128 pg, paper, '91

"The most important part of recovery is recognizing and enhancing our inherent worth. When we practice and learn self-esteem, magical things happen. We love others. We attract good things to us. We 'do the right thing' and if a decision does not turn out so well, we forgive ourselves." — from the Introduction.

Negative thoughts, addictions, and unhealthy belief systems can cause low self-esteem and make recovery difficult. Gaining self-esteem is particularly challenging when coping mechanisms have replaced an honest and compassionate relationship with the inner self. This personal book shows step-by-step tools for learning self-esteem and self-love. The exercises and examples come to life, along with personal stories from the author. A great book for getting to know yourself and learning to forgive.

Now used in several countries around the world, including China, Japan, France, and India.

CONTENTS:

1 – What’s your problem?!
2 – Your problem has served you well
3 – It takes courage to heal
4 – Our secrets keep us separate
5 – It’s your recovery
6 – Recovery begins when you’re ready
7 – Recovery is an ongoing process
8 – Whatever you do matters
9 – Who are you?
10 – Know where you are going and how to get there
11 – You have to add something if you’re taking something away
12 – Don’t be afraid of mistakes
13 – Acceptance transcends control
14 – Feelings: Are we having fun yet?
15 – Think and speak positively
16 – Face the truth about your family
17 – Be aware of the media’s message
18 – Keep good company
19 – Practice love
20 – Expect miracles

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Lindsey and Leigh Cohn are best known for their writing and speaking on self-esteem and eating disorders. Lindsey and Leigh's numerous books are used by thousands of people concerned with recovery. They are happily married and have two sons.

REVIEWS:

"People who read this book will come away with a sense of what self-esteem is, and will find the tools to help in the recovery-discovery process."
— Sober Times

"Positive, upbeat, and practical. We recommend that you add it to your toolbox for your professional work and/or your own personal recovery."
— The Eating Disorders Digest

"It inspired my self-esteem recovery immensely. The shortness of the chapter, clear tools, and examples made it very easy to do. I love the way you two write, the words just jump out of the book!"
— Karl E.

"I have been using it with outpatient groups. A 'user friendly' practical approach to recovery."
—Jana Alayne Russell, CEDT, Executive Director, Comptreatment, Inc.

"Clearly put. . .The simplicity and straightforwardness of the style and the organization of the 20 'tools' for gaining or enhancing self-esteem make the book particularly useful."
—The Small Pres Book Review

"Your concise writing style (complete with examples and exercises) is the perfect tool to help students create a healthier sense of self."
—Tracy Mizell Moore, MPH, CHES, Director of Health Services, Tulane University