…as been replaced by an illusion of connection, or what psychologist Robert Firestone refers to as the “Fantasy Bond.” The fantasy bond is a mode of relating in which couples interact in a manner of form that enables them to imagine that they are close while maintaining emotional distance. Individuals in these relationships are acting on an unconscious fear of intimacy that influences them to not be vulnerable to their partners. Couples in a fantas…
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…his inclination toward form over substance is what psychologist Dr. Robert Firestone, refers to as the “fantasy bond.” This illusion of connection allows us to feel secure and attached to a person without having a real feeling of love for that person. We are less threatened by a “fantasy bond” then a real connection, as it allows us to feel that we are not alone or that we are taken care of, while diminishing the pain or vulnerability that comes w…
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…ides from “The Critical Inner Voice That Causes Depression” Here Watch Dr. Robert Firestone describe the Steps in Voice Therapy: Recommended Books See all Upcoming PsychAlive Webinars Learn about upcoming free and CE PsychAlive Webinars with leading experts in the field of psychology. Support PsychAlive.org and The Glendon Association in their mission to advance mental health by bringing psychological awareness and insights into everyday life….
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…estructive inner coach, what my father, psychologist and author Dr. Robert Firestone and I have come to refer to as the “critical inner voice.” This internal enemy preys on any vulnerability or perceived weakness, telling us that we are nothing, that we are different, that we are less than, undeserving, or alone. When athletes start to feel separated from the world, they may start to listen to and increasingly believe the commentary of this cruel…
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…s a defense against the inevitable pain of the human condition. Dr. Robert Firestone describes this condition in his blog “Life-Affirming Death Awareness:” Most people spend their lifetime without a great deal of self-awareness, living lives of emptiness and drudgery based on their early programming. They rarely reflect on their circumstances but rather are addicted to a lifestyle of form and routine. Few develop a life plan or project that gives…
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…iewing, and assessing violent individuals, along with my father Dr. Robert Firestone, I began to recognize certain “voices” (negative thought processes) that flood the minds of these individuals influencing them to engage in acts of violence. These “voices” aren’t experienced as hallucinations but rather are a systematic pattern of negative thoughts against to the self, and hostile and suspicious toward others. We call these destructive thoughts “…
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…nna Rockwell talks about what drew her to the practice of meditation. Lisa Firestone: When did you first become interested in mindfulness and what attracted you to that practice of meditation? Donna Rockwell: Well, it was quite interesting really because I was a journalist in Washington, DC and I was a typical Type A running 100 miles an hour every day and I had friends who I heard were Buddhist meditation people and I had always been interested s…
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…with, this person I love. Yet…can love be defined? And if so, how? Robert Firestone, Lisa Firestone and Joyce Catlett have tackled this question in a forthright manner in their book: Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships. “In the authors’ view, behaviors that fit the description of a loving relationship are expressions of affection, both physical and emotional; a wish to offer pleasure and satisfaction to one’s mate; tenderness, compassion, and…
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…r a winner in these arguments. As my father psychologist and author Robert Firestone says, “You may win the battle, but you will lose the war.” Keep perspective on what’s important. If your goal is really to be close again, then sometimes it’s worth just dropping the past, putting down your guard, and simply being nice to each other. Unilateral disarmament can be a first step to getting back the easy and loving flow of feelings between you and you…
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