Merle A. Fossum and Marilyn J. Mason

Facing Shame

"This book will be helpful to all practitioners of psychological services and to all persons who wish to understand their dilemnas better." —Virginia M. Satir

Families that return for treatment time and again often have problems that seem nrelated—such as compulsive, addictive, or abusive behaviors—but that are linked by an underlying process of shame. Comparing the shame-bound family system with the respectful family system, Fossum and Mason outline the assumptions underlying their depth approach to family therapy and take the reader step by step through the stages of therapy. Case examples are used to illustrate the process.

"A sensitive book, rich in understanding. . . . As the authors teach us how to fill the emotional void that shame creates—providing a positive therapeutic alternative to the blame-shame game—they also fill a void that has long existed in the field." —M. Duncan Stanton, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Division of Family Programs, University of Rochester Medical School