Which book should I start with?
Born Only Once is a good, concise little book (also available as an audiobook) on affirmation and is an excellent place to start. Suzanne Baars’ CD set, “Made In His Image” is also helpful for gaining an overview of Dr. Baars’ work.
How do I know which books are right for me?
If you are new to Drs. Baars and Terruwe’s work, Born Only Once is a good place to start. Suzanne Baars’ CD set/mp3 “Made In His Image” also offers a good overall introduction to the body of work on affirmation and affirmation therapy. If you would like an in-depth discussion of Emotional Deprivation Disorder, read Healing the Unaffirmed. Finally, Feeling and Healing Your Emotions is written in an easy to understand question and answer format, and addresses the emotional life. See our online shop for further information on available books, digital mp3s, and CDs.
Why were Dr. Baars’ and Dr. Terruwe’s books revised and updated?
In the United States, the standard for works in psychology/psychiatry/counseling is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Books written in the mental health field need to be in a compatible format. Dr. Baars works were written in a 1968 DSM-II standard. Standards have changed greatly since then. If the books were reprinted with the old terminology, deprivation neurosis (Emotional Deprivation Disorder) would not be accepted into the DSM. In addition, terms such as “neurosis” are no longer accepted by the American Psychiatric Association as diagnostic terms; therefore, “deprivation neurosis” and “obsessive-compulsive neurosis” are obsolete terms. The books needed revision in this very important area of diagnostic terminology.
I don’t like to read. Is there an audiobook/talk that’s right for me?
We have various downloadable mp3s available through our online shop.
How can I introduce my therapist to this information?
Introducing a therapist to Dr. Terruwe and Dr. Baars’ work through books and CDs can be quite helpful to a therapeutic relationship. Not all therapists will have time to read the books and listen to the CDs, however. It is important to have a warm, understanding and affirming therapist who can see your goodness and reveal it to you affectively.
Is phone or Internet therapy okay for Emotional Deprivation Disorder?
It is important for someone with Emotional Deprivation Disorder to be able to have a face-to-face relationship with a therapist or other affirming person. Because unaffirmed persons have not beheld their goodness reflected in the eyes, facial expression and body language of another person, this is essential for healing. Although phone or web-based therapy permits some kind of connection, it is best to try to find in-person therapy whenever possible.
Why doesn't my therapist know about this therapy?
There are many theories in the world of psychology today. Since this therapy incorporates the spiritual aspect of the human person, it is not in the mainstream of psychology today. We hope that through the internet and the republication of a number of Drs. Baars and Terruwe’s books, more therapists will come to know and embrace the truths found in this therapy.
Where can I find a therapist who practices this way?
There are a limited number of therapists who understand Drs. Terruwe and Baars’ work and put it into practice. If you would like to find out if there is a therapist near you that we can recommend, please contact us with the area of the country you live in and we will let you know if there is a therapist in your area.
I'm a Christian. Do I need a Christian therapist?
It’s important to have a good, comfortable relationship with your therapist. It’s also very important to have someone who can understand the spiritual aspect of your life. If your therapist practices a different religion than you do, it is important to try to have a priest, minister or spiritual director of your faith tradition to help you with issues that involve religion or God. It’s not always possible to receive important and necessary information for healing from someone who doesn’t understand your faith background. Even though is not essential that your therapist be Christian, it’s very helpful.
Does the person who affirms me have to be a therapist?
No, it is not necessary that the person who affirms an unaffirmed person is a therapist. It can be a pastor, priest, spiritual director, special relative or friend that God places in one’s life. It is important that an unaffirmed person have a therapeutic relationship though.
How long can I expect to be in affirmation therapy?
That depends on how affirmed or unaffirmed a person is. Everyone is different and comes to therapy with different backgrounds, different parents, different family and living situations, different friends, etc. In therapy, because individuals grow through developmental stages that they missed in life, it takes longer than many other therapies and takes patience and understanding on the part of the therapist. The affirmation therapist is not looking for quick fixes to an immediate problem. The therapist is looking for life-long healing and wholeness. For persons with Emotional Deprivation Disorder, treatment can take a number of years.
If I start paying more attention to my emotions and bodily feelings, won't I become less spiritual?
“It is not body or spirit, but body and spirit, interacting by means of intellect and emotions (psyche), which enable us to love God.” (Baars)
