A New Psychotherapy for Traditional Men [Hardcover]

Gary R. Brooks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 22, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0787941239 | ISBN-13: 978-0787941239 | Edition: 1

Breaking down the barriers

Most men are trained from earliest childhood to suppress emotional distress, to avoid the subtle signals of interpersonal conflicts, to experience humiliation at the first hint of failure, and most of all, to resist asking for help. In this much-needed book, Gary Brooks shares his experience of working with resistant male clients and shows how to overcome this resistance and achieve positive results. Brooks reveals how compassion, respect, empathy, and sensitivity to men's defenses help break down barriers and make them amenable to the therapeutic process.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A comprehensive, scholarly volume brimming with clinical insight into the hearts and minds of the traditional blue-collar men he so adroitly treats. . . .offers not only a guide, but inspiration and hope that men whose lives have been badly damaged?men who are likely to be considered poor risks for therapy?can find significant help in the therapy relationship." (Ronald F. Levant, dean, Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University)

"Carefully weaving the psychological literature together with glimpses into real men's lives, Gary Brooks creates a tapestry of the ?new man' that is at once honest, poignant, and our hope for the future. Millions of men's and women's lives will be enriched by reading this book. I already have a number of traditional men on my gift list." (Lenore Walker, author of The Abused Woman and The Battered Woman)

"This wonderful book is filled with wisdom and compassion. It should be required reading for anyone doing psychotherapy with men; it should be required reading for anyone who is in a relationship with a man! It is clear, sensitive, incisive. In a time of gender strife and misunderstanding, Dr. Brooks provides a beacon of hope." (Judith V. Jordan, assistant professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and training director, Stone Center, Wellesly College)

From the Inside Flap

Most men are trained from earliest childhood to suppress emotional distress, avoid the subtle signals of interpersonal conflicts, experience humiliation at the first hint of failure, and most of all, resist asking for help. They deny and avoid their psychological pain and want to take action rather than be reflective. Is it any wonder that men view therapy as shameful and alienating?Psychologist Gary Brooks has developed an innovative (and user-friAndly) therapeutic model for working with men who are resistant to traditional therapy. Drawing on his own blue-collar upbringing and his work in veterans hospitals treating working-class clients, Brooks shows how this unique approach uses compassion, respect, empathy, and sensitivity to dissolve the barriers of men's defenses.A New Psychology for Traditional Men outlines an exhilarating process, for both clinician and client, in which they share the discovery of common problems rooted in cultural expectations. By talking openly about the culture and stresses of masculinity, men come to realize their problems are not unique nor the result of personal failures. They develop connections with other men and enjoy mutual support and a joint commitment toward change. Brooks shows how to channel this enthusiasm into positive cognitive, behavioral, and relationship changes.This challenging new model reconsiders the clinician's previous comfort zone of a solid barrier between client and therapist and rethinks ideas about a rigid boundary between therapy and the larger culture.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (September 22, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787941239
• ISBN-13: 978-0787941239
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #226,748 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Traditional values still exist in many men., May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A New Psychotherapy for Traditional Men (Hardcover)

Men who have absorbed traditional male values through the socialization process are both hindered and helped by their value systems. Although much about the traditional male value system is positive and therefore should be preserved, some of the rules many men were taught to live by prevent them from being able to benefit from psychotherapy as it is usually practiced. Dr. Brooks offers a therapeutic model that is sensitive to the effects of traditional male socialization and uses respect and empathy to facilitate psychotherapy with the large segment of the male population who still hold very traditional values. This book is a valuable addition to the library of psychotherapists who work with men from all walks of life.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An apology for the traditional values of men., December 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A New Psychotherapy for Traditional Men (Hardcover)

Mr Brooks has writen a book looking at the supposed short comings of men from a traditional background. It holds strongly to feminist theory and therefore only allows an apology for the stance that, so called, traditional men hold. This book will date quickly in the light of more current masculist theory as Mr Brooks draws heavily from the usual lists of feminist writers. The title does not give a good indication of what may be expected in the book. Three stars because it may actually start a debate on what men need in psychotherapy.