A Place Called Self: Women, Sobriety & Radical Transformation [Paperback]

Stephanie Brown (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004

Why is it that newfound sobriety, with its hard-won joys and accomplishments, can be such a lonely and unsatisfying experience for many women? The answer, according to pioneering therapist Stephanie Brown, Ph.D., can be found by looking in the mirror. Once a woman leaves behind the numbing comforts of alcohol or other drugs, she is left to face herself--perhaps for the first time in her life. With gentle guidance and personal stories, Brown helps readers unravel painful truths and confusing feelings in the process of weaving for themselves a true sense of self.

Dr. Stephanie Brown, a pioneering addiction researcher and therapist, offers women a map to find their way through the rocky spots in sobriety.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephanie Brown, Ph.D., is a leading clinician, author, teacher, and researcher in the field of addiction. She is the director of the Addictions Institute in Menlo Park, California, and is the author of eight books. Brown most recently co-edited The Handbook of Addiction Treatment for Women: Theory and Practice.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Hazelden; 1St Edition edition (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592850987
• ISBN-13: 978-1592850983
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,732 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING GIFT FOR THOSE IN RECOVERY, March 4, 2006

By 

C. Tedeschi (San Diego, California United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Place Called Self: Women, Sobriety & Radical Transformation (Paperback)

I've been recovering from compulsive overeating (food addiction)for two years and the information that I found in this book has been extremely valuable for my ongoing recovery. I wish I had found this book sooner. My abstinence would have been stronger and the way clearer a lot sooner. I have been enriched with insight and strenght by reading this book. I loved the way my experiences were validated and a way shown to continue my transformation. Transformation is not something that happens after completing a number of steps or directions. Transformation is an ongoing process, one that takes a lifetime. Throughout the journey, the payoffs are numerous. Once we embark in this journey, we are never the same. There is not an easy answer for life's difficulties and challenges. We will inevitably always encounter them. What we receive through transformation is the ability to cope with these difficulties, the ability to find inner joy and strenght without turning to substances or destructive behaviors. Thank you Ms. Brown for writing such a powerful book. I have bought it for my sisters and close friends struggling with one kind of addiction or another.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Here's my opinion of this book:, July 22, 2007

By 

C. Garrison "Lovliest" (Beachwood, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Place Called Self: Women, Sobriety & Radical Transformation (Paperback)

As a woman in early recovery, I really needed books that were speaking directly to women because lets face it, we woman are just built differently than men. So, it just goes with the territory that our recovery will be a bit different. I mean, men and women all go through many of the same trials and triumphs during recovery, but as I say, we woman are just built differently. That is not to say that all women will experience all of the moments considered in this book, but in my opinion, there were so many aspects of recovery detailed in this book that many of us will be able to relate to. In early recovery, it is so good when we learn that we are not unique in our madness. We aren't the only ones who did incredibly stupid, mortifying to remember things. It is so refreshing when we can hear someone else say something to which our reply can be,
"ME TOO." "I can't believe someone else felt that way!" This book should help women to realize that they are not alone and their feelings, WHATEVER they are, on any given day are OKAY! During early recovery, it has been so rewarding to read as much as I can and go to many meetings and reach out to other women. This book was one of the many valuable tools in my recovery process! I still have down days, but it is books like this that help to pull me up. Good buy!

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, December 11, 2009

By 

Elizabeth L. Greene - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Place Called Self: Women, Sobriety & Radical Transformation (Paperback)

This is an excellent resource for anyone working with women in recovery from addiction. Dr. Brown shares insight gained both from personal experience and in her work in sobriety. It is a useful perspective and helpful to professionals who may never have been addicts themselves. Betty Greene, LPC