Bradshaw on the Family: A Revolutionary Way of Self Discovery [Paperback]

John Bradshaw (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1988

Based on the television series of the same name, Bradshaw focuses on the dynamics of the family, how the rules and attitudes learned while growing up become encoded within each family member.

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Hci; 1St Edition edition (January 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0932194540
• ISBN-13: 978-0932194541
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #252,601 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Bradshaw was educated for the Roman Catholic priesthood and took advanced degrees in psychology, philosophy, and theology before becoming a professional counselor. He is the author of such major bestsellers as Family Secrets, Healing the Shame That Binds You, Homecoming, and Creating Love. He lives in Houston, Texas, and gives lectures and workshops nationwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A breakthrough, June 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Bradshaw on the Family: A Revolutionary Way of Self Discovery (Paperback)

I cant beleive this book isnt bein published anymore. it was a ground breaker for me. I came from a seriously dysfunctional and abusive "family"(the f-word to me). Before i read this book, i had no idea there was a logic or order to the chaos of an abusive household, I guess i was very naive. This book is the one that started me on my path to recovery from my past.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YOU WILL NEVER FIND ANOTHER BOOK THAT EXPLAINS SO MUCH, January 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Bradshaw on the Family: A Revolutionary Way of Self Discovery (Paperback)

I discovered this book when it was first published . It was the only way may husband would get any "help" He has panic disorder and his family was not disfunctional in the way we think of it. no alcohol no physical abuse, But Oh the emotional abuse! The Bill of Rights in the back gave him the tools he needed to release himself from the tie that bound him to his very disfunctional family. Find it. Read it. It can change your life

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not very accessible, March 23, 2010

By 

Vanessa "amazon lover" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bradshaw on the Family: A Revolutionary Way of Self Discovery (Paperback)

I gave this book three stars because it does have some very useful, insightful information packed into it. I have two of the author's other books. However, what I've noticed with John Bradshaw is that he tries to do TOO much. Tries to pack TOO much in there- too much theorizing, too many abstract concepts and quotations, too much detail and diagrams and explanation- where it could just as easily be a much more concise and less repetitive read. The first two chapters feels like he's trying to justify his profession to somebody and the rest of the chapters feel like one long lecture. I'm also uncomfortable with his loose use of language, like with potentially misogynistic expressions such as "whoring" and "bitches" (aka nags). It's also confusing as to who is target audience is. Is it his patients? His colleagues? Other academics? People interested in history and philosophy...or his own family members? As an "adult child" trying to make sense of my dysfunctional family, what we need is more compassion and empathy and more examples of REAL-LIFE scenarios and analysis of these. Not philosophical analysis, justifications and persuasion based on his own personal motivations. For a better, more patient-focused and equally informative and useful book on dysfunctional families I would recommend John Friel and Linda Friel's "Adult Children: The Secrets of Dysfunctional Families" and "An Adult Child's Guide to What's Normal".