Healing the Shame That Binds You

I won't go long into detail about the contents of this book, I'm sure someone has already done that before me, but I will say that I've read - or tried to read - a good number of self help books and all have been wanting until this one.The average self-help book falls into one of two categories: clinical and new-age. I've yet to come across a book so frank and so blunt, while remaining readable, engrossing, and more importantly, applicable to the average person. Bradshaw connects with you on so many levels simultaneously, and has you laughing and sometimes crying, it's almost impossible not to relate to his stories and teachings.Even if your family was loving and supporting, and you've not felt the burn of life-long, deeply embedded shame, you will no doubt learn things about yourself, your parents, siblings, and your children. This book gives piercing insight into the family dynamic that is sincerely eye-opening and startling.I am indebted to John Bradshaw. He is helping to mend my life when I thought all was lost and hopeless. If you've ever felt this way, please read this book, or at least look him up on YouTube and here him speak. Actually, I encourage you to do that before you read the book. Hearing his voice makes all the difference.

This book changed my life in a way I never imagined a book, other than Harry Potter of course, could. I knew I was suffering, but I didn't know why. I've had various bouts of intense anxiety throughout my life interspersed with low-grade self-diagnosed depression, and until now, I never understood the cause of any of it. I had always been an overachiever, super happy on the outside, and energetic; while in my quieter moments I felt somewhat lost, restless, and lonely even though I have a loving family and core groups of friends, and I would have never been able to pinpoint that my feelings of emptiness and sadness, even when I thought I had it all, were due to shame. Healing the Shame is a masterpiece that led me to internal discoveries that are currently leading me down a path I really believe is finally the answer to healing. This book provides logical, compassionate explanations for family, peer, and social dynamics that can lead to emotional disorders, and even more practical advice for how to heal in the long term. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone, especially those who do not think they need it. I am so grateful to have found this book, and I hope that you buy it too!

The book needs a revision. It is repetitive, tedious, uses too many novel terms and has a lot of unnecessary fill that cloud the presentation. Also the healing part, 12 step program, NLP, meditations and the rest, really have the feel that in lieu of something more definitive the kitchen sink was thrown at it to see if something would stick. That said as a treatise on the subject of toxic shame, if you can dissect it out, it's really outstanding. So much so that despite the shortcomings I'd have to highly recommend it. There were so many shaming scripts uncovered with such clarity, so many WOW moments, that while it's a torturous read at times, I think it's worth it.

This is one of the most interesting books (of this type) that I've ever read. It was almost like a mystery to solve, but of my own being. I couldn't put it down. I will read it again to go more in depth in the exercises suggested. I seemed pushed to read more and did not fully embrace the work. I can tell you that it was a very worthwhile read and I've begun to learn why I am the way I am. Now I'm excited to find out who I really am and what could be ahead in my future. This book was my first step. I hope those of you who are fighting depression and family problems will find it as fascinating as I have. Good luck!

I bought this audio book to give as a gift. I read it 15 years ago maybe there are better books DVDs or CDs. now. This book was the beginning of the road to my spiritual awakening. I got insight on understanding myself and others better. Useful for people who were abused during childhood (most people in so many ways). It may help unmask addictions, anger, depression etc. and teaches techniques for healing. Before reading this book I recommend Bradshaw on The Family by the same author. This books really helped me start LIVING really.

The intent was there but the execution was horrible. I have seen John Bradshaw seminars on stage and they were electrifying so naturally I thought he would bring the same energy to the CD but it was a total letdown. I guess he couldn't recreate the same intensity in the studio.The Cd was actually a DVD but I didn't see the point in it. The visual only showed the list of chapter. That's it. I was expecting a Pdf or something that you could follow along with our some more detail topics. Nothing.Overall I was no better off at the ending of this long CD/DVD than before when I bough it. All he did was talk about a million type of shame but Zero solutions. I get it that shame is like a tree that has many roots spreading out from the main source but the title said "Healing the Shame" not Listing the shame.

I read this book after "Bradshaw on the Family" and enjoyed it very much. I think that reading "Bradshaw on the Family" helped to put many of the concepts into context. I had quite a few "Ah Ha!" moments when all a good book needs is one! Definitely worth reading. I feel a little more free in myself since doing so. I love the exercises which help us to understand our "cut off" emotions and how identifying and embracing these can lead us to a more complete level of being.

Incredibly valuable book that illuminates and offers solutions to childhood traumas. Offers ways to clear out barriers to growth even at 61! Never too late to feel better about yourself and your life going forward.

Awesome Read for all those who suffer from shame

I can not recommend this book more highly. Bradshaw explores a broad range of our ills and dilemmas under a relatively small umbrella - that of personal toxic shame - the sources of which he describes unflinchingly.He manages to reframe difficulties is a personal yet credible way and work towards strategies and solutions to help those who struggle. He is clearly a very academic man but this does not alienate the reader.I will be reading his other titles.

John Bradshaw clearly explains the family dynamics that create toxic shame. After year of reading codependence and addiction this clarifies a lot for me.

Helps you understand why some people feel so much shame for things that you wouldnt think twice about..