Fear of Intimacy

Written in a jargon-free style, this book shows how therapists can help identify and overcome the messages of the internal ""voice"" that fosters distortions of the self and loved ones. Related issues such as interpersonal ethics and the role of stereotyping are also discussed. In Fear Of Intimacy, The Authors Bring Almost 40 Years Of Clinical Experience To Bear In Challenging The Usual Ways Of Thinking About Couples And Families. They Argue That Relationships Fail Not Because Of The Commonly Cited Reasons But Because Of Psychological Defenses Formed In Childhood That Act As A Barrier To Closeness In Adulthood. Written In Clear, Jargon-free Language, Fear Of Intimacy Shows How Therapists Can Help Couples Identify And Overcome The Messages Of The Internal Voice That Foster Distortions Of The Self And Loved Ones. Related Issues Such As Interpersonal Ethics And The Role Of Stereotyping Are Also Discussed. The Authors' Innovative Approach Will Be Of Interest To Therapists And Couples Alike. The Challenge Of Intimate Relationships -- Why Relationships Fail -- An Ethical Perspective: Human Rights Issues In Personal Relationships -- The Ideal Couple Relationship -- Characteristics Of The Ideal Family -- Inwardness: Self-protective Patterns That Restrict Emotional Transactions Between Partners -- Remedial Procedures: Experiences That Affect Inward Patterns In The Couple And Family -- The Fantasy Bond In Couple Relationships -- Withholding In Couple And Family Relationships -- Men -- Women -- Voices Affecting Intimacy -- The Therapeutic Process In Couples Therapy -- A Pilot Study Applying Voice Therapy With Four Couples: Clinical Material From A Series Of Specialized Group Discussions -- Transference, The Therapeutic Alliance, And Love. Robert W. Firestone And Joyce Catlett. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 315-340) And Indexes.