Trauma, attachment wounds and external criticism can leave us battling a sense of shame and inadequacy that can keep us from thriving personally and in relationships. In Transforming the Shame Triangle, integrative therapist Jessica Fern and restorative justice facilitator David Cooley use a synthesis of Internal Family Systems and Narrative Process to identify the three parts that they identify as the greatest barriers to achieving the life we want.
The Inner Critic, Shame and the Escaper are players in an internalized drama triangle, acting as perpetrator, victim and rescuer. Together, they create the Shame Triangle, which can trap us in ineffective survival strategies that prevent us from embracing and expressing our true selves.
Through practical exercises and accessible explanations, readers are guided to shift from a state of self-critique to one of self-support-transforming the Shame Triangle to a love triangle. Using parts work, Fern and Cooley open a path to healing and transformation, building a foundation of authenticity and integrity in self and connections, and ultimately creating a more fulfilling life. 1. Author reputation. Jessica Fern's first book, Polysecure, has achieved huge market success, proving her knowledge and accessible tone.
2. Timely. Internal Family Systems and parts work are contemporary psychological approaches and audiences are looking for accessible information on these topics.
3. Unique approach. Synthesizes Narrative Process and Internal Family Systems and applies the concept of the drama triangle to internal dynamics.
4. Practical. This book offers practical advice and exercises from an experienced psychotherapist and restorative justice facilitator. A practical, accessible primer on using parts work to transform shame and self-criticism to authenticity and integrity. "Shame is a prevailing issue in people's psychology and leads to a multitude of problems in relationships. In this book, Jessica Fern and David Cooley provide incredibly helpful tools in aiding clinicians and clients in working through and managing shame. I would highly recommend Transforming the Shame Triangle for anyone looking to increase their understanding of how to use parts work to manage emotions and address problems."-Tamara Pincus, licensed clinical social worker, sex therapist and co-author of It's Called Polyamory: Coming Out About Your Nonmonogamous Relationships A practical, accessible primer on using parts work to transform shame and self-criticism to authenticity and integrity.
