Chronic Illness and the Twelve Steps: A Practical Approach to Spiritual Resilience [Paperback]

Martha Cleveland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999

When we live with a chronic illness or disability, our spirit is tested. And though we may have no say in our sickness, how we meet its spiritual challenge is entirely up to us. This is the message of Martha Cleveland's heartening book, which maps the spiral of emotional pain that steals the energy of the chronically ill--and shows how to turn this spiral into a path toward spiritual growth. Cleveland herself turned to the Twelve Steps for support during almost two decades of a recurring illness that defied diagnosis. In this book, she shares what the Twelve Step program teaches her about living with chronic illness--coping with feelings of pain, anger, hopelessness, and isolation--and about offsetting such negative emotions with spiritual wellness. An invitation to choose joy over despair, her book reveals how chronic illness can open the spirit to acceptance, serenity, and fulfillment.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Martha Cleveland's chronic illness proved to be one of the great gifts of her life. From it she has learned that none of us has ultimate control over our own body, but we do have control over how we respond to whatever situation life hands us. In her mid-thirties her symptoms forced her into panic and despair, but over time she learned to accept her condition and live in a rich, wonderfully rewarding way. She went to the University of Minnesota, gained a baccalaureate degree, a master's degree, and, in 1978, a Ph.D. She became a Licensed Consulting Psychologist, working in private practice, as adjunct staff with the Family Therapy Institute of St. Paul, and as consultant to various agencies. In her late sixties, she has retired and lives what she feels is the most satisfying part of her life. She and her husband, Walter, live in the suburban home they bought forty-eight years ago. She is deeply involved with her family, friends, gardening, and the rescue work she does with retired racing Greyhounds. She comes to this late part of her life knowing that it isn't circumstance that defines us; it is how we respond to that circumstance that will ultimately tell us who we are.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Hazelden (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568383479
• ISBN-13: 978-1568383477
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,021,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I finally found joy!!!, August 31, 2005

By 

L. Wise (Covina, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chronic Illness and the Twelve Steps: A Practical Approach to Spiritual Resilience (Paperback)

I am a chronic pain support group facilitator for the ACPA and I have spent months writing my own curriculum to use with my group. This summer I bought Chronic Illness and the Twelve Steps and was amazed at how well the author had grasped the most important aspect of living with chronic pain--Acceptance. Martha Cleveland in her own struggle to live life to the fullest has been able to tell others her secret in this easy to read, motivating book. I thought I knew everything there was to know about living in pain but after reading her book I realized that she has given me so much insight as to how to live even better. Who ever your higher power may be this book is a must for anyone who suffers with pain or cares for someone who is ill or in pain. I am so happy that I happen to stumble upon Martha Cleveland's book as it has given me a hope that I never knew I could have.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book - very helpful, June 20, 2004

By 

Sally O. Lee (Danvers, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chronic Illness and the Twelve Steps: A Practical Approach to Spiritual Resilience (Paperback)

I loved this book. I have had a chronic illness for most of
my life. I have not found a book yet which described with
honesty, compassion, and love, the truths that people with
chronic illness have to deal with daily. I felt validated
and reassured that my pain was real. I would recommend it to
anyone who feels there is no hope to be heard.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Has Helped Me So Much, May 28, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Chronic Illness and the Twelve Steps: A Practical Approach to Spiritual Resilience (Paperback)

I've found that reading this book has helped me so much over the years to deal with my chronic illnesses. Using the 12 Steps as a guide I am better able to face my fears and learn to use faith to see me through.