clinical syndromes and diagnoses, and the nature of normality. She also describes some unique symptoms of aftershock; because of what they've experienced in the course of their activism, PTSD and depression may manifest uniquely in aftershocked activists.

jones concludes her discussion of trauma in individuals with advice for combating and preventing aftershock. For individuals, healing involves sanctuary (creating safe spaces); memory and mourning (remembering and retelling the traumatic event so that it can be integrated into your memories, and grieving the person you were before the trauma, for the "old you" is gone forever); connection (with other humans, other animals, and your environment/ecosystem); and making peace (between "your wishes and the world"). Friends, allies, therapists, organizations, and the community can all help aftershocked activists by providing sanctuary, encouraging remembrance, and facilitating connections. Perhaps more importantly, we can all work together to prevent aftershock (or at least lessen its impact) in our most vulnerable activists.

This section on "Action against Fracture" is a must-read for those working within the framework of an organized, action-centered group. Speaking from experience, jones lays out a coherent action plan for making activist organizations safe spaces for their volunteers and employees. Pay extra-special attention to the discussion of sexual harassment and assault within organizations - as jones notes time and again, an individual may hold progressive ideas on one subject, but still be an agent/tool of the patriarchy when it comes to gender issues (just visit any large, liberal, male-dominated blogging community and see how teh wimmins are treated!).

The last portion of AFTERSHOCK deals with our "trauma culture." Though it does follow from the preceding chapters, its macro focus almost makes it seem like a whole new book. For me (a non-aftershocked armchair activist), this was the most stimulating section of AFTERSHOCK. Throughout the text, jones raises the issue of parallel (or intersecting) oppressions - racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, speciesism, etc. - and in discussing our fractured culture, this topic truly comes to the fore. jones cautions, "feminists ought not to be eating hamburgers and animal liberationists ought not to be wearing shoes sewn in sweatshops." A sentiment with which this fellow green / veg*n / feminist / GLBT ally / animal advocate couldn't agree more! However, many progressive social movements seem, to some degree, to be separated from one another - and ALL share a common disdain for us 'crazy animal rights fanatics.' jones entreats us to BE bridges (a step beyond merely building bridges, I guess) between movements - an admirable goal, to be sure, but I'm still left wondering how you ally yourself with movements that you may agree with, but who don't exactly sympathize with you? Speciesism is the last "ism" that's still deemed acceptable by the whole of society. Sure, we might be able to rally support on some weak animal welfare measures, such as a ban on foie gras or cockfighting, but the total liberation of animals? Fugeddaboutit.

If only there were more existentialist / eco-anarchafeminist / lesbian / dreamer-blamers like pattrice jones in the world - then I think this whole building bridges/being bridges business would be a (patriarchy-) smashing success!

In the meantime, get yourself a copy of AFTERSHOCK. Read it, share it, do it. Keep on agitating, progressing, and protesting. We're all foot soldiers in the war on the War on Terra - so let's keep one another safe and healthy!

This book deals with an issue that is largely overlooked in our society, but much to our detriment. I found it fascinating and recommend it to anyone interested in such areas.

Schumaker writes terse, short, fact-filled sentences which require sometimes two readings. I was amazed how well-read the author is. He moves from psychology to economics to political philosophy to sociology. In my opinion the mental problems are mainly cultural and reading this book reinforces my view. There is a lot of perceptive critique of globalization, Western myths and American life. Perhaps he is sometimes a bit pessimistic, but there are data which supports this view. The more we can control material things the more alienated we are going to be. One of the best books I have read lately.

I call attention to John F. Schumaker's work at every available opportunity. Amazon has a standing order to notify me any time he releases a new work. In my view, he is one of the world's most gifted explainers of the human condition. In the preface to "The Age of Insanity," Schumaker expresses a love affair with the "big picture." This affection comes through on every page. That this book was published in September 2001, amounts to a prophetic explanation point at the ending of one era and the beginning of another. If you have concerns over the state of mental health in the world today, then I highly recommend "The Age of Insanity."

I know by her counseling that this will be the smartest book I will ever read. Lisa has a God given gift of reaching into the mind and spirit of people. Have never, ever known anyone quite like her. Even when a place in you is pricked raw by her tenacity for the truth to come out, you go away being and feeling healed. Cannot wait to finally take another plunge into the truly gifted, life-changing and inspired mind of Lisa Rutherford. Amy

I know the author personally and this is the best book I have ever seen about addiction.. The answers are truly within ..Without spirituality addicts dont have a chance of recovery...This book goes into so much detail.If you are truly ready do get clean and sober and find out who you are meant to be this is a must..Even non alcoholics /addicts will benefit..Best book ever..on the subject.

I think that everyone should read this book! It's great.

In this book, the author made an splendid introduction of TCM basics like the Yin Yang theory and 5 elements. Your clearly way to explain and merge the aspects of traditional western Aromatherapy with Chinese Medicine fundaments, do this work a very good way to people interested learn both. The acupressure directions to help in many disorders and the explanations about psychological help of essential oils are other important elements of this book. The author made correlations of each oil "personality" with strong mythological and religious symbols and it help us to "feel" the oil soul even never smell it. This is a very important work and I encourage everybody interested in Aromatherapy and TCM must read it.

This is a wonderful, wonderful book on aromatherapy! Like Valerie Worwood's The Fragrant Mind, it goes beyond essential oils per se and delves into emotions. And he does so complete with beautiful line illustrations on the margins and photographs in full living color. Guaranteed to delight you!

Mojay has presented a lovely, gentle guide to healing the psyche thru the use of Essential Oils. Introductory chapters are an overview of Chinese Medical Concepts which are difficult for my pragmatic Western mind to grasp. However, his pages on each essential oil are much clearer, referring back to the oriental concepts, but also describing the effect of each oil in a terminology I found more comfortable. He gives a loving description of each EO, an overview of its history, current therapeutic uses, known safety data, and its impact on the mind and psyche. The last section of the book deals with Restoring Balance. He describes various forms of emotional/spiritual imbalance and gives suggested formulas for dealing with them. This is, in my opinion, the finest popular work on the market today dealing with the emotional effects of Aromatherapy.

Adorable Photographs of Our Baby: Meaningful, Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals
This book gives the caregiver practical advice and hope. This book shows you that sitations can be very different, but treating your loved one or friend with dementia as a person will go a long way to making things tolerable and even enjoyable. There is good in every situation. This book shows you how to find it.
by Susan Berg author of Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals, a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals.

The Art of Dementia Care speaks not only to the mind, but to the heart and soul of its readers. It inspires and empowers caregivers by illuminating the limitless possibilities that truly exist when we choose the relationship model of care. Kuhn and Verity clearly illustrate how everyday challenges in caregiving can evolve into opportunities that celebrate residual abilities, and honor and uphold the dignity of persons with dementia. Through simple, practical and thoughtful examples, the Art of Dementia Care awakens its readers to the powerful realization "that you hold the key to the quality of someone else's life". Imagine a world where we all shared this conviction.

This book is written in a manner that provides both informative reading and compasionate insight into the world of caring for a loved one with dementia. It gives hope to those who walk this lonely road that there is help available and strength to be found.

This text contains a combination of literature reviews, empirical research, and case histories to show a balanced approach to the Autism/Aspergers diagnostic categorisation debate. While the editors clearly state their belief that what is knowns as Aspergers Syndrome is a misnomer of High Functioning Austism, they have included a critical set of papers which contain strong evidence that Aspergers is indeed a seperate, yet related, condition. It is left to the reader to analyse all the information presented and arrive their own conclusion - or to inspire further research in an attempt to answer so many outstanding questions. For me, I thought it an excellent addition to my psychology library, and complimentary to the works of Uta Frith and Frances Happe. And I favour Aspergers as a distinct diagnostic category in the Autistic spectrum.

The final chapter of this text: "Premature Popularization of Asperger Syndrome" by one of the editors (Dr. Eric Schopler) and reflects a view that appreciates the historical forest in a controversy that has spanned many decades. The sheer experience that Dr. Schopler brings to this commentary is paralleled by few. His previous written contributions in this field and the pioneering contributions of Chapel Hill, North Carolina's Division TEACCH (previously led by Dr. Schopler, now led by co-editor Dr. Gary Mesibov) provide great testimony to the focused academic expertise and clinical savvy behind this work. Having been a clinician invested in understanding autism since the days of Bruno Bettleheim and having been a part of the dramatic evolutions in theoretical understanding of Autism that have ensued, Dr. Schopler's observation of the factors operative in the popularization of the Asperger construct should not be taken lightly. His appreciation that clinical formulations and empirical investigations have failed to identify a valid clinical subgroup come from seasoning in this area that few investigators can match. The cultural influences involved in the current situation are clearly explained in this chapter. While the other chapters in this text provide for a nice panorama of perspectives, there is great weight behind the editors stance regarding the phenomenon being studied. This text gives us serious reason to take pause and think critically about the current DSM-IV-TR nosology. "Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism?" is an absolute 'must read' for serious clinicians and researchers working in this area.

The book offers a highly useful, carefully considered selection of essays on HFA or Asperger's, including documents written by those affected by the disorder. Highly recommended!

This is a wonderfully written book! I have a son with Asperger's Syndrome and, I have not found a book that compares with this one. There is so much information and real positive steps toward curing, or at the very least dramatically improving your child with Asperger's. I even believe that a lot of this information would also be very helpful to anyone with any form of autism. Must read for teachers, parents, and anyone who knows anyone with autism or Asperger's syndrome!

First, let me say that I love Dr. Lawton's style of writing. She doesn't fill up space with repetitive fluff. She clearly knows her stuff and doesn't mince words while offering an impressive amount of evidence to support her claims. Dr. Lawton expertly blends both the human and clinical aspects of AS with compassion and clarity.

If you are serious about helping yourself or someone in your life with AS, this book will change your life.

Thank you Dr. Lawton! I received your book in the mail yesterday afternoon. I opened the book and read the first five chapters without a break. What a wonderful book! I have learned so much useful information reading your book! This book is a very valuable resource for those with AS, and for friends and family of persons with AS. I'm taking a copy to my therapist - I know she will love it!!!

The author R.B. Rose lives in Amity Harbor, NY, USA. She writes about her experiences working in a New York Mental Institution. After reading this book that's based on her real experiences, I would think twice before admitting a family member to a mental institution. The author vividly chronicles the repulsive incidents of abuse to the mentally ill by their caregivers. Behind the doors of mental asylums are horrifying truths of abuse and corruption that you might have believed were part of the past. Asylum: From the Inside is an exposé on a system that urgently needs to change itself.

The main character is Casey Marshall who worked as a nurse in the state mental asylum for many years. There she witnessed the physical and verbal abuse of caregivers to the mentally ill. She found herself protecting her patients from the very people who were paid to ensure their recovery. Casey herself was strangled by a mental patient and almost died. But this life-threatening experience never became a ground to be abusive to her patients, but all the more strengthened her resolve to be caring to her patients. This deplorable scenario is compounded with the corruption that plagues the hierarchy of the institution.

The stories in the pages of the book might sound appalling and unbelievable in our age that is supposedly enlightened on mental illness. But beyond sensationalism or stirring controversy, the author hopes that unveiling the truth would lead to reforms in the mental health care system.

First off, I have to say that this book - from page one, kept me turning the pages! SO Important! Daughter of a nurse, she (my mother) was able to vouch for validity of this book (she read it too - and loved it!). As a young nurse she had heard of such atrocities as occurred in this book. ASYLUM is vivid and honest. The compassion of Nurse Casey Marshall for her patients was literally tear-jearking, and all it led to was her being patronized, scrutinized and treated so cruelly by her "fellow" employees, who frequently used their sick patients in so many ways it is unfathomable. The fact is that these co-workers were so Much more ill than any of the poor patients. I can only pray that state facilities are no longer run this way, although I know in my heart that politics often seems to rule over empathy. In closing, I have to say this is an Amazing book!

I was trying to find something different to read. I happened on this book. I read it in 3 nights, couldn't put it down. I could not believe the treatment the mentally ill are subjected to. People should read this book to become informed.
The writing is good. Hats off to the writer, r.b.rose