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roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
The idea of trying softer has been a foundation shift for me. There's a lot to think about here, and things to still work through, with ideas and practices to help.
midwichtriffid's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
5.0
levipstrickland's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This book has been life-changing! I’m so thankful my counselor recommended this book to me - I’ll definitely be unpacking the wisdom in this book for a long time. The idea of treating myself and my past experiences with gentleness and love is very unfamiliar to me. I’ve been living my life with a very harsh internal critic, and trying harder and harder to just survive or change my sinful habits. “Only love can move us toward true growth.” I’m excited to see the ways God grows me in the process of learning to try softer with my life experiences and emotions!
christie_esau's review against another edition
5.0
This is the kind of book that I've been needing in my work (and life): well-informed by science and sound therapeutic practices while also holding space for Christian spirituality. This book IS presented from a Christian perspective but it isn't heavy handed nor does it present a view of Christianity that is a) problematic or b) in contrast to appropriate mental health resources. A very practical resource for learning to manage anxiety and the impacts of trauma.
josie_adair's review against another edition
5.0
Wowwwwwwwweeee!!! Must read. It’s up there with Boundaries.
ldgallagher's review against another edition
4.0
This book was beautiful. I’m a therapist and I found that this book very much followed my theory of practice, which is interesting, because it’s a fairly integrative one. I suppose though, that most therapists and theoretical orientations are really saying a lot of the same things in different ways. The only sad thing is that I would love to share this perspective and book with my clients, but the heavy lean into Christian perspectives makes it only suitable to share with a small percentage. I’m on the lookout for more stuff like this, suitable to a layperson, but with a broader audience.
jbrundage's review against another edition
The premise behind this book is great, in a world that always tells you to try harder, try softer instead.
As someone who has always had big emotions, this book was really helpful in understanding some of the ways I am wired to be that way. It also gave understanding into how others experience the world because of their stories and their past traumas. Hopefully it has help me grow in being more cognizant and emotionally aware of others so I can better understand them and reach out to them from a place of kindness.
As someone who has always had big emotions, this book was really helpful in understanding some of the ways I am wired to be that way. It also gave understanding into how others experience the world because of their stories and their past traumas. Hopefully it has help me grow in being more cognizant and emotionally aware of others so I can better understand them and reach out to them from a place of kindness.
heathersenter89's review
medium-paced
4.0
The author is very knowledgeable of the body and science of psychology and the book was a pretty quick read. There was an emphasis on childhood trauma — as a parent of young children I was able to read from both perspectives— sort of like a two-for-one deal. I definitely walked away from this book feeling more confident about ways to interact with my children. Hopefully this will help them have healthy attachments as adults.
Disclaimer: This book was recommended by a Christian friend. She described it as “not that Christian-y”, I disagree. I’d estimate about 1/3 (maybe closer to 1/2) of this book is directly related to scripture/the broader Christian faith.
That being said, I am not removing a star because I was offended or put off in anyway. I simply didn’t feel I was able to connect to the text as well because I am not part of that faith. The psalms were lost on me and anything more specific than “God’s love” mostly went over my head. There is some good information in here and personally I still think it’s worth the read.
Disclaimer: This book was recommended by a Christian friend. She described it as “not that Christian-y”, I disagree. I’d estimate about 1/3 (maybe closer to 1/2) of this book is directly related to scripture/the broader Christian faith.
That being said, I am not removing a star because I was offended or put off in anyway. I simply didn’t feel I was able to connect to the text as well because I am not part of that faith. The psalms were lost on me and anything more specific than “God’s love” mostly went over my head. There is some good information in here and personally I still think it’s worth the read.
kristynn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
5.0