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Hidden Treasure: How to Break Free of Five Patterns that Hide Your True Self
Do you long to live a more authentic life but feel you might be getting in your own way? In Hidden Treasure, author Alice McDowell reveals five personality patterns that cause unnecessary suffering and block individuals from living a full and radiant life. These patterns can be so ingrained that they influence body shape and even who a person thinks they are. Through a series of exercises, compelling true stories, fun cartoons, and spiritual insights, McDowell offers individuals and groups an opportunity to learn about—and break free of—these patterns. She provides guidelines for readers to join or create a Hidden Treasure group for ongoing exploration. No matter a person’s age or background, Hidden Treasure can light the way to soften and heal these patterns—and restore your true self and spiritual identity in the process.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2017
16 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Alice McDowell
2 books7 followersAlice McDowell, PhD is a counselor in private practice, workshop leader, retreat guide, and cofounder of Light on the Hill Retreat Center.
For more than twenty years, she has shared her knowledge of personality patterns with students of all ages and walks of life in a three-year program she founded called Finding the Hidden Treasure.
A professor of religious studies at Ithaca College for eighteen years, she now facilitates groups devoted to inner work. McDowell has trained with healers, humanist and transpersonal psychologists, Sufi and Buddhist teachers, and Christian contemplatives, and has guided people in their personal and spiritual journeys for over thirty years. She draws upon her diverse training and life experience to help others awaken to their true selves, their divinity within.
For more than twenty years, she has shared her knowledge of personality patterns with students of all ages and walks of life in a three-year program she founded called Finding the Hidden Treasure.
A professor of religious studies at Ithaca College for eighteen years, she now facilitates groups devoted to inner work. McDowell has trained with healers, humanist and transpersonal psychologists, Sufi and Buddhist teachers, and Christian contemplatives, and has guided people in their personal and spiritual journeys for over thirty years. She draws upon her diverse training and life experience to help others awaken to their true selves, their divinity within.
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November 14, 2017
‘The awareness of our illusions and the consciousness of our divine Self creates personal and transpersonal transformation.’
New York author Alice McDowell, PhD initially majored in math and became a statistical analyst in the NYC financial district, within two years she returned graduate school for religious studies and subsequently taught mysticism, world religions, depth psychology and women’s studies at Ithaca College. She now is a counselor in private practice, retreat guide, and cofounder of Light on the Hill Retreat Center, as well as the founder of the Hidden Treasure program―a three-year training in personal and spiritual growth. Alice has trained with healers, humanist and transpersonal psychologists, Sufi and Buddhist teachers, and Christian contemplatives, and has guided people in their personal and spiritual journeys for over thirty years. ‘She draws upon her diverse training and life experience to help others awaken to their true selves, their divinity within.’
As Alice has stated elsewhere, ‘There is a deep longing in us for greater fulfillment, aliveness, authenticity, and love. We frantically seek to fulfill this longing outside ourselves. Yet its fulfillment lies deep within—the hidden treasure or divine Self. Such a process requires courage, commitment, and discipline. The awareness of our illusions and the consciousness of our divine Self creates personal and transpersonal transformation. Every part of you is invited to open up to the Light within. The opening brings healing and leads us to the treasure. It’s a physical process. It’s an energetic process, it’s a psychological process, it’s a spiritual process.’ The book is a study of the Psychology of Self-Awareness.
The synopsis for her book provides a competent outline of the content – ‘Do you long to live a more authentic life but feel you might be getting in your own way? Author Alice McDowell reveals five personality patterns that cause unnecessary suffering and block individuals from living a full and radiant life. These patterns can be so ingrained that they influence body shape and even who a person thinks they are. Through a series of exercises, compelling true stories, fun cartoons, and spiritual insights, McDowell offers individuals and groups an opportunity to learn about—and break free of—these patterns. She provides guidelines for readers to join or create a Hidden Treasure group for ongoing exploration. No matter a person’s age or background, Hidden Treasure can light the way to soften and heal these patterns—and restore your true self and spiritual identity in the process.’
HIDDEN TREASURE examines five personality patterns or character structures - Schizoid, Oral, Masochist, Psychopathic, and Rigid – and teaches us how to break free of these patterns through effective exercises, supported by true stories and excellent illustrations and insights on how to conquer these adversities and find a more fulfilling life. The manner in which she enters each of these character structures makes of a private session with a coach of substance. Not only helpful end informative, Alice has also created a book that is completely entertaining to read!
New York author Alice McDowell, PhD initially majored in math and became a statistical analyst in the NYC financial district, within two years she returned graduate school for religious studies and subsequently taught mysticism, world religions, depth psychology and women’s studies at Ithaca College. She now is a counselor in private practice, retreat guide, and cofounder of Light on the Hill Retreat Center, as well as the founder of the Hidden Treasure program―a three-year training in personal and spiritual growth. Alice has trained with healers, humanist and transpersonal psychologists, Sufi and Buddhist teachers, and Christian contemplatives, and has guided people in their personal and spiritual journeys for over thirty years. ‘She draws upon her diverse training and life experience to help others awaken to their true selves, their divinity within.’
As Alice has stated elsewhere, ‘There is a deep longing in us for greater fulfillment, aliveness, authenticity, and love. We frantically seek to fulfill this longing outside ourselves. Yet its fulfillment lies deep within—the hidden treasure or divine Self. Such a process requires courage, commitment, and discipline. The awareness of our illusions and the consciousness of our divine Self creates personal and transpersonal transformation. Every part of you is invited to open up to the Light within. The opening brings healing and leads us to the treasure. It’s a physical process. It’s an energetic process, it’s a psychological process, it’s a spiritual process.’ The book is a study of the Psychology of Self-Awareness.
The synopsis for her book provides a competent outline of the content – ‘Do you long to live a more authentic life but feel you might be getting in your own way? Author Alice McDowell reveals five personality patterns that cause unnecessary suffering and block individuals from living a full and radiant life. These patterns can be so ingrained that they influence body shape and even who a person thinks they are. Through a series of exercises, compelling true stories, fun cartoons, and spiritual insights, McDowell offers individuals and groups an opportunity to learn about—and break free of—these patterns. She provides guidelines for readers to join or create a Hidden Treasure group for ongoing exploration. No matter a person’s age or background, Hidden Treasure can light the way to soften and heal these patterns—and restore your true self and spiritual identity in the process.’
HIDDEN TREASURE examines five personality patterns or character structures - Schizoid, Oral, Masochist, Psychopathic, and Rigid – and teaches us how to break free of these patterns through effective exercises, supported by true stories and excellent illustrations and insights on how to conquer these adversities and find a more fulfilling life. The manner in which she enters each of these character structures makes of a private session with a coach of substance. Not only helpful end informative, Alice has also created a book that is completely entertaining to read!
December 17, 2017
Hidden Treasure – How to Break Free of Five Patterns that Hide Your True Self
Alice McDowell, Ph.D.
Review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
“If you’ve done a lot of spiritual work but still find certain negative issues operating in your life, learning about those structures can heal those issues to a point where they no longer block your spiritual growth.”
Alice McDowell, a counselor and cofounder of the Light on the Hill Retreat Center, has composed an activity based manual that is both thought-provoking and practical. She recalls her own earliest “negative issue”—the loss of her father at an early age—and how that experience from childhood gave her fears and a sense of disconnection that had to be explored and dealt with by therapy. Ultimately she was led to develop therapies for other based on spiritual principles.
She explains that everyone has a “shadow self” masked behind one’s “idealized self image”-- that person we believe and want ourselves to be, that we present on the outside. Using vivid line drawings, bullet points, charts, and exercises, McDowell allows us first to identify our shadow self, using a questionnaire, as one of five possible personality patterns: Psychopathy, Oral, Masochist, Schizoid, or Rigid. Each pattern is then described in detail in separate chapters, offering examples including emotional and physical characteristics, major aspects both positive and negative, and historical/cultural models.
For example, she cites Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz, as a person with typical schizoid structure, meaning that she is literally swept away to a fantasy world where events happen by magic, and in order to regain her self-control she must return to earth and focus on reality. A schizoid person will have a body form that is disjointed, unbalanced. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is a masochist, ashamed of his strange appearance and angry at the world; his quest to ruin Christmas leads him to the ultimate understanding that Christmas is about love and that he is loved, too. Such simple but vivid examples help the reader to understand his or her own shadow personality. The author is careful to cite positive characteristics of each personality type: the masochist, for example, is generally hardworking, with a good sense of humor.
The hidden treasure referenced by the title is the core personality that can gradually increase and shine, when one’s idealized self-image and shadow patterns have been reduced by spiritual growth.
McDowell’s guidebook is sprinkled with inspiring quotations from notable spiritual and psychological trailblazers, and each chapter contains real stories from people who have been through the process she recommends. An appendix offers suggestions for communicating with one’s inner child, such as imagining one meets one’s younger self coming out of the childhood home, and began to ask questions about feelings and events that the child self is experiencing. In general, all resources for spiritual improvement that would be recommended for someone engaged in an active therapeutic Hidden Treasure program are, as the author says, happily offered here.
Alice McDowell, Ph.D.
Review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
“If you’ve done a lot of spiritual work but still find certain negative issues operating in your life, learning about those structures can heal those issues to a point where they no longer block your spiritual growth.”
Alice McDowell, a counselor and cofounder of the Light on the Hill Retreat Center, has composed an activity based manual that is both thought-provoking and practical. She recalls her own earliest “negative issue”—the loss of her father at an early age—and how that experience from childhood gave her fears and a sense of disconnection that had to be explored and dealt with by therapy. Ultimately she was led to develop therapies for other based on spiritual principles.
She explains that everyone has a “shadow self” masked behind one’s “idealized self image”-- that person we believe and want ourselves to be, that we present on the outside. Using vivid line drawings, bullet points, charts, and exercises, McDowell allows us first to identify our shadow self, using a questionnaire, as one of five possible personality patterns: Psychopathy, Oral, Masochist, Schizoid, or Rigid. Each pattern is then described in detail in separate chapters, offering examples including emotional and physical characteristics, major aspects both positive and negative, and historical/cultural models.
For example, she cites Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz, as a person with typical schizoid structure, meaning that she is literally swept away to a fantasy world where events happen by magic, and in order to regain her self-control she must return to earth and focus on reality. A schizoid person will have a body form that is disjointed, unbalanced. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is a masochist, ashamed of his strange appearance and angry at the world; his quest to ruin Christmas leads him to the ultimate understanding that Christmas is about love and that he is loved, too. Such simple but vivid examples help the reader to understand his or her own shadow personality. The author is careful to cite positive characteristics of each personality type: the masochist, for example, is generally hardworking, with a good sense of humor.
The hidden treasure referenced by the title is the core personality that can gradually increase and shine, when one’s idealized self-image and shadow patterns have been reduced by spiritual growth.
McDowell’s guidebook is sprinkled with inspiring quotations from notable spiritual and psychological trailblazers, and each chapter contains real stories from people who have been through the process she recommends. An appendix offers suggestions for communicating with one’s inner child, such as imagining one meets one’s younger self coming out of the childhood home, and began to ask questions about feelings and events that the child self is experiencing. In general, all resources for spiritual improvement that would be recommended for someone engaged in an active therapeutic Hidden Treasure program are, as the author says, happily offered here.
November 13, 2017
I don’t read, let alone review, a great many self-help books, and wasn’t sure what to expect from Alice McDowell’s Hidden Treasure: How to Break Free of Five Patterns That Hide Your True Self, but upon seeing its blurb I was curious straight away. Who hasn’t heard that most of us have accumulated some (or at least one) bad habit that gets in the way of greater success, more rewarding relationships, or even of lasting contentment? “Sure,” I thought to myself, “I’m game.”
I found the book is broken down into rather straight forward segments consisting of an introductory chapter, five that each lay out one of the patterns referenced in the title and a final chapter, aptly titled, “Now What Do I Do?” Two appendices provide further information. A one-time questionnaire helps you gain better insight into which pattern you fit, thought and physical exercises are combined with each section on the five types and quirky drawings are sprinkled throughout the book. Brilliantly, the author also includes links to audio book companions.
So what exactly is a hidden treasure? Some readers might, by virtue of the book’s title and it being self help, be able to deduce a general idea of it referring to a type of worthiness we don’t really see within ourselves, or display; the author gets to that pretty quickly by defining it as the “true self,” the one that is too often blocked by childhood trauma or early environmental behaviors and the defenses we utilize to protect ourselves from them.
In the beginning I confess, I started to become a bit skeptical, concerned this would be too New Age-y and questioned the author’s frequent use of childhood, even birth, events as the culprit behind behavioral defense, and feared it all would descend into relativism when she spoke of a spiritual teacher giving a pass to pirates, who raped and pillaged Vietnamese escapees in the 1970s, based on the conditions under which they were raised. I also wasn’t completely sold on the re-birthing process discussed within true stories and other passages.
Having said all that, it is important to note that keeping an open mind, at least adopting a “Well, let’s just see where this goes” sort of mindset most definitely has its reward. As it turns out, the author’s approach is much more balanced, and this is more greatly reflected as the work moves forward, with acknowledgement that these behaviors exist on a continuum, some experiencing the negative impact to a greater or lesser degree than others.
She also wisely advises that none of these past experiences provide carte blanche to unload on others and stresses personal responsibility with a blame pledge that doesn’t prohibit a person from ever complaining, rather that one “honestly examine[s] what you claim to be the source of your feelings and [reject] the false belief that others or circumstances are causing them.” Especially in today’s environment in which people are routinely blamed for being offensive (a wrongly- and overused word I have grown to loathe) simply for expressing their opinions, I was relieved to see this important distinction made more than once.
McDowell introduces terms that correspond to childhood experiences and the techniques developed to protect ourselves from them, and the chapters succinctly explain examples of early trauma, behaviors standard for that character type, individual experiences and ways to heal. She also provides a table that summarizes the structures, which I found to be a useful visual to bring it all together.
The author early on acknowledges that traditional names of each of the five character structures aren’t as “palatable” as the terms used today. These are (with modern terms in parentheses):
Schizoid (Outsider)
Oral (Dependent-independent one)
Masochist (Endurer)
Psychopathy (Controller)
Rigid (Achiever)
While I’m not generally in favor of the term upheaval that continues to occur in our society, I appreciated these additions, given their association with psychology and mental health and how labeling ourselves and others with the older terms don’t necessarily go a long way toward the healing her book promotes. Being referred to as a controller, for example, isn’t exactly flattering, but it retains its negative connotation without wildly fantastic phrases that to the lay ear cast aspersions on a person’s ability to function in society.
Occasionally I came upon an exercise I wasn’t sure I could bring myself to do—not owing to physical inability, more along the lines of my own awkward feelings—though the vast majority are not only ones I felt I could participate in, but they also bore relation to the unique difficulties with added, associated benefits. For example, a person who presents within the oral structure and feels overwhelmed, never seeming to be able to have enough of anything, or anything done, might try the “I Am Enough” mantra.
[Elena recounts:]
The simple act of repeating “I am enough” seemed ridiculous, but I was desperate because I felt insecure and existentially unworthy. I’m humbled by this exercise. Whenever there’s a crisis or I feel inadequate, I switch on my “I am enough” mantra. It helps me defuse the negative spiraling voices. By doing this on a daily basis, I’m actually starting to anticipate my triggers and not give them power. My life’s purpose and energy has been a Sisyphean striving for enoughness: to be intelligent enough, well-read enough, rich enough, compassionate enough, loveable enough, spiritual enough, limber enough. Lately I’m starting to entertain the radical concept that perhaps “I am enough” just the way I am.
I especially chose this example because today it seems everyone relates to this on some level: perhaps they are fed up with the commercialization/“competition” of Christmas, or constantly compare themselves to other parents and people at work who seem to get more done. It also fits in very well with other works I have read that speak of continual growth paired with giving yourself permission to be who you are, such as a “good enough parent,” as one article spoke of. Another opened up the idea of rising from sleep an hour or so before one’s usual time, and some of the breathing exercises within Hidden Treasure would fit quite nicely in that period, to set the tone for the day, ground oneself, feel more connected to oneself in a world in which so many demands are made upon us.
Perhaps the element I most loved within Hidden Treasure is that within each chapter devoted to a particular character structure is a “gift” section: positive character traits that also tend to accompany each, transformed or of a higher version. For example, endurers might carry a great deal of anger, but that energy can also be utilized to achieve, especially as re-worked persistence (elevated above stubbornness) and their hardworking nature also contribute. Achieving all this becomes so much more a reality because, as McDowell stresses, you are not your structure and, importantly, gives readers choices. Having introduced Hidden Treasure groups and the idea of readers forming their own circles, she openly states there might come a time when a group is no longer needed, or participants have reached a point at which growth in a new direction is natural.
The stated parameters (e.g. accepting and identifying self behaviors) pair well with the flexibility within Hidden Treasure and I like that the physical and breathing exercises can fit into any lifestyle. Moreover, the book’s setup ensures that once someone identifies which character structure they fit into, they can easily focus on that particular chapter for easy return and reference. Accessible and written with a positive message, it works within a balance for all to experience ongoing, constructive change.
I found the book is broken down into rather straight forward segments consisting of an introductory chapter, five that each lay out one of the patterns referenced in the title and a final chapter, aptly titled, “Now What Do I Do?” Two appendices provide further information. A one-time questionnaire helps you gain better insight into which pattern you fit, thought and physical exercises are combined with each section on the five types and quirky drawings are sprinkled throughout the book. Brilliantly, the author also includes links to audio book companions.
So what exactly is a hidden treasure? Some readers might, by virtue of the book’s title and it being self help, be able to deduce a general idea of it referring to a type of worthiness we don’t really see within ourselves, or display; the author gets to that pretty quickly by defining it as the “true self,” the one that is too often blocked by childhood trauma or early environmental behaviors and the defenses we utilize to protect ourselves from them.
In the beginning I confess, I started to become a bit skeptical, concerned this would be too New Age-y and questioned the author’s frequent use of childhood, even birth, events as the culprit behind behavioral defense, and feared it all would descend into relativism when she spoke of a spiritual teacher giving a pass to pirates, who raped and pillaged Vietnamese escapees in the 1970s, based on the conditions under which they were raised. I also wasn’t completely sold on the re-birthing process discussed within true stories and other passages.
Having said all that, it is important to note that keeping an open mind, at least adopting a “Well, let’s just see where this goes” sort of mindset most definitely has its reward. As it turns out, the author’s approach is much more balanced, and this is more greatly reflected as the work moves forward, with acknowledgement that these behaviors exist on a continuum, some experiencing the negative impact to a greater or lesser degree than others.
She also wisely advises that none of these past experiences provide carte blanche to unload on others and stresses personal responsibility with a blame pledge that doesn’t prohibit a person from ever complaining, rather that one “honestly examine[s] what you claim to be the source of your feelings and [reject] the false belief that others or circumstances are causing them.” Especially in today’s environment in which people are routinely blamed for being offensive (a wrongly- and overused word I have grown to loathe) simply for expressing their opinions, I was relieved to see this important distinction made more than once.
McDowell introduces terms that correspond to childhood experiences and the techniques developed to protect ourselves from them, and the chapters succinctly explain examples of early trauma, behaviors standard for that character type, individual experiences and ways to heal. She also provides a table that summarizes the structures, which I found to be a useful visual to bring it all together.
The author early on acknowledges that traditional names of each of the five character structures aren’t as “palatable” as the terms used today. These are (with modern terms in parentheses):
Schizoid (Outsider)
Oral (Dependent-independent one)
Masochist (Endurer)
Psychopathy (Controller)
Rigid (Achiever)
While I’m not generally in favor of the term upheaval that continues to occur in our society, I appreciated these additions, given their association with psychology and mental health and how labeling ourselves and others with the older terms don’t necessarily go a long way toward the healing her book promotes. Being referred to as a controller, for example, isn’t exactly flattering, but it retains its negative connotation without wildly fantastic phrases that to the lay ear cast aspersions on a person’s ability to function in society.
Occasionally I came upon an exercise I wasn’t sure I could bring myself to do—not owing to physical inability, more along the lines of my own awkward feelings—though the vast majority are not only ones I felt I could participate in, but they also bore relation to the unique difficulties with added, associated benefits. For example, a person who presents within the oral structure and feels overwhelmed, never seeming to be able to have enough of anything, or anything done, might try the “I Am Enough” mantra.
[Elena recounts:]
The simple act of repeating “I am enough” seemed ridiculous, but I was desperate because I felt insecure and existentially unworthy. I’m humbled by this exercise. Whenever there’s a crisis or I feel inadequate, I switch on my “I am enough” mantra. It helps me defuse the negative spiraling voices. By doing this on a daily basis, I’m actually starting to anticipate my triggers and not give them power. My life’s purpose and energy has been a Sisyphean striving for enoughness: to be intelligent enough, well-read enough, rich enough, compassionate enough, loveable enough, spiritual enough, limber enough. Lately I’m starting to entertain the radical concept that perhaps “I am enough” just the way I am.
I especially chose this example because today it seems everyone relates to this on some level: perhaps they are fed up with the commercialization/“competition” of Christmas, or constantly compare themselves to other parents and people at work who seem to get more done. It also fits in very well with other works I have read that speak of continual growth paired with giving yourself permission to be who you are, such as a “good enough parent,” as one article spoke of. Another opened up the idea of rising from sleep an hour or so before one’s usual time, and some of the breathing exercises within Hidden Treasure would fit quite nicely in that period, to set the tone for the day, ground oneself, feel more connected to oneself in a world in which so many demands are made upon us.
Perhaps the element I most loved within Hidden Treasure is that within each chapter devoted to a particular character structure is a “gift” section: positive character traits that also tend to accompany each, transformed or of a higher version. For example, endurers might carry a great deal of anger, but that energy can also be utilized to achieve, especially as re-worked persistence (elevated above stubbornness) and their hardworking nature also contribute. Achieving all this becomes so much more a reality because, as McDowell stresses, you are not your structure and, importantly, gives readers choices. Having introduced Hidden Treasure groups and the idea of readers forming their own circles, she openly states there might come a time when a group is no longer needed, or participants have reached a point at which growth in a new direction is natural.
The stated parameters (e.g. accepting and identifying self behaviors) pair well with the flexibility within Hidden Treasure and I like that the physical and breathing exercises can fit into any lifestyle. Moreover, the book’s setup ensures that once someone identifies which character structure they fit into, they can easily focus on that particular chapter for easy return and reference. Accessible and written with a positive message, it works within a balance for all to experience ongoing, constructive change.
July 24, 2025
An excellent read! I was surprised by the amount of information in this book. Psychology/self help books often just skim the surface of a topic. Or, they are too deep for the reader who wants hands-on practical ways of applying tools for growth. Hidden Treasure: How to Break Free of Five Patterns that Hide Your True Self is hands-on practical, not light reading yet so readable for the person on their own journey. Alice McDowell walks her readers through the psychological, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the 5 character structures she identifies. She uses questionnaires, cartoons, exercises, and personal narrative to aid the reader on this journey. She helps identify how various issues fit into one prominent pattern, often one that stems from an early childhood wound. Her language is simple, her examples heart-felt as she guides you on a path of psychological and spiritual growth that empowers healing and a "softening" of life-long patterns of coping that hide us from our true selves.
Dr. McDowell is a therapist, retreat leader, and co-founded Light on the Hill Retreat Center. She also developed the Hidden Treasure program, a three year training in spiritual and personal growth. Formerly a professor religious studies she now leads groups devoted to the inner journey.
Dr. McDowell is a therapist, retreat leader, and co-founded Light on the Hill Retreat Center. She also developed the Hidden Treasure program, a three year training in spiritual and personal growth. Formerly a professor religious studies she now leads groups devoted to the inner journey.
January 14, 2018
Hidden Treasure asks you to take a very clear, honest look at yourself. The author, Alice McDowell, Ph.D., shows readers five personality patterns or “character structures” and how to break free of them to release blockages and discover your true self. If that sounds like a book you’d run screaming from or put back on the shelf, stay with me – the book is science-driven, and when you take the tests to discover your personal character structures and what they entail, will begin to make a lot of sense.
You have to come at this book with an open mind. Be aware of feeling defensive when reading; you have to remind yourself that all of this is normal, that you are not your character structure. You have to be willing to work through your own sludge. Everyone has sludge. Yes, even him. Yes, even her. It may look different, but it’s sludge, nonetheless. And if we don’t want it holding us back any longer then we have to be okay with pulling on our boots and wading through some shit for a bit.
Working through the book is a process and you’ll have to be willing to go within yourself to places that are not very comfortable, pry open doors you have closed, and poke around through the cobwebs. I once thought it was useless or a waste of time to go back and rehash things from the past – we’ve moved on, right? But this book taught me that it’s not only helpful to do so, but it’s absolutely mandatory. Everyone should do it. It’s the only way to understand our behaviors, break away from old patterns, and free ourselves of dead emotional weight.
The book doesn’t just tell what to do to work through your particular challenges, it also gives the reader exercises to do and even free resources outside of the book. I was surprised learning how much I was holding or carrying from past events or times in my own life, both in my mind and in my body. And although I still have a lot of work to do, it feels good shaking it.
And I think it’s part of my anxiety: I’m holding onto things that aren’t mine to carry, at least not anymore. I don’t think we can deny how blowing past feelings or situations or telling ourselves we’re “fine” affects our health and well-being, and that if we don’t deal with things they will find a way to follow us. Sometimes they gently tap our shoulder or throw a rock in our path to make us trip; other times, they take a sledgehammer to our necks and force us to pay attention. Hopefully, we can beat the sledgehammer.
I’m also coming out of the baby fog and slowly starting to feel like my old self again in some ways, and while it’s a good thing, it’s also a transition – and with that always comes speed bumps and detours. It’s not the first time, and it seems that every time this happens I am pushed to a better place of understanding in my life when it’s all over. While I want to put all my energy into trying to get by and claw my way out of this place, I also know that it’s usually my sign to accept it and get quiet – that energy will start flowing soon enough. To sit with the feeling, get curious about it, and give it what it needs so I can continue to grow.
I’m trying to see the anxiety as a good thing. It’s a sign that it’s another period of growth, which never comes without growing pains. And this is a book that is helping me through. While reading it I felt like it had a hand on my face, lovingly holding it and then every so often, giving it a gentle slap (without the name ring). It’s no picnic, but this book is a huge help. I’d recommend Hidden Treasure to anyone who’s curious to learn more about their own energies and behavior patterns, and how to work with them so you can be your best self.
You have to come at this book with an open mind. Be aware of feeling defensive when reading; you have to remind yourself that all of this is normal, that you are not your character structure. You have to be willing to work through your own sludge. Everyone has sludge. Yes, even him. Yes, even her. It may look different, but it’s sludge, nonetheless. And if we don’t want it holding us back any longer then we have to be okay with pulling on our boots and wading through some shit for a bit.
Working through the book is a process and you’ll have to be willing to go within yourself to places that are not very comfortable, pry open doors you have closed, and poke around through the cobwebs. I once thought it was useless or a waste of time to go back and rehash things from the past – we’ve moved on, right? But this book taught me that it’s not only helpful to do so, but it’s absolutely mandatory. Everyone should do it. It’s the only way to understand our behaviors, break away from old patterns, and free ourselves of dead emotional weight.
The book doesn’t just tell what to do to work through your particular challenges, it also gives the reader exercises to do and even free resources outside of the book. I was surprised learning how much I was holding or carrying from past events or times in my own life, both in my mind and in my body. And although I still have a lot of work to do, it feels good shaking it.
And I think it’s part of my anxiety: I’m holding onto things that aren’t mine to carry, at least not anymore. I don’t think we can deny how blowing past feelings or situations or telling ourselves we’re “fine” affects our health and well-being, and that if we don’t deal with things they will find a way to follow us. Sometimes they gently tap our shoulder or throw a rock in our path to make us trip; other times, they take a sledgehammer to our necks and force us to pay attention. Hopefully, we can beat the sledgehammer.
I’m also coming out of the baby fog and slowly starting to feel like my old self again in some ways, and while it’s a good thing, it’s also a transition – and with that always comes speed bumps and detours. It’s not the first time, and it seems that every time this happens I am pushed to a better place of understanding in my life when it’s all over. While I want to put all my energy into trying to get by and claw my way out of this place, I also know that it’s usually my sign to accept it and get quiet – that energy will start flowing soon enough. To sit with the feeling, get curious about it, and give it what it needs so I can continue to grow.
I’m trying to see the anxiety as a good thing. It’s a sign that it’s another period of growth, which never comes without growing pains. And this is a book that is helping me through. While reading it I felt like it had a hand on my face, lovingly holding it and then every so often, giving it a gentle slap (without the name ring). It’s no picnic, but this book is a huge help. I’d recommend Hidden Treasure to anyone who’s curious to learn more about their own energies and behavior patterns, and how to work with them so you can be your best self.
November 17, 2017
There are moments in life when you instantly Know.
Such was the moment when I opened the “Hidden Treasure,” a phenomenal book written by Alice McDowell.
I am that type of reader that, a writer must be able to touch my heart to make me read their book thoroughly.
I must admit that until now, several authors have done this.
But, none that I recall have ever touched me so deeply within the very first two paragraphs of the introduction.
Alice McDowell is the “guilty” writer.
She needed only a few words and several seconds to convince me that her book is worth reading.
Only a flash of time did I need to know that a writer, who can bring a tear into my eyes, in a blink of an eye, is a writer who knows HOW and WHEN to write.
And, not only this.
Alice McDowell knows WHAT she writes.
The truth is, even if the book would consist of only the introduction, it would still be worth reading it.
Luckily, the author didn’t stop there and decided to put on paper, words that can “help you bring more light into the world”, words of wisdom that she learned as a counselor in private practice, retreat guides, who has trained with several healers, humanist and transpersonal psychologists, and has guided people to their personal and spiritual journey for over thirty years.
So, here you come onto the scene.
If you are the one who wants to become aware of your true self, to understand why life is so “hard,” and what you should do starting right now, this book is for you. You’ll find included in its chapters, all the necessary details.
The provided knowledge and the structure of this book “would benefit anyone interested in psychological and spiritual growth – anyone wanting to break free of behaviors that cause suffering and find their authentic self.”
The book reveals for you, not only theory but, at the end of each chapter, the author gives you a gift – exercises – physical, energetic, awareness and behavioral – visualizations from many healing and psychological modalities.
And… as the author mentions… “It’s like observing pieces of a puzzle falling into place.”
To conclude and to repeat…
Only a flash of time did I need to know that a writer, who can bring a tear into my eyes, in a blink of an eye, is a writer who knows HOW and WHEN to write.
And, not only this.
Alice McDowell knows WHAT she writes.
The author hopes the book will help you (me included) find the Hidden Treasure.
I am here to tell you that, after reaching the end of this beautiful and useful book, you’ll find yourself in a fantastic state. You’ll suddenly unhide the treasure. And you’ll know how to use it. For your own highest good.
My advice…
Step into Your Hidden Treasure!
Do it.
For the rest of your life, you’ll never need to worry again.
Such was the moment when I opened the “Hidden Treasure,” a phenomenal book written by Alice McDowell.
I am that type of reader that, a writer must be able to touch my heart to make me read their book thoroughly.
I must admit that until now, several authors have done this.
But, none that I recall have ever touched me so deeply within the very first two paragraphs of the introduction.
Alice McDowell is the “guilty” writer.
She needed only a few words and several seconds to convince me that her book is worth reading.
Only a flash of time did I need to know that a writer, who can bring a tear into my eyes, in a blink of an eye, is a writer who knows HOW and WHEN to write.
And, not only this.
Alice McDowell knows WHAT she writes.
The truth is, even if the book would consist of only the introduction, it would still be worth reading it.
Luckily, the author didn’t stop there and decided to put on paper, words that can “help you bring more light into the world”, words of wisdom that she learned as a counselor in private practice, retreat guides, who has trained with several healers, humanist and transpersonal psychologists, and has guided people to their personal and spiritual journey for over thirty years.
So, here you come onto the scene.
If you are the one who wants to become aware of your true self, to understand why life is so “hard,” and what you should do starting right now, this book is for you. You’ll find included in its chapters, all the necessary details.
The provided knowledge and the structure of this book “would benefit anyone interested in psychological and spiritual growth – anyone wanting to break free of behaviors that cause suffering and find their authentic self.”
The book reveals for you, not only theory but, at the end of each chapter, the author gives you a gift – exercises – physical, energetic, awareness and behavioral – visualizations from many healing and psychological modalities.
And… as the author mentions… “It’s like observing pieces of a puzzle falling into place.”
To conclude and to repeat…
Only a flash of time did I need to know that a writer, who can bring a tear into my eyes, in a blink of an eye, is a writer who knows HOW and WHEN to write.
And, not only this.
Alice McDowell knows WHAT she writes.
The author hopes the book will help you (me included) find the Hidden Treasure.
I am here to tell you that, after reaching the end of this beautiful and useful book, you’ll find yourself in a fantastic state. You’ll suddenly unhide the treasure. And you’ll know how to use it. For your own highest good.
My advice…
Step into Your Hidden Treasure!
Do it.
For the rest of your life, you’ll never need to worry again.
January 18, 2018
Hidden Treasure
By Alice McDowell PhD
2017
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
“There must be something more…”
“…Well, there is something more – and this book will show in a clear, straightforward way how you can break through those stuck areas of your life so you can find it.”
The author begins on a personal note from her own experience to guide readers into searching for the Hidden Treasure of the something more in our lives if we make the effort to discover it.
All of life experiences contribute to the unique character structure that we show to the world. Yet the structure we present is not our true selves. When we connect to our true selves is when we experience inner peace; but to find this true self takes work.
“Doing this work helps you realize who you are not. Such awareness sends you on a journey to discover who you truly are.”
Using stories from students throughout, the author gives concrete examples that bring the theoretical concepts to life helping readers to better understand them. Images and cartoons further enhance the ideas.
A character structure questionnaire helps highlight chapters that will be most relevant to the reader as the chapters that follow are individually directed to each of the five structures: schizoid, oral, masochist, psychopathic, and rigid.
The author concludes this encouraging book with what to do now, followed by two appendices to help become aware of your idealized self-image, shadow, and true self, and to help with active imagination and inner child work.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
By Alice McDowell PhD
2017
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
“There must be something more…”
“…Well, there is something more – and this book will show in a clear, straightforward way how you can break through those stuck areas of your life so you can find it.”
The author begins on a personal note from her own experience to guide readers into searching for the Hidden Treasure of the something more in our lives if we make the effort to discover it.
All of life experiences contribute to the unique character structure that we show to the world. Yet the structure we present is not our true selves. When we connect to our true selves is when we experience inner peace; but to find this true self takes work.
“Doing this work helps you realize who you are not. Such awareness sends you on a journey to discover who you truly are.”
Using stories from students throughout, the author gives concrete examples that bring the theoretical concepts to life helping readers to better understand them. Images and cartoons further enhance the ideas.
A character structure questionnaire helps highlight chapters that will be most relevant to the reader as the chapters that follow are individually directed to each of the five structures: schizoid, oral, masochist, psychopathic, and rigid.
The author concludes this encouraging book with what to do now, followed by two appendices to help become aware of your idealized self-image, shadow, and true self, and to help with active imagination and inner child work.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
Read
November 17, 2017“Tendency to space out when you feel threatened, bored, or uncomfortable impedes interaction with others.”
Oh my G-d! I don’t know where to start. When I began reading this book it was as if Alice McDowell was my clone or something close to that. Right off the start similarities sprung off the page. This continued for the first two chapters. Straight at page one of the Introduction she says her father died when she was eleven. Mine, too. How eerie can this be?
What was interesting was the quiz she had for readers to do. I did it and scored highest in the second and last patterns. Hmmm…how can that be? The first two described me to a T but the last one was so off, how did I score highest on that one. I keep wondering. All in all the book as a whole is a real eye-opener.
On the first page of chapter two McDowell mentions that her mother was seventeen when she had her, and her father nineteen. This is beginning to sound surreal. My mother was seventeen when she had me, my birth father eighteen. From that point on I couldn’t put the book down.
I liked the illustrations and layout style which made it easy to read. She used paragraphs, bulleted offset text, illustrations where needed and italics for backstory. There was nothing I didn’t like.
July 17, 2018
The tools in this book get 3 stars because some of them are useful for self-reflection, guided writing prompts, or journaling. I should give it less because of its insistence that to be connected and healed now, you must venture to (and often reenact) the past. I don't subscribe to this assertion. I, like Tolle, prefer to "have little use for the past." Early in this book, the author asks you to recall your birth (yes, the process whereby you emerged from your mother's vaginal canal) -- and asserts that "many people" can remember their own birth. Her credibility was tanked for me after that. In other words, if you want a self-help/reflection-focused book, see me for better recommendations.
March 17, 2021
Beauty in Simplicity
Alice McDowell presents a clinically tough subject like psychological character structures in a simple and palatable way, unlike Steven Johnson’s Character Styles which is very hard to get through. I find Steven Johnson‘s book far more thorough, though, just not as layman friendly and without practical steps for healing like Hidden Treasures. I highly recommend Alice McDowell’s book and confidently expect that everyone who reads it will resonate with much, if not most, of it.
Alice McDowell presents a clinically tough subject like psychological character structures in a simple and palatable way, unlike Steven Johnson’s Character Styles which is very hard to get through. I find Steven Johnson‘s book far more thorough, though, just not as layman friendly and without practical steps for healing like Hidden Treasures. I highly recommend Alice McDowell’s book and confidently expect that everyone who reads it will resonate with much, if not most, of it.
September 26, 2020
I am a graduate of the in person Hidden Treasure program (nearly 15 years ago), and this book is a wonderful refresher, especially for “Velcro” moments when I get stuck in an old pattern of behavior. It’s wonderful to have the healing rituals in writing, available for use when I need them. I can see the evolution of the program, and yet the basics of learning defenses and healing remain the same.
November 7, 2022
I have returned to this book again and again to understand myself and others. It's not easy to look at the patterns that hold you back, but there is so much encouragement here, offering ways to let go and to change. Alice McDowell's work has changed my life--this is not an exaggeration. This book is a gem.
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