What's Right with You: Debunking Dysfunction and Changing Your Life »

Barry Duncan, Psy.D. is codirector of the Institute of the Study of Therapeutic Change in Coral Springs, Florida. Author of over twelve books, both professional and for the trade, he has appeared on Oprah, The View and other national television programs. He has been featured in Psychology Today, USA Today and Glamour magazine. Duncan conducts seminars internationally in client-directed, outcome-informed therapies in hopes of inciting insurrection against practices that diminish clients.

We live in a world pervaded by the unspoken attitude that we are all basically flawed, broken, incomplete, scarred or sick: we're labeled as dysfunctional, codependent, depressed, you name it. Contrary to popular perception and drug company ad campaigns, fifty years of research shows that positive change does not primarily emerge from examining the disorders, diseases, or dysfunctions-all the stuff that's wrong with us-that allegedly plague the masses.

Dr. Barry Duncan debunks the myth that only a therapist can help you change your life and shows how positive change really happens when you utilize your inherent strengths and resources and are supported by relationships that take your innate goodness as a given. What's Right with You gives you a research validated, six-step plan for a dynamic and refreshing approach to effecting change in your life-for good!

Publishers Weekly

The most compelling part of this book relates how Constance, who was named California's Woman of the Year in 1994, founded A Place Called Home- a youth center in South-Central Los Angeles that has become a refuge for inner-city gang members and gives them a chance to turn their lives around. APCH delivers many needed services, largely thanks to the author's hard work and commitment. Those who come through the doors can sign up for art, dance and music classes, homework help, sports and access to computers. But the bulk of this memoir is devoted to the author's struggle to deal with her father's sexual abuse; her mother's characterization of her as a fat, unattractive baby; three failed marriages; other troubled relationships; alcoholism, agoraphobia, smoking, a bout with cancer; and a traffic accident that nearly killed her. The author became sober through AA, forged a successful reunion with her alienated son and is currently in a loving relationship with a female partner. Although Constance has clearly overcome horrendous problems to get where she is today and should be applauded for her work with troubled teens, the detailed, artless and somewhat simplistic account of each obstacle is more numbing than inspiring. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.