Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice

Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, author, and artist, has established a comprehensive body of written work that is focused on the concept that defenses formed by individuals early in life tend to impede the individuation process, often impair their ability to sustain intimate adult relationships, and can have a damaging effect on their children.  He is the author/co-author of The Enemy Within, Overcoming the Destructive Inner Voice, The Self Under Siege, Beyond Death Anxiety, The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships, Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships, Creating A Life of Meaning and Compassion, Fear of Intimacy, Compassionate Child-Rearing, Psychological Defenses in Everyday Life, and Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice Lisa Firestone, PhD, is a psychotherapist in private practice, program and education director of the Glendon Association, and an adjunct faculty member at the University of California, She is the author/co-author of The Self Under Siege, Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships, Creating a life of Meaning and Compassion, and Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice

Joyce Catlett, MA, is a lecturer, author and co-producer of The Glendon Association’s thirty-seven documentary videos.  She developed the Compassionate Child Rearing Parent Education Program and conducts trainings. She lives in Santa Barbara, CA. She is the author/co-author of Fear of Intimacy, The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships, Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships, Beyond Death Anxiety, The Fantasy Bond, The Self Under Siege, and Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice   Patricia Love, EdD, is an acclaimed therapist and speaker and author/coauthor of six books, including Hot Monogamy, The Truth About Love and How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It.

Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice  presents a wise, bold, and provocative alternative to the limits of similar self-help books.  The chapter on intimacy and couple relationships alone is worth the price of the book.  Complex psychological phenomena are described in concrete and clear language.  The authors offer numerous exercises to help the reader put the book’s ideas to immediate use, and they include guidelines for therapists who may want to use the book in their work with patients in psychotherapy. — Charles Bonner, Ph.D., clinical psychologist in private practice, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

As a psychologist, spouse, and parent, I have been influenced by the wisdom inherent in the work of Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice.  The authors convey to the reader in simple terms the relevancy of their profound psychology. I am inspired by their commitment to help readers liberate themselves from a legacy that undermines their essential well being and right to a life. — Richard Vogel, Ph.D., coauthor of Brief Psychotherapy Methods, associate of Weiss-Sampson Control Mastery Theory Group, San Francisco

I am very pleased that this book is being published because it contains information invaluable to individuals and families. We tend to express our deepest self-feelings in an interior voice that is at times heavily infused with self-critical messages. For many, these negative messages inhibit productive activity and success in relationships.  The authors provide a series of self-help exercises to aid in overcoming the painful distances in relationships with those they love and care about. — Gail McCracken Price, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Radcliffe Seminars Adjunct Faculty

this landmark book reveals an age-old truth, namely: that the sworn enemy of mental health is our own silent voice! The authors depict the problem and then introduce the reader to a proven innovative strategy known as voice therapy that has helped countless clients take charge of their lives. — Dr. Howard Rosenthal, author of The Encyclopedia of Counseling and editor, Favorite Counseling and Therapy Techniques

this highly engaging book is filled with informative real life cases and insightful exercises to help free oneself from the tyranny of a critical inner voice. The sooner people recognize and challenge this ‘enemy within’ the greater the opportunity they will have for a full, rich, and happy life. Highly recommended to psychologists, counseling therapists, and other helping professionals across the globe. — Yasmin Farooqi, professor of applied psychology and private practitioner, University of the Punjab, New Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.

Robert Firestone and his associates have again provided readers with incisive and insightful views into the minds and personalities of those that suffer from negative self-images, depression and destructive impulses. This book will enlighten and guide therapists who can use the concept of the inner voice to better understand their clients and use the techniques presented in counseling sessions. —Donald K. Freedheim, Ph.D., professor emeritus of psychology, Case Western Reserve University, and former editor of Psychotherapy Journal