The Undefended Self: Living the Pathwork

by Susan Thesenga, Eva Broch Pierrakos (Editor)

The Undefended Self is a profound pragmatic guide to living the spiritual-psychological path toward union—with self, with others and with the essence of life. Here we learn, through the Pathwork teachings, and through true personal stories of conflict, crisis and —The maps and processes for the hero's journey for our times. —How to dismantle personal defenses safely and sanely and to anchor in our original divine nature. —How meeting the unconscious dark side of human nature releases powerful new energies for creativity, love, aliveness, and awakening and leaves us permanently changed. —how to work with the invitations, tasks, and realities of each of the developmental stages of consciousness. Like such other contemporary spiritual teachings as "A Course in Miracles" and "Conversations with God," "The Undefended Self is a clarion call of hope and liberation for ourselves and for our world. "The Undefended Self" has been published in seven languages and is read at schools of healing and transformation and in study groups around the world.

Genres: Psychology, Spirituality

350 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

Reviews

[Samantha]

I read this mask, higher self, and lower self integration book faster than I did a THRILLER. So much value here. Best articulation of masks and lower self, particularly because it goes into VERY FAMILIAR personality archetype examples (I.E. YOU, ME, and EVERYONE WE KNOW) instead of that same old abstract warning about how the shadow is disowned unconscious aspects that we gotta familiarize ourselves with, but it will be difficult we won't want to see. (I like the warning, but I appreciate having it expanded on in here.)

I'm gonna recommend this as a go-to intro to shadow integration book to everyone interested because it's both thorough and readable. The author also draws on clients' stories and dreams and some of them were compelling and others seemed like lies for how well their symbolism tied together to make the perfect point. A wonderful Jungian-lensed psychological and spiritual book on the importance of shadow integration. Written by people involved in Core Energetics somatic psychology work. Revelatory, insightful, and surprisingly hard to put down!

[Kimberly Nichols]

One of the most incredible exploration of the higher self, lower self and mask self and the reconciliation of all three that I have ever read. Definitely recommend to those on healing journeys or in search of psychological and spiritual integration.

[Carol Bean]

This is a powerful and effective approach to identifying the issues that prevent one from finding their true self; the "undefended self" as the pathwork calls our unconditioned nature. I worked with the lectures in this book for several years and highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in real tools for real problems. But beware, you have to be willing to apply the principles to your own life; its not enough just to read about them! A powerful, authentic method with the power to transform ones life it you put the information to work.

Carol S Bean, author
Tender Heart of Joy: Tools for Reclaiming Your Full Measure of Delight

[Christina Frith]

There are so many interesting things in this book. It is a pscho-spiritual journey through the tendencies of the human being. There are many concepts in this book that I find truly well articulated. Just the concept of the undefended self is one to ponder.

[Jim Kelly]

If you want a no-bullshit approach to your personal growth, try living this.

[Jonas Mendes]

Definitely the most intense, powerful and practical book I've read so far when it comes to psychological exploration and transformation.

It's mind blowing how Susan managed to write this, presenting the self-transformation journeys in such a powerful way with real stories and mapping the concepts so well.

While reading other's real stories and psychologicaI journeys I felt like my own psyche was unfolding right in front of my senses while I could relate to a high extent with the experiences/stories.

I'm incredibly grateful for this book and for all the intense work that people did with themselves.

[Jill Sompel]

Excellent workbook

I thought this was a very good workbook for anyone on their path to inner healing. There were many things I uncovered through the exercises that I wouldn’t have been able to get to on my own. It uncovered some inner child traumas and revealed my higher self. I used this workbook as a guide to chat with my therapist about some things and other things I worked through on my own. I think I’ll even read it again in a few years to see how my answered have changed and see how I’ve grown.

[Konrad Plechowski]

This has become my bible for spiritual growth. I believe I'll work with these concepts for the next 50 years to come. Stunningly comprehensive and eye opening while compact (leaving aside a bit too exaggerated stories and dreams).

[Charlotte]

Eigenlijk noodzakelijke kost voor iedereen die iets wil doen met emoties en werken met mensen.

[Michel Gonzalez]

Buena guía espiritual

[Bridie Tulloch]

Re reading this one.

[Emmish]

Priscilla bright HOL omega 7/2025

Linda Silverman 1/24/26