Product Description

In The Dance of Intimacy, the bestselling author of The Dance of Anger outlines the steps to take so that good relationships can be strengthened and difficult ones can be healed. Taking a careful look at those relationships where intimacy is most challenged--by distance, intensity, or pain--she teaches us about the specific changes we can make to achieve a more solid sense of self and a more intimate connectedness with others. Combining clear advice with vivid case examples, Dr. Lerner offers us the most solid, helpful book on intimate relationships that both women and men may ever encounter.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6670 in Books
• Published on: 1990-04-25
• Released on: 1990-03-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 255 pages

From Publishers Weekly
This sensible self-help book draws on family-systems therapy in recommending thoughtful "self-focus" for women stuck in difficult relationships with either mates or families. Emphasizing that "a truly intimate relationship is one in which we can be who we are, which means being open about ourselves," Lerner ( The Dance of Anger ; Women in Therapy ) highlights the importance of women defining themselves, their needs and limits, rather than reacting to anxiety unthinkingly--either by emotionally distancing themselves from problems or by overreacting. A staff psychologist and psychotherapist at the Menninger Clinic, Lerner illustrates her points with case studies from her family as well as her practice. To explore what unhelpful patterns of behavior may be passed down from past generations, she advises creating a genogram, or family diagram, going back to a person's grandparents or earlier. Lerner's book presumes at least an acquaintance with professional jargon but should be accessible to most readers of pop psychology.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Harriet Lerner, Ph.D., is one of our nation’s most loved and respected relationship experts. Renowned for her work on the psychology of women and family relationships, she served as a staff psychologist at the Menninger Clinic for more than two decades. A distinguished lecturer, workshop leader, and psychotherapist, she is the author of The Dance of Anger and other bestselling books. She is also, with her sister, an award-winning children's book writer. She and her husband are therapists in Lawrence, Kansas, and have two sons.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding book
This book uses insightful examples of how our relationships with every member of our nuclear and extended families can affect us. I really enjoyed her style and felt that she acknowledges the limitations each of us may have when it comes to making changes in our interactions with key members of our families. I thought her reiteration of the fact that timing and gradual change are key factors and unique for all of us. Wonderful book that has really changed my life for the better.

Decent book...
This book is OK, but slightly out dated. There are some really good points and is very easy to interpret into your own life.

Bravo Dr. Lerner
I have three women's support groups and I have used Dr. Lerner's books as guidelines for our discussions - an amazing in depth understanding of the human psyche.
This, as well as all her books, should be required reading by all high school classes. Maybe we could have a different outcome from our future citizens.