The Human Experience

Creating a more meaningful life

Robert W. Firestone's works include The Fantasy Bond, Voice Therapy, Compassionate Child Rearing and many other books and articles. See full bio

September 30, 2009

Don't Play the Victim Game

Even in the most extreme situation, feeling victimized is neither productive nor adaptive. Read More

May 20, 2009

I was searching for the answer to the question of why most individuals in spite of emotional catharis, understanding and intelectual insight still hold on to familiar destructive patterns of the past and refuse to change on a deep character level. Read More

April 12, 2009

Personal Power

Power and leadership per se are obviously neither positive nor negative in and of themselves. However, the specific types of power that people tend to develop over time and the methods whereby they accumulate and utilize this power to either inspire, dominate, or destroy other people, can be evaluated from an ethical point of view.

March 15, 2009

Alive Sexuality

Sex is one of the strongest motivating forces in life. It has the potential for creating intense pleasure and fulfillment or for causing considerable pain and suffering. The effect of a natural expression of sexuality on one's sense of well-being and overall enjoyment of life cannot be over-emphasized. Read More

February 24, 2009

Emotional Hunger Vs. Love

Emotional hunger is not love. It is a strong emotional need caused by deprivation in childhood. It is a primitive condition of pain and longing which people often act out in a desperate attempt to fill a void or emptiness. Read More

January 29, 2009

The Death of Psychoanalysis and Depth Psychotherapy

Several factors have been proposed to explain the gradual demise of psychoanalysis and depth therapy, including the prolonged treatment time inherent in the process, monetary considerations, the time constraints of managed care, and the increased medicalization of psychology. However, I believe that this demise is closely related to an implicit cultural movement to squelch serious inquiry into family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, particularly the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of children. Clearly, this is a dangerous trend for society. Read More

December 19, 2008

The Human Experience entering 2009

Human beings, unlike other species, are cursed with a conscious awareness of their own mortality. Read More

December 5, 2008

The Fantasy Bond: A substitute for a truly loving relationship

Most people have fears of intimacy and are self-protective and at the same time are terrified of being alone. Their solution to their emotional dilemma is to form a fantasy bond. Read More

Relationships Basics

Love is the most profound emotion known to human beings. For most people, romantic relationships are the most meaningful element in their lives. But the ability to have a healthy, loving relationship is not innate. Almost all of us have experienced a failed relationship, and most of us have to work consciously to master the skills necessary to make them flourish.

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