New Releases by Robert J. Wicks

"Resilience is an evergreen topic of interest. People are naturally drawn to information on how to improve self-care, develop a rich circle of friends, gain and maintain a healthy perspective, as well as become more attuned to ways of uncovering and productively spending periods of alone time. Such opportunities help improve self-awareness and understanding. They help improve our emotional intellect so we don''t immediately react but instead pause to reflect and process life as it unfolds. Self-care, friendship, a healthy perspective, and reflective periods also aid us to balance independence and collaboration as well as know how much psychological safety is needed so we can risk without being rash"--

"Spiritual mentoring advice inspired by the writings and life of renowned priest and author Henri Nouwen"--

“Riding the Dragon gives the reader the chance to look for the lessons that are often hidden in our sorrows.”—Goodreads reviewer Twenty years and 70,000 copies after it was first released, Riding the Dragon—by popular author, speaker, and psychologist Robert J. Wicks—continues to help thousands each year to confront the “dragons” of stress, discouragement, burnout, and unexpected change that everyone struggles with in their daily lives. Instead of pretending these difficulties don’t exist or trying to remove them entirely, Wicks offers ten lessons to help us face them, overcome them, and grow from them. These simple yet profound lessons draw on the wisdom of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions as well as Wicks’s experience as a psychologist, and include pairing clarity with kindness, seeking perspective daily, and building a barrier of simplicity. Riding the Dragon is a concise, compassionate, and knowledgeable guide for anyone experiencing or supporting someone facing personal or professional challenges. This twentieth anniversary edition features a new preface from the author, highlighting how Riding the Dragon is, perhaps now more than ever, an indispensable spiritual and psychological companion for all of us who are yearning for our lives to be transformed.

"I remember encountering a young colleague who came in to discuss a psychotherapy patient she was treating. She looked fatigued and almost sad, so I said to her, "Before we get into the case you wanted to discuss, how are you doing? You look drained." In return, she got teary, and said in a quiet, hoarse voice, "I think my soul is tired." In response, I smiled slightly, leaned back and said, "Well, we can''t have that, can we. Why not tell me what has been going on over the past weeks or months that strike you as particularly draining since are normally quite positive and filled with great spirits.""--

This book is an invitation to come home to your authentic self in a world that is frequently mesmerized by "spin," narcissism, fantasy, and exhibitionism. Psychology and classic wisdom literature have, in various ways, long recognized the value for simply becoming who you are (i.e., ordinariness). However, this call is becoming increasingly drowned out by the many other voices that emphasize publicity and image-making over authenticity and humility. Renowned therapist and author Robert Wicks has written The Tao of Ordinariness as a way of beginning to address these tendencies in contemporary society. In this new countercultural work, the strength and joy of exploring who you are - and proceeding to share yourself with others in a way that they too can reclaim themselves - is revisited from a range of vantage points. The author specifically reexamines themes of humility, simplicity, letting go, self-awareness, "alonetime," resilience, and mentoring. In an era when people increasingly measure self-worth by external measures, such as the number of likes and views and followers on social media feeds (which have many individuals chasing impossible fantasies and living with a constant fear of "missing out"), Wicks offers a return to your authentic self.

Caring for our family members, friends, and others is a central part of a rewarding life. For those in healing and helping professions such as medicine, nursing, education, psychotherapy, social work, ministry, and the military, the potential for a meaningful way of being may even become more possible. But, compassion is not easy. At times, concern for others can be personally devastating when we don''t possess the right attitude and approach. Reaching out (and reflectively within) without being pulled down requires the wisdom that only arises out of the right combination of humility and knowledge. Night Call offers the stories and principles gleaned over many years of writing and mentoring for those in the helping and healing professions. The stories are offered in ways that foster compassionate caring while encouraging initiative in those who seek to personally deepen and share their lives with others -- especially in times of significant need. With this in mind, Dr. Wicks presents information on: - being a healing presence - mining fruits of the failures all of us must experience at times - the need to enjoy the daily crumbs of alonetime - the importance of a spirit of unlearning - developing a simple realistic self-care program - valuing informal or formal mentoring - recognizing the 3 calls to which we must respond to as we psychologically develop - honoring life''s most elusive psychological virtue (humility) Purposely brief, the chapters, as well as the sections in the personal resiliency retreat section at the end of the book, have as their goal a reconsideration of values, signature strengths, and simple approaches to living a resilient, rewarding life. Rather than presenting new breakthroughs, Night Call is designed to dust off what most of us already know, at some level, so we can freshly view the key approaches and techniques that provide increased psychological self-awareness and a potentially healthier sense of presence to others. The themes offered may have been forgotten, or become undervalued/set aside because of some of society''s dysfunctional norms or unhelpful family influences. In response, this simple, countercultural book combines the value of essential self-compassion with caring for others in ways that provide the impetus for further exploration of a fuller narrative for both the readers of this work and unforeseen opportunities as well for those who are fortunate enough to cross their paths.

We''ve all had times when bouncing back from the ordinary stress of daily life or an unexpected tragedy seems to be an insurmountable challenge. We need a way to recover resilience. If you''re facing difficult times, Dr. Robert Wicks is here to help you regain your balance by discovering resources you may have been taking for granted. Through 30 daily reflections, you can gradually find your way back to a place of serenity and renewed energy. Wicks draws on the wisdom and insight of great teachers and healers throughout the ages, as well as the wealth of insight from the Scriptures to show how a renewed spiritual life can bring you to a place of psychological strength.

"Robert Wicks is a master craftsman of hope. He exquisitely hones this indispensable quality in Conversations with a Guardian Angel. Wicks''s perspective remains positive even amid the greatest darkness and loss. The author has a remarkable ability to draw meaning from the events of ordinary life and offer theological, spiritual and psychological insights with both depth and clarity. As with his other publications, this one is spiced with good humor, delightful stories, and practical insights. Prepare yourself for a spiritually enriching and hope-filled experience as you enter into these beloved conversations." -- Joyce Rupp, Award-winning author of numerous books, including Fragments of Your Ancient Name Jack, a psychiatrist recovering from a personal tragedy, finds hope and healing in the wise words offered by his guardian angel, Kathleen. She introduces him to a world of new perspective, the insight of other spiritual guides, and a new life of acceptance and hope in the wake of great loss. The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.

This is one of the few programmed texts now available in the police-correctional science fieldOCoone of the first written specifically for law enforcement and correction officers on interviewing. Features include an easy-to-understand programmed format, numerous studies from the law enforcement and corrections fields, basic principles in interviewing (not offered in any interrogation text to date), universal principles designed for use throughout the world."

With total book sales of more than 200,000 copies, spiritual teacher Robert J. Wicks brings his characteristic warmth and insight to his newest book, an "inner workshop" for the soul. He shows readers that personal transformation is attainable through a simple, day-by-day process of identifying and turning the next corner of his or her spiritual life. For Robert Wicks, forward motion in the spiritual life is "no problem." All it takes is the right perspective and a little bit of knowledge--both of which he provides through his book''s three-part structure: twenty lessons, three doorways, and thirty daily exercises. Wicks''s twenty lessons are bite-sized and practical, and he shows how the two great commandments (love God, love others) and the parable of the Good Samaritan form doorways to spiritual riches. In part three, Wicks provides the tools and coaching for readers to conduct their own inner workshops. In these thirty spiritual exercises, Wicks invites his readers to acknowledge, accept, and start where they are, employing simple practices and assuring that God''s grace will carry them around the next spiritual corner.

For generations, classic wisdom literature has taught that a healthy perspective can replenish our thirst for a meaningful and rewarding life. From its inception clinical psychology has followed suit, revealing that how we see ourselves and the world is more important than what we see or have-in essence, that a healthy perspective is tantamount to possessing the psychological "pearl of great price." Robert J. Wicks, world-renowned psychologist and author of Bounce: Living the Resilient Life, has written a powerful guide for discovering and regaining a balanced and healthy perspective. Combining classic wisdom with cutting-edge research in cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology, his new book, Perspective, offers concrete steps for overcoming doubt and resistance to openness, so that beneficial life changes become possible. Drawing on the psychology of mindfulness, gratitude, and happiness, Dr. Wicks also reveals how a healthy perspective makes us more aware of the beneficial things already present in our lives. Perspective teaches us to see ourselves more completely and will inspire us to become the calm within the storm, better able to enjoy our experiences, maintain balance in our professional and personal lives, and reach out to others without being pulled down in the process.

One of the greatest gifts helping professionals can share with others is a sense of their own peace. However, retaining and renewing a sense of a healthy perspective requires not only self-care strategies, but also an awareness of basic profound, yet simple, wisdom themes. The Inner Life of the Counselor presents classic and contemporary wisdom that examines and explores each of these themes in a way that both professional and non-professional helpers will find revealing and meaningful in understanding their own journey. Informed by the author''s over thirty years of experience as a therapist, mentor, and clinical supervisor of professional helpers?as well as by his expertise in resiliency and prevention of secondary stress?The Inner Life of the Counselor thoughtfully looks at those elements that encourage sustained personal growth and professional development, such as self-care, stress management, and mindfulness. Lively, practical, and marked by an elegant sense of simplicity, this nurturing book demonstrates how exploring the inner life can lead counselors to new wisdom and inner peace?not only for themselves but also for those who come to them for relief and insight. It is an invitation to pause, reflect, renew, and navigate one of contemporary society''s most challenging yet rewarding professions.

"From the inspiring chapter quotes, to relevant historical and current research, to practical clinical directions, Primer on Posttraumatic Growth takes a giant step toward both grounding us and moving us ahead with strong hope for adjustment and growth in the post-trauma/loss world. This is a comprehensive, practical, and readable work that should be at hand for any mental health clinician, pastoral care professional, or student preparing for these professions." —J. Shep Jeffreys, EdD, FT, author of Helping Grieving People—When Tears Are Not Enough: A Handbook for Care Providers, Second Edition A guide for helping your clients overcome negative events, based on the latest research on posttraumatic growth Drawing on the growing empirical and theoretical material on posttraumatic growth—an outgrowth of the positive psychology movement—Primer on Posttraumatic Growth provides insight, depth, and treatment recommendations for both the clinicians who work with those who have experienced dramatic negative events in their lives and for other professionals who support victims of trauma and extreme stress. This essential primer examines: The connections between meaning and growth The impact of cognitive processing on posttraumatic growth Positive emotion and posttraumatic growth Posttraumatic growth and an "open" personality The human drive to be in positive and important interpersonal relationships Forgiveness: can it be extended towards all areas of posttraumatic growth? Posttraumatic growth and religious and spiritual variables Wisdom and posttraumatic growth

Now in paperback, Prayerfulness,by Robert J. Wicks--therapist, speaker, and bestselling author of Riding the Dragon--examines what it means to live fully in the present moment, with eyes wide open to life and to God. Blending insights from Christian contemplation and Buddhist mindfulness, Robert J. Wicks offers a brilliant guide to cultivating a receptive and reflective attitude to life. A rich array of insights--including seven practical steps, a thirty-day at-home retreat, and a "spiritual mindfulness questionnaire"--helps readers develop a loving, clear, and balanced outlook. Drawing from classic and contemporary spiritual writing, Wicks explores seven steps to growth in prayerfulness, including creating simple rituals, honoring life''s fragility, facing difficulties directly, and befriending anger. Thirty days of reflections, quotations, and questions also guide readers to form or strengthen a practice of daily prayer. A special feature is the innovative spiritual mindfulness questionnaire, a set of thirty open-ended questions that lead to a clearer sense of how present one is to daily life. Filled with practical wisdom and rooted in sound psychological principles, Prayerfulness is a clear and simple manual to living fully in the present moment.

Robert J. Wicks, noted psychologist and best-selling author of Riding the Dragon and Everyday Simplicity, offers an insightful guide on how the wisdom of the ancient desert monks can help contemporary readers grow in personal freedom and authenticity. Exploring the early Christian monastic movement of the Desert Fathers and Mothers through a psychological lens, Dr. Wicks uses their wisdom to guide readers towards humility and freedom. In the same way the desert sages never gave answers, but always asked questions, Crossing the Desert presents readers with the Four Desert Questions that will lead them to take Three Steps to Inner Freedom.

This repackaged edition of Dr. Robert J. Wicks''s most popular book will revitalize his message of ordinariness, self-esteem, and friendship for a new generation of spiritual seekers. Infusing the wisdom of ancient and contemporary Christians with his own vast experience as a parent, teacher, and counselor, Dr. Wicks demonstrates that the simplicity and openness of truly ordinary people is a meeting place with God. Dr. Wicks''s wise guidance includes descriptions of the four types of friends we need for the spiritual journey, principles of self-respect, checklists on openness and listening, skills for stress management, and much more.

Pastoral counseling is one of the fastest growing ministry specialties in the emerging world church. ''Pastoral Counseling in a Global Church'' vividly presents the experiences of people involved in ministry in different cultures, in Asia, Africa, and Latin America as well as Europe and Australia. Its practical, narrative-style approach complements more theoretical treatments of cross-cultural counseling. In our increasingly global and multicultural world, sensitivity to the ways in which families and cultures are central to growth in Christian life is essential for pastoral counselors. This is especially true since, in many cultures, the pastoral ministry is the first one people turn to for help, before mental health or other professionals. Those who can apply culturally-relevant and sensitive pastoral skills can provide real help to those in need: whether in a multicultural parish in North America, or anywhere in the world.

Stories, ideas and truths that show how to nourish the human spirit--our own and that of those we meet along life''s journey.

Everybody talks spirituality. Here''s how you can do something real and practical about achieving it.

Mentoring has long been a treasured way people have shared their wisdom with others. Ideal for everyone from families to church groups, "Sharing Wisdom" offers a simple, step-by-step approach to everyday mentoring. It''s filled with stories, easy-to-learn skills, and prudent helpful cautions.

"This guide sets out to fill the "religion information gap" which often exists between psychotherapists and the Protestant and Catholic clergy, sisters, brothers, and deacons they treat. Chronic and acute secondary stress among those in ministry is high today, and it leads many of them into therapy looking for help. The authors conclude that clinical treatment for religious workers is a multicultural issue, as it is with any diverse ethnic, racial, or otherwise culturally distinct group. To this end, they frame each relevant psychological issue discussed in terms of its cultural context for those engaged in professional ministry, along with the social context that influences the problem, and the internal psychological set that either predisposes or complicates the issue."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Written as a partial antidote to the isolation and potential alienation of people living in a world that is moving too fast, this book adapts insights gleaned from the pastoral counseling profession to help everyday people hone and heighten gifts that can help them reach out to others in a more Christian and transformational form of caring. The authors offer concrete means to help readers enhance their talents in the areas of listening, being supportive, problem solving, dealing with crises and knowing when and how to refer in order to equip them as they seek to offer care to others in daily encounters.

Publisher description: Robert Wicks addresses the need to prepare spiritually, rather than financially, for retirement. Wicks encourages readers to focus on three areas of preparation: building interior lives with prayer, caring for others from a deeper place in the soul and nurturing their own soul and hopeful heart. Wicks carefully mixes ideas, quotations, stories, humor and original prayers to provide practical spiritual advice and keen psychological reflection. He offers refreshing new ways to pray, including learning how to enjoy solitude, practicing "spiritual letter writing," developing one''s own parables and practicing the gift of presence. All these help readers embrace God at the center of their lives.

In this small but fully packed book, ths authors reflect on one of life''s most important experiences. And they do so from the vantage point of a friendship that evolved from a professional acquaintanceship--author and editor--offering firsthand wisdom on being a friend and recognizing a friend.

In this practical and hopeful book, the author leads readers on the path of sensitivity, encouraging them not to withdraw from the darkness in the world, while warning of the pitfalls of cynicism and burnout. Rooted in the richness of spiritual tradition, this book is indeed a guiding light for those who seek to live a sensitive life.

Provides professionals in counseling, nursing, education, and community health with the behavior theory and applications for intervening with the emotional disturbed. Discusses the history and philosophy, diagnosis and classification, strategies and procedures for intervention and treatment, communi

Building on the groundbreaking original work with the same title, these articles focus on current issues, such as certain life stages, special populations, the devalued and abused, the addicted and special issues of the 1990''s.