Transcending Post-infidelity Stress Disorder (PISD): The Six Stages of Healing [Paperback]

Dennis C. Ortman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2009

Have you been traumatized by infidelity?
 
The phrase "broken heart" belies the real trauma behind the all-too-common occurrence of infidelity. Psychologist Dennis Ortman likens the psychological aftermath of sexual betrayal to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in its origin and symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, rage, emotional numbing, and flashbacks. Using PTSD treatment as a model, Dr. Ortman will show you, step by step, how to:
 
• work through conflicting emotions
• Understand yourself and your partner
• Make important life decisions
 
Dr. Ortman sees recovery as a spiritual journey and draws on the wisdom of diverse faiths, from Christianity to Buddhism. He also offers exercises to deepen recovery,  such as guided meditations and journaling, and explores heart-wrenchingly familiar case studies of couples struggling with monogamy. By the end of this book, you will have completed the six stages of healing and emerged with a whole heart, a full spirit, and the freedom to love again.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Of all the books on infidelity, this is the first that pegs the aftermath, accurately in my view, as a trauma that results in a "stress disorder" with a clear plan for healing. Insightful and helpful. --Harville Hendrix, PhD, author of Getting the Love You Want
 
Dennis Ortman writes with generosity and grace about a very difficult topic. This book is honest, compassionate, and clinically smart; his strong spiritual message makes the subject of infidelity far more hopeful and humane. --Pat Love, EdD, author of The Truth About Love
 
Dr. Ortman is right on in calling an infidelity a trauma. By uniting the wisdom of Western psychology with East-West spiritual traditions, he offers rich, practical guidance and hope. --Janis Abrahms Spring, PhD, author of After the Affair and How Can I Forgive You?

From the Publisher

* A psychologist uses post-traumatic stress disorder as a model for the wounded partner to explore rage and emotional pain and learn the secrets of recovery.
* An estimated 60 percent of men and 40 percent of women will have an affair at some point in their marriages.
* Includes spiritual exercises, such as guided meditations and journaling, to aid recovery.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts (April 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587613344
• ISBN-13: 978-1587613340
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • #55 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Aging > Depression
  • #94 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Personal Health > Stress > Stress Management

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Accurate, Most Helpful, Best Tools for Healing and Awareness Available, June 16, 2010

By 

informed_shopper - See all my reviews

This review is from: Transcending Post-infidelity Stress Disorder (PISD): The Six Stages of Healing (Paperback)

This book is easy to use to find the information you need quickly. This book gives tools for healing in a format that is easily accessible. Ortman outlines the symptoms of post traumatic stress quickly, and explains them well. I would think that if someone wants the information in this book, then a lengthy read to find helpful information would be tedious.

This book is a long-overdue clarification of what can really happen in response to infidelity, to contrast the previous limited view that the partner of someone who was unfaithful is automatically codependent (implying that they had a sickness and control issues). Ortman, on the other hand provides compassionate insight into understanding the traits that make one more vulnerable to post-traumatic responses so that people feel empowered. His seemingly accurate approach applies the post traumatic stress model to infidelity responses with uncanny clarity. This is a very valuable compendium of information for quick insight and long-term healing.

This book by Ortman offers sensitive and well-aimed tools. It can also serve as a reference for someone experiencing post traumatic stress because of abusive relationships in general (traumatic work relationships, betrayals, abandonment, traumatically betrayed friendships, etc.).

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly informative book!!, July 29, 2009

By 

JoyHugs (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Transcending Post-infidelity Stress Disorder (PISD): The Six Stages of Healing (Paperback)

This book has changed my life. It helped me to recognize that after suffering from infidelity for 10 years, that I can finally put a name to what I have. I have worked through the book and feel the beginnings of forgiveness. If you are angry or PISD I would stongly suggest you read this book.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transcending Post Infidelity Stress disorder, June 20, 2009

By 

Debbie (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Transcending Post-infidelity Stress Disorder (PISD): The Six Stages of Healing (Paperback)

This book is a lifesaver for now, I have just suffered on the recieving end a relationship infidelity and now understand that it is a devestating life event. This book puts all the unexplained emotional behaviors associated with a cheating mate in perspective. I am not nuts, just wounded. I hope when finished with this book I will have recovered enough to feel some of lifes happiness again.

This author is on-line with a vocal interview and is quite the speaker as well, he is what he writes.

DebbieTranscending Post-infidelity Stress Disorder (PISD): The Six Stages of Healing