The Enemy Within: Separation Theory and Voice Therapy

The Enemy Within: Separation Theory and Voice Therapy is a compendium of the life work of renowned theorist and clinical psychologist, Robert Firestone. The book brings to light his holistic approach to understanding human behavior, relationships, and crucial socio¬ political issues. Separation Theory is derived from Firestone's primary focus in psychotherapy on helping individuals separate from critical thoughts and destructive emotional ties or fantasy bonds. Voice Therapy -- a powerful technique that enables clients to challenge destructive thoughts - is illustrated with compelling case examples. In addition, The Enemy Within reveals the important impact of death awareness on life. A basic defense against death anxiety is a strong identification with the in-group and at the same time, a tendency to polarize people against others with different attitudes and beliefs. The author's thesis is that this collective defense contributes to ethnic strife and the problems of racism, terrorism, and warfare. The book is a valuable and timely contribution to the literature in the mental health field and the other social sciences.