Breaking the Chain of Low Self-Esteem (Paperback)

~ Marilyn Sorensen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

". . .This is a book whose essence should be taught in every grammar school. We need to empower ourselves and each other. Our internal beliefs can be altered and we need to become aware of that. Then we can begin to build a foundation of self-worth. This is the best handbook to aid in the architecture of self-esteem." --

"Although the book is written for lay people who suffer from LSE, it could also be a helpful guide for therapists who want to learn about the subject and how it effects their clients. Using uncomplicated language, Sorensen describes the symptoms associated with low self-esteem, such as negative self-talk, fear of inadequacy, unhealthy relationships, and negative reactions to situations that can trigger it. Each chapter describes a different component of the problem and methods for treating it.

Whether the reader is seeking help or simply gathering information, "Breaking the Chain Low Self-Esteem" is a revealing and helpful book." (THE ADVOCATE, newsletter of THE AMERICAN MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS'S ASSN.) REVIEW: "First time author, Dr. Marilyn J. Sorensen has come up with a winner in Breaking the Chain of Low Self-Esteem. Not your usual self-help book, this fascinating and powerful edition clarifies how people who suffer from low self-esteem (LSE) think and feel, and why they behave as they do.... -- SAGE WOMAN MAGAZINE

"An excellent addition to an adult self-help collection, the book aids in overcoming anxiety, guilt and pain. Beginning with a self-esteem questionnaire, the book offers mechanisms and behavior modification for those seeking to rebuild their lives. . . .Sorensen offers no quick fixes, but provides tips and motivation to get the reader on the way to healthier living." -- TODAY'S LIBRARIAN

"Sorensen leads the reader through a complex subject with admirable ease and restraint. She promises no miracle cures. . . Her open, clear approach and plain language cut to the heart of things.. . This is a wise and valuable volume." -- THE STATESMAN JOURNAL

Product Description

Finally a book that fully illuminates the experience of low self-esteem (LSE): the fear and the anxiety, the self-doubts and self-criticism, the discouragement and depression, the self-defeating behaviors, and the insecurity in relationships and careers. If you have low self-esteem, or realize a friend, family member or spouse does, this book is about you and for you-whether you are male or female.

As you read this fascinating book, you will realize that you are not alone-that others share similar struggles; you will also receive information and direction about how to change this problem--how to overcome the effects of LSE that may presently be impeding your personal growth process and causing you unhappiness. One reader recently commented that she finally understood what her husband had been fighting with for years. Though he had repeatedly told her he had low self-esteem, she was sad to realize that she had never before understood the issues involved or the degree of pain he had suffered. (A questionnaire at the end of Chapter One will enable you to assess your own degree of self-esteem. Exercises to help you begin your journey toward healing are provided at the end of each chapter.)

An intriguing and powerful book, Breaking the Chain of Low Self-Esteem contains many new insights about self-esteem never before documented. As you read, you will meet and likely empathize with "Jane", a woman whose life has largely been shaped and controlled by her low self-esteem. Chapters begin with a relevant, interesting, and often emotional story from Jane's life; additional examples of Jane's and others' battles with LSE are sprinkled throughout the book. Frequently close to tears when they read of Jane's situations, readers are quick to say they identified with Jane. Many actually say, "That's me. I am Jane."

Breaking the Chain of Low Self-Esteem is an engaging, upbeat book that will empower you to face life with new courage and enthusiasm. Once you begin, you won't want to lay it down. Reading it will motivate you to alter self-defeating behaviors, challenge you to overcome your fears, teach you to value yourself, inspire you to change your thinking, and enable you to make better choices in relationships and in other areas of your life. With the insights contained here you may be able to save your present, ailing relationship or gain the awareness that it's not right for you.

Low self-esteem is a complex problem and difficult, though not impossible, to overcome. The author, a psychologist with over 2 decades of helping clients with this issue, strongly emphasizes that a thorough understanding of how LSE develops and impacts one's life is necessary to make lasting changes. Having seen hundreds of people do so in her practice, she knows it is possible to alter one's LSE and to achieve peace and contentment in life. She stresses, however, that simple affirmations do not work-that there is no quick fix for low self-esteem.

Whether or not you suffer from LSE, you will be richly rewarded by reading this book.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Wolf Publishing Company; 1 edition (1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966431502
• ISBN-13: 978-0966431506
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #198,904 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely the best self-help book I have ever read, December 30, 2003

By	Eric Lee Tingley (San Jacinto, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This book is an absolute must-read for EVERYONE. For those with low self-esteem (LSE) it explains exactly what LSE is, how you got it, and what you can do about it. You will learn that you are not alone and that LSE is a common problem and that there are a lot of people who are suffering from the same pain, anger, and hurt that you are. I have LSE and I was completely amazed when I read this book. I thought that if men were from Mars and women were from Venus, that I must be from Pluto. I felt as if I was completely alone in the world and that nobody understood anything I was going through. I was shocked as I read through this book and realized how much the author truly understood LSE and exactly how it has been negatively affecting my life. As I read through the various examples in the book I was just floored by how accurately the examples mirrored so many things that have happened in my own life. This book will not only benefit those with LSE, but also people with healthy self-esteem because reading this book will enable you to spot the signs of LSE in others so that you can be better prepared to comfort and deal with the person who has LSE. This book talks about how LSE is far too often misdiagnosed as depression, social anxiety disorder, or some other mental problem. So many people who have LSE are misdiagnosed and consequently put on drugs which only mask the symptoms of the problem, rather than addressing the core problem directly. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those with LSE. The author has a very clear and easy to understand writing style and you will be amazed at the insight and understanding the author has in regards to LSE. If you're like me, once you read the first page you won't be able to put this book down. For those with LSE I also highly recommend getting the workbook that goes along as a companion to the book.

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Explains Everthing !, March 11, 2000

By	April Taylor (Chattanooga, TN) - See all my reviews

I was given the book "Breaking the Chains of Low Self-Esteem" by a very close friend, several months ago. I have never read anything that defined so clearly what is going on in my life. I thank God for Dr. Sorensen's insight into this wide reaching problem. I have recommended this book to my therapist in hopes that he will be able to help me solve this life controlling situation. I was especially fascinated by the information on "triggers". If you are depressed, can not seem to figure out what is going on in your life, have low self-esteem, or have tried everything else; this book is a must read. I found Dr Sorensen to be especially warm and helpful, she is someone who truly understands my plight.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Life Changing Experience, November 16, 2000

By A Customer

THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE.When I began reading it, I started to realize that many of the conditions described mirror my life. Dr. Sorensen outlines a course of action to gradually raise your self-esteem. I began following all of the recommendations 3 months ago and I can truthfully say that my self-esteem has been raised significantly. I am now socializing with people, making friends, living happily by myself and recovering from a codependency condtion that has plagued me for my entire life. This book is easy to read and understand and accurately describes the problem and provides solutions that really work. I recommend this book to anyone who suffers from depression and low self-esteem.