Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D.

Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, author, theorist and artist. He is the Consulting Theorist for the non-profit, The Glendon Association. He is author of many books including Voice Therapy, The Fantasy Bond, Compassionate Child-Rearing, Fear of Intimacy, Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice, Beyond Death Anxiety and The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships among others. His studies on negative thought processes and their associated affect have led to the development of Voice Therapy, an advanced therapeutic methodology to uncover and contend with aspects of self destructive and self limiting behaviors. Firestone has applied his concepts to empirical research and to developing the Firestone Assessment of Self-destructive Thoughts (FAST), a scale that assesses suicide potential. This work led to the publication of Suicide and the Inner Voice: Risk Assessment, Treatment and Case Management. He has published more than 30 professional articles and chapters for edited volumes, and produced 35 video documentaries. His art can be viewed on www.theartofrwfirestone.com.

Articles, Videos, and Podcasts

How to Stop Being a Victim

Challenging negative voices is the way to overcome a victimized orientation.

Reject your sense of injury and the injury itself disappears.
~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

One of the principle ways that people mismanage their anger is by playing the role … Read More

Qualities of an Ideal Therapist

Outcome studies in psychotherapy have shown that “The therapist is a key change ingredient in most successful therapy.” Researchers have also identified a number of traits in psychotherapists that facilitate clients’ progress and change.* In The Fear of Intimacy, I … Read More

Dr. Robert Firestone on “What is a Mentally Healthy Person?”

Dr. Robert Firestone describes the qualities of a mentally healthy person:

First of all, it depends a lot on their own motivation and their particular goals for themselves. But in general, the kind of person I would like to see … Read More

The Self Under Siege

Each person has a unique set of genes that distinguishes that individual from every other human being on the planet. This identity is affected by the impact of interpersonal environmental stimuli that are either favorable to the individual potential … Read More

A New Slant on Vulnerability: Courage Not Conformity

This blog contains excerpts from an interview with Dr. Robert Firestone by Fred Branfman, political activist and author of Voices from the Plain of Jars.

Part II

Fred Branfman: When most people think of the word “courage,” they think of … Read More

On Being Vulnerable: Part I

[This blog contains excerpts from an interview with Dr. Robert Firestone by Fred Branfman, political activist and author of Voices from the Plain of Jars]

Vulnerable: “A weak position, defenseless, helpless, exposed, at risk, in danger”

Fred Branfman: In our … Read More

The Difference Between Emotional Hunger and Real Love by Robert Firestone, Ph.D.

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

Personal Power by Robert Firestone, Ph.D.

For centuries, philosophers, social scientists, and psychologists have struggled to answer ethical questions regarding the use and misuse of power. They have described both the positive and the negative effects that powerful individuals have had on the business world, … Read More

Alive Sexuality by Robert Firestone, Ph.D.

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 … Read More