New book shows how live with yourself, even when it feels impossible.
"Many people would not tolerate from someone else the savagery of the attacks that they mount against themselves. . . . Michael Nichols has given us a tender, wise, and compassionate exploration ot the subject of human shame." - Maggie Scaff, author of Intimate Partners
We all want to feel good about ourselves. Instead, most of us suffer from feelings of self-doubt and the root of our insecurity is shame. In No Place to Hide, Dr. Michael Nichols analyzes this painful emotion and shows us how we can attain lasting self-respect.
In part one, Dr. Nichols looks at the 'anatomy of shame." He describes the pervasive quality of this deep-seated emotion and reveals the defence mechanisms we use to hide from its distressing effects. Shame damages self-esteem, builds barriers between ourselves and others, and makes us lose touch with our true feelings.
Part two examines the growing years, emphasising the importance of developing a sense of self-worth early in life. Dr. Nichols offers sound advice to parents on nurturing a healthy self-respect in their children and helping them deal with the inevitable humiliations of childhood and the awkward adolescent years.
In part three we learn to face the shame we have been avoiding for years and find true sell-respect. Dr. Nichols teaches us how to make friends with ourselves, reach out to others, make peace with our parents and the rest of our family, overcome shame in love and sex, and rediscover the value of play.
No Place to Hide is a wise, insightful, and compassionate book that shows us how to be confident in ourselves and comfortable with others.
Michael P. Nichols, Ph.D., is associate professor of psychology at the College of William and Mary and the author of many books and articles on family therapy.
366 pages (Index) Publication date 30th May, 1996