Robert W. Firestone, PhD, is an American clinical psychologist and author who has pioneered work in developmental theory relating to intimacy, attachment, and the power of our internal thought patterns in living a full life.
CLEAR ALL
The inner critic is the voice in our heads that whispers, whines, and needles us into poor self-esteem and self-confidence. It edits our thoughts, controls our behavior, and inhibits our actions.
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Dr. Robert Firestone discusses the fantasy bond. The fantasy bond is a form of self-parenting and self-protection that offers an illusion of pseudo-independence at the expense of real relating.
Illustrates how experiences and messages from our parents during childhood create internal defenses that, in turn, support negative views of ourself and others.
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That is why in adult life, people generally tend to relive rather than live, that is, to repeat the patterns of the past and defend the primary fantasy in the defiance, and avoid the real gamble or real adventure of taking a chance on something new.
Separation Theory integrates psychoanalytic and existential systems of thought by showing how early interpersonal pain, and separation anxiety and later death anxiety lead to the development of powerful psychological defenses.
Dr. Robert Firestone describes the Critical Inner Voices underlying a negative identity.
This book offers a hypothesis centering around the concept of the “Fantasy Bond,” an illusion of connection formed with the mother and later with significant others in the individual’s environment.
The purpose of the false self is to defend against pain—not deal with reality.
The ultimate tragedy of the human condition is our awareness of our inevitable mortality.
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Dr. Robert Firestone talks about the importance of self-compassion and being a good friend to yourself.