As Andrew Solomon notes in his book, The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression, "It is frighteningly easy to accumulate material about depression." Given that chronic depression affects some 19 million Americans and another 2.3 million struggle with manic-depression, this statement isn't surprising. Solomon's book is a touching memoir of his own struggles with depression as well as a comprehensive review of the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of the illness. For anyone who is touched by this "demon" --- either personally or through a family member or friend --- I strongly recommend this book.
NEUROSCIENCE AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
Many people intuitively feel the benefits of psychotherapy. Talking with a therapist can decrease painful feelings as well as help in finding better ways to connect with others. Susan Vaughan's book, The Talking Cure, explains the neuroscience of talk therapy and how working with a therapist actually alters our brain functioning. It's a valuable resource in learning about the science behind psychotherapy.
DISSOCIATION
For therapists who want to deepen their ability to work with dissociation, and for anyone who wants a better grasp of their own experiences of "not being there", I highly recommend The Dissociative Mind in Psychoanalysis. Edited by Elizabeth Howell and Sheldon Itzkowitz, this thoughtful book has articles ranging from historical perspectives, to clinical implications, to current research on dissociation and dissociative disorders. I found this book very enlightening.
INTIMACY
We all crave intimacy. So it seems like experiencing it should be so easy. But in fact being close to someone — whether a friend, spouse, a child, or a parent — can be quite challenging at times. I enjoyed this short essay by Heather Havrilesky and I hope you do too.
THE SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS AND RECOVERY
Sadly, approximately one in four boys faces some form of sexual abuse. Psychotherapy can help with recovery from such experiences. I've worked extensively with abuse survivors and have shared in their struggles to feel in control of their bodies, manage painful memories, and enter relationships as equal players. I've been struck time and again by the resiliency of survivors --- how so many carry on with their lives to find meaning and success. I'd like to mention MaleSurvivor, a wonderful organization that helps many in their healing process. I've been affiliated with the group as a Board member, an Advisory Board member, and as Chair of their international conference. I've seen first hand how effective MaleSurvivor is through its weekend retreats, interactive web site, and its international conferences which brings together survivors, their families, and professionals who work with survivors. I encourage you to look at MaleSurvivor's web site.