by Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D. Foreword by R.D. Laing, M.D. Based on 28 years of research into the problem of resistance, this book offers a consistently developed set of hypotheses centering around the concept of the “fantasy bond,” an illusion of connection originally formed with the mother and later with significant others in the individual’s environment. The book develops the concept of the core defense of the “fantasy bond” and describes the…
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…ps, set against the background of skillful psychotherapeutic intervention. Dr. Robert W. Firestone explains and illustrates his concept of the “Fantasy Bond,” an illusion of connection utilized as a defense mechanism against emotional closeness. This film offers fresh insights into the core issues in disturbed marital relations. It suggests that by understanding their tendency to form these damaging ties, men and women can regain the feelings of l…
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…tain love and closeness? In this film, the participants, with refreshing candor, discuss topics of mate selection, honesty and deception, and the process of learning how to love. This filmed seminar is led by Dr. Robert W. Firestone, who together with the participants provides some new and powerful insights as to why good relationships are so difficult to maintain. Format: DVD Price: $39.95 Buy Now…
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…t to the book “The Fantasy Bond”. In this dynamic interview, Dr. Robert W. Firestone discusses his concept of the “Fantasy Bond” and its relationship to the neurotic process with Dr. Richard Sieden, suicidologist, and Barry Langberg, attorney. The topics discussed include the dynamics of the “Fantasy Bond,” the “voice” and a defended lifestyle; emotional hunger; marital and family bonds; defense against separation and death anxiety; the bi-polar c…
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…rances. Parents who behave in this manner exert a strong pull on their children that drains a child of his or her emotional resources… [Parents] often confuse their own intense feelings of need and anxious attachment for genuine love. They fail to make a distinction between emotional hunger, which is a strong need caused by deprivation in their own childhoods, and genuine feelings of tenderness, love, and concern for their child’s well-being. Pare…
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…revelations concerning the core issues involved in the mistreatment of children. Dr. Robert Firestone interacts with a group of parents, and their honest responses illustrate the personality dynamics underlying the perpetuation of this damaging cycle. This is a valuable public service program for clinicians, parents, and perspective parents. “At the bottom line in our treatment of children is the quality of the experience we provide. This film mak…
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…tures a lively discussion between several young teenagers, ages 13-14, and Dr. Robert Firestone about the importance of being in touch with one’s feelings and developing the ability to communicate feelings to others, including one’s competitive feelings. This informative film examines themes often neglected in our educational system. This program is recommended for teachers and counselors for use at both junior and senior high school levels. Forma…
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…itle: A Perspective on Parent-Child Relations. In this program, Dr. Robert Firestone clarifies the distinction between parental behavior that leads to an anxious attachment in children and behavior that promotes a secure attachment. Participants in a parenting discussion group explore the destructive effects of emotional hunger, both from a perspective of their own childhood experiences and in present-day interactions with their children. A positi…
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…ach to increasing differentiation, a four-step process developed by Robert Firestone, Ph.D. that involves: 1. Breaking with internalized thought processes, that is, the critical, hostile attitudes toward self and others. 2. Altering the negative personality traits in oneself that represent an incorporation of the aversive traits of one’s parents. 3. Identifying and relinquishing patterns of defense formed as an adaptation to painful events in one’…
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…entered into a “Fantasy Bond,” a term developed by psychologist and author Dr. Robert Firestone to describe an illusion of connection created between two people that helps alleviate their individual fears by forging a false sense of connection. A fantasy bond is toxic to a relationship because it replaces real feelings of love and support with a desire to fuse identities and operate as a unit. As the couple relates as a “we” instead of a “you” and…
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