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Becoming Whole: A Healing Companion to Ease Emotional Pain and Find Self-Love
Ease Emotional Pain. Improve Love Relations. Help Children Manage Crises.
Filled with warmth, empathy, and hope, Becoming Whole systematically teaches you how to ease emotional pain in your life and in the lives of those you care about. Powerfully illustrated by "Sessions"--stories of patients in treatment--and for the first time unveiling what goes on inside the heart and mind of a psychotherapist as they heal a patient's tangled heart, Becoming Whole is devoted to:
- Easing emotional distress that just won't go away
- Improving intimate love relations
- Helping parents with children, adolescents, or young adults in crisis
Insightful, powerful, and revealing, Becoming Whole is not only a healing companion, but a valuable life companion as well.
Proceeds from your purchase of this book will be used to directly help rape survivors and abused children.
Filled with warmth, empathy, and hope, Becoming Whole systematically teaches you how to ease emotional pain in your life and in the lives of those you care about. Powerfully illustrated by "Sessions"--stories of patients in treatment--and for the first time unveiling what goes on inside the heart and mind of a psychotherapist as they heal a patient's tangled heart, Becoming Whole is devoted to:
- Easing emotional distress that just won't go away
- Improving intimate love relations
- Helping parents with children, adolescents, or young adults in crisis
Insightful, powerful, and revealing, Becoming Whole is not only a healing companion, but a valuable life companion as well.
Proceeds from your purchase of this book will be used to directly help rape survivors and abused children.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2018
123 people are currently reading
1462 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Alan Kehr
2 books1 follower"Helping others brings me enormous joy. During my 40 years as a practicing psychiatrist it has been my honor to help thousands of patients ease emotional pain, end aloneness, and find self-love. I practice psychiatry and psychotherapy using ‘The Biopsychosocial Model’ to treat the ‘Whole Person,’ and will do ‘Whatever It Takes’ to understand each individual’s unique genetic, biological, psychological, social, and life-stage characteristics; to help my patients feel well, recover their health, and improve their relationships with others, and with themselves. While it has been a great privilege to be placed in a position of such trust, one of my deepest sources of frustration has been my inability to alleviate the suffering of greater numbers of people. The constraints of distance and time once seemed insurmountable. And so I write a weekly blog, and have written a book, with the hope that it will enable me to reach out and help many more people. Perhaps even you and the ones you love. If you suffer from emotional pain that just won’t go away, feel alone at work or at home, suffer from low self-esteem, or endure challenging love relations, read my blogs and my book. I wrote them for you, to bring you hope.”
– Bruce Alan Kehr, M.D.
He feels that the practice of psychiatry is both “a privilege, and a calling.” His book, “Becoming Whole: A Healing Companion to Ease Emotional Pain and Find Self-Love,” is the culmination of his years of experience treating thousands of patients. By systematically teaching the basic principles of psychiatry to enable people to help themselves and those they love, and powerfully illustrated by stories of patients in treatment, “Becoming Whole,” is devoted to helping:
• Anyone suffering from emotional distress that just won’t go away
• Patients in psychotherapy who are not getting better
• Psychotherapists who would like to better understand the underlying biological basis of the symptoms experienced by their clients
• Patients in treatment with a psychiatrist who have not fully recovered
Bruce Alan Kehr, M.D. has served as Founder and President of Potomac Psychiatry since 1981. Washingtonian Magazine awarded him their “Top Doctor” designation from 2012 to 2017. In 2016 and 2017 it named Potomac Psychiatry “The Face of Psychiatry” in their “Faces of Washington” issue. Dr. Kehr serves on the Board of the Institute on Aging of the University of Pennsylvania, and served as its Chairman from 2006 to 2009. The readers and editors of PharmaVOICE selected him in 2007 as one of the “100 Most Inspiring and Influential Leaders in the Life Sciences Industry.”
Dr. Kehr received training in psychiatry at Tufts New England Medical Center, where he was Chief Resident; in neuropsychiatry at the VA Boston Healthcare System – Jamaica Plain; and in psychoanalysis at the Boston Psychoanalytic Institute. He practices psychiatry and psychotherapy using “The Biopsychosocial Model” to treat the “Whole Person,” by understanding each individual’s unique genetic, biological, psychological, social, and life-stage characteristics.
Dr. Kehr lives in Potomac, Maryland, with his wife, Barbara, a psychotherapist. They have two daughters: Melanie, an immigration attorney who advocates for asylum on behalf of refugees fleeing domestic violence and child abuse, and Lisa, a psychiatric nurse practitioner graduate student.
– Bruce Alan Kehr, M.D.
He feels that the practice of psychiatry is both “a privilege, and a calling.” His book, “Becoming Whole: A Healing Companion to Ease Emotional Pain and Find Self-Love,” is the culmination of his years of experience treating thousands of patients. By systematically teaching the basic principles of psychiatry to enable people to help themselves and those they love, and powerfully illustrated by stories of patients in treatment, “Becoming Whole,” is devoted to helping:
• Anyone suffering from emotional distress that just won’t go away
• Patients in psychotherapy who are not getting better
• Psychotherapists who would like to better understand the underlying biological basis of the symptoms experienced by their clients
• Patients in treatment with a psychiatrist who have not fully recovered
Bruce Alan Kehr, M.D. has served as Founder and President of Potomac Psychiatry since 1981. Washingtonian Magazine awarded him their “Top Doctor” designation from 2012 to 2017. In 2016 and 2017 it named Potomac Psychiatry “The Face of Psychiatry” in their “Faces of Washington” issue. Dr. Kehr serves on the Board of the Institute on Aging of the University of Pennsylvania, and served as its Chairman from 2006 to 2009. The readers and editors of PharmaVOICE selected him in 2007 as one of the “100 Most Inspiring and Influential Leaders in the Life Sciences Industry.”
Dr. Kehr received training in psychiatry at Tufts New England Medical Center, where he was Chief Resident; in neuropsychiatry at the VA Boston Healthcare System – Jamaica Plain; and in psychoanalysis at the Boston Psychoanalytic Institute. He practices psychiatry and psychotherapy using “The Biopsychosocial Model” to treat the “Whole Person,” by understanding each individual’s unique genetic, biological, psychological, social, and life-stage characteristics.
Dr. Kehr lives in Potomac, Maryland, with his wife, Barbara, a psychotherapist. They have two daughters: Melanie, an immigration attorney who advocates for asylum on behalf of refugees fleeing domestic violence and child abuse, and Lisa, a psychiatric nurse practitioner graduate student.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 17, 2018
The book Becoming Whole gives in 11 chapters, called'sessions’ clear step by step instructions on how to address and eventually overcome difficulties or issues people seem to encounter repeatedly in their lives.
The author begins with a set of questions on which you need to honestly reflect so that you gain a better understanding even insight into yourself. This alone makes the book a worthwhile read. The other chapters or lessons address a wide variety of issues ranging from teenage anxiety to attaining a realistic romantic relationship. It is written in clear,emphatic language and thus enjoyable to read. Some brief case histories highlight the authors points. Additionally, there are links to music tracks on Kehr’s website . Especially useful are the checklist at the end which serve as reminders. This book is a to go to for everyone who wants to become more whole, gain more insight into their and other people actions and improve all relationships, therefore it is highly recommended.
The author begins with a set of questions on which you need to honestly reflect so that you gain a better understanding even insight into yourself. This alone makes the book a worthwhile read. The other chapters or lessons address a wide variety of issues ranging from teenage anxiety to attaining a realistic romantic relationship. It is written in clear,emphatic language and thus enjoyable to read. Some brief case histories highlight the authors points. Additionally, there are links to music tracks on Kehr’s website . Especially useful are the checklist at the end which serve as reminders. This book is a to go to for everyone who wants to become more whole, gain more insight into their and other people actions and improve all relationships, therefore it is highly recommended.
January 15, 2023
I entered to won this book on Goodreads and was selected as a winner.
I'm a student of social work. My speciality is focused on PTSD and child sexual assault survivors.
Therefore, this is used as an educational aide for me. Even my instructor liked it and ordered her own copy!
I love it! Thank you for writing.
On a side note: Even though I used it as an education tool. It seems I had some breakthroughs of my own.
I would suggest this for anyone who has ever had any self doubt as it can be utilized in a variety of situations.
I'm a student of social work. My speciality is focused on PTSD and child sexual assault survivors.
Therefore, this is used as an educational aide for me. Even my instructor liked it and ordered her own copy!
I love it! Thank you for writing.
On a side note: Even though I used it as an education tool. It seems I had some breakthroughs of my own.
I would suggest this for anyone who has ever had any self doubt as it can be utilized in a variety of situations.
July 22, 2018
The "go to therapy" book
I first got the book thinking it was a sort of self help book; the summaries made it seem like a way to look within and help yourself! However, it turned into more of a book about when to seek therapy and how to stick to it. A lot of it also seems to be focusing on if you're a parent hoping to try to help your child.
If you're thinking of going to therapy or may want to help your kid get into therapy, it may be a helpful book. But for what I was hoping and expecting to read, it's not very helpful.
I first got the book thinking it was a sort of self help book; the summaries made it seem like a way to look within and help yourself! However, it turned into more of a book about when to seek therapy and how to stick to it. A lot of it also seems to be focusing on if you're a parent hoping to try to help your child.
If you're thinking of going to therapy or may want to help your kid get into therapy, it may be a helpful book. But for what I was hoping and expecting to read, it's not very helpful.
April 11, 2018
This book is divided into twelve "sessions" about common emotional issues that start with opening up for therapy and facing your own demons. Following a somewhat chronological approach, the next sessions are about how to help your children deal with their own issues from young age to adulthood, keeping mature romantic relationships, how to deal with empty nest syndrome, healing from trauma and sexual abuse and lastly, a session about how to keep emotional health and self-love.
Becoming Whole is written as if you were having a one-on-one appointment with the author (the therapist). At times, he interacts directly with you and asks about your relationships, feelings and experiences, encouraging you to write down your answers for later introspection. But most of the time, you participate from a third-person perspective, reading about the stories of other patients with similar struggles. I found this approach very comfortable, as you don't become "the target" of the analysis and is, therefore, less intimidating. The book has an empathetic and calm mood that invites you open up and pay attention to the solutions offered inside each story.
Another great thing about how the stories are told, is that you see the response from the patients but also the therapist's perspective; what he is thinking and feeling when trying to help his patients. This is really helpful for those who haven't been with a therapist before and are reluctant to give the first step because of fear to open up or because of prejudices towards therapy. I really liked the way this book is made, it even includes a popular song for each session that matches the feelings from that chapter's issue. Music makes everything better and it worked well in this book. You can access them from the author's webpage. I would love to see a book just like this one but aimed at teenagers and young adults, as this one focuses more on adults who have a partner and kids. I requested an eArc from Greenleaf Book Group Press, Thank you!
Becoming Whole is written as if you were having a one-on-one appointment with the author (the therapist). At times, he interacts directly with you and asks about your relationships, feelings and experiences, encouraging you to write down your answers for later introspection. But most of the time, you participate from a third-person perspective, reading about the stories of other patients with similar struggles. I found this approach very comfortable, as you don't become "the target" of the analysis and is, therefore, less intimidating. The book has an empathetic and calm mood that invites you open up and pay attention to the solutions offered inside each story.
Another great thing about how the stories are told, is that you see the response from the patients but also the therapist's perspective; what he is thinking and feeling when trying to help his patients. This is really helpful for those who haven't been with a therapist before and are reluctant to give the first step because of fear to open up or because of prejudices towards therapy. I really liked the way this book is made, it even includes a popular song for each session that matches the feelings from that chapter's issue. Music makes everything better and it worked well in this book. You can access them from the author's webpage. I would love to see a book just like this one but aimed at teenagers and young adults, as this one focuses more on adults who have a partner and kids. I requested an eArc from Greenleaf Book Group Press, Thank you!
July 25, 2018
I have mixed feelings regarding this book. It does have valuable and beneficial information for pretty much anyone. Getting to the information that might be beneficial may be a little trickier and it’s likely that only a few specific parts are going to be applicable. It felt like it jumped around a lot and there was no clear subject for the book.
It was weird how the author “acted” like we were in therapy together. We aren’t in therapy, I’m reading a book and felt like it should have been framed as such. Some of it was a little to cheesy for me, especially when it was presented as if you were talking to one another.
Having said that, I found the case studies fascinating. I feel like it may have been better presented as a book to teach practitioners versus a self-help book.
Be warned, the second to the last chapter is very graphic. I feel like there should have been more warning for the content as it could definitely trigger those who experienced sexual assault.
I’m still not quite sure how I feel about the book overall. Valuable information but perhaps needed a better editor to work on revamping it and clarifying the content.
It was weird how the author “acted” like we were in therapy together. We aren’t in therapy, I’m reading a book and felt like it should have been framed as such. Some of it was a little to cheesy for me, especially when it was presented as if you were talking to one another.
Having said that, I found the case studies fascinating. I feel like it may have been better presented as a book to teach practitioners versus a self-help book.
Be warned, the second to the last chapter is very graphic. I feel like there should have been more warning for the content as it could definitely trigger those who experienced sexual assault.
I’m still not quite sure how I feel about the book overall. Valuable information but perhaps needed a better editor to work on revamping it and clarifying the content.
April 22, 2018
Therapy will never be the same! Dr. Bruce Kehr writes from a place of empathy and experience. He provides a variety of case histories, discusses the language of therapy, offers real help and hope, and encourages his readers to work the therapy. Additionally, he lists music soundtracks to accompany each theme. Becoming Whole is an excellent resource for anyone interested in improving their intimate relationships with others and themselves. A must-read for EVERYONE!
Bonus---proceeds from your purchase of this book will be used to directly help victims of child abuse.
June 9, 2019
I gave this a five star rating because of it's completeness and thoroughness in addition to it's particular positive points. However, it's strength of completeness and thoroughness is both it's strength and it's weakness. Dr. Kehr attempts to be comprehensive in his approach, from start to end, and as such requires real 'sit down' time to process. The chapters on commitment contain insightful questioning. Wow! I wanted to send the chapters on parenting to so many.
In reading a book, I attempt to read from the view of the 'intended audience'. Initially, I read from the perspective of a person struggling with issues and thinking of therapy. It's not a self-help book intended to substitute for a psychotherapist. It is a very mindful, goal oriented guide to walk you through what it may be like in therapy, focusing on parenting to the ending of therapy.
Reading deeper into the book, I came to include another audience for this book: Counseling Students. Because of the comprehensive approach, the illustration of psychodynamics, the case studies, the rootedness in reality, the questions at the end of the chapter, the insights into the Therapist's own processes during working with the client, , the goal orientation ( Too often in counseling classes we are taught techniques but not goals nor how to 'end' therapy. To quote Alice in Wonderland " It doesn't matter how you get there if you don't know where you're going") ....I feel this book would be very well used by an undergrad psych class or a beginning counseling graduate class. I received this book from Goodreads for an honest review.
In reading a book, I attempt to read from the view of the 'intended audience'. Initially, I read from the perspective of a person struggling with issues and thinking of therapy. It's not a self-help book intended to substitute for a psychotherapist. It is a very mindful, goal oriented guide to walk you through what it may be like in therapy, focusing on parenting to the ending of therapy.
Reading deeper into the book, I came to include another audience for this book: Counseling Students. Because of the comprehensive approach, the illustration of psychodynamics, the case studies, the rootedness in reality, the questions at the end of the chapter, the insights into the Therapist's own processes during working with the client, , the goal orientation ( Too often in counseling classes we are taught techniques but not goals nor how to 'end' therapy. To quote Alice in Wonderland " It doesn't matter how you get there if you don't know where you're going") ....I feel this book would be very well used by an undergrad psych class or a beginning counseling graduate class. I received this book from Goodreads for an honest review.
January 12, 2020
Juvenile and highly inappropriate for those seeking actual help. Aside from the awkward interludes of "Session Soundtrack" which provides a suggestion for an accompanying song to the reading, this book throws around pop psychological platitudes no more informed than your average Dr. Phil show. Around page 25, I wondered when there would be any sort of specific- experience-based anecdotes from the writer or some sort of empathic breakthrough only for things to really go off the rails and to be served a quote from Ayn Rand on page 29. No thanks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2020
For me, emotional pain often hurts more intensely than physical pain. So much so that the emotional pain is actually one and the same with physical pain (particularly felt in chest and head). I liked many portions of this book, especially the portions of existential angst (a long term issue for me), self love, mature romantic love, and healing from sexual trauma- as some these sort of issues have not been in the mainstream therapy lens until recently.
February 22, 2018
I received this informative read as a Goodreads giveaway. The author provides personal stories to illustrate specific topics and step by step instructions for self-healing. Very effectively organized and told on simple terms for the reader to understand and follow.
May 8, 2018
I am slowly working my way through this book. Reading it requires self introspection and analysis. I'm having a difficult time with this book, but only because I struggle with expressing my feelings and beliefs. However, I can already see this book may be life changing for me when I finally finish.
April 6, 2021
A tear-jerker, this book details the events of (anonymous) patients in their sessions with the therapist Bruce Alan Kehr. A lot of the themes resonated with me, and I feel empowered by them overcoming their past traumas and entanglements to become whole.
May 28, 2018
Very insightful and helpful. Well written.
June 5, 2018
A fascinating look at therapy and common topics discussed with one specific therapist.
July 4, 2018
Like most self help books, I suggest you wait to read it until you need it... THEN READ!!! There's a lot packed into this book. *** I won this in a GOODREADS giveaway!
December 21, 2020
Not as described.
December 26, 2021
I felt as if there were no target audience and the book was kind of all over the place. It had potential.
March 26, 2018
This is a book that is a guide to becoming emotionally whole and finding yourself. There are 11 sessions that help you see where you've been. I really enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank netgalley, the author and publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
I would like to thank netgalley, the author and publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews