Alan Downs is a clinical psychologist whose work delves into the profound themes of growing up and identity. Drawing from fifteen years of treating clients across American culture, his writing explores the pains and challenges associated with navigating societal expectations. Downs focuses on themes of self-acceptance and overcoming internal conflicts, offering readers a deeper understanding of the human psyche. His books aim to provide solace and guidance for those facing similar struggles.
Offers advice on how gay men can overcome their deep-seated feelings of shame, which is often associated with their earliest childhood experiences and the ambivalent relationship they have with their own father.
Finally, help for the millions of people suffering from low-grade depression, also known as dysthymia or chronic discontent. Frustrated. Irritable. Discouraged. Fed up. These are among the feelings experienced by millions of people suffering from low-grade depression. Often erroneaously attributed to a negative attitude or laziness, this common condition saps feelings of happiness, contentment, and passion, and frequently goes undiagnosed. The Half-Empty Heart is a powerful and practical book that explains how the condition takes hold--and presents simple yet profound ways to overcome it for good. Using anecdotes from his private practice as well as quizzes, checklists, exercises, and a complete five-week plan for achieving lasting results, clinical psychologist Alan Downs, Ph.D., shines light into the dark corners of this isolating and debilitating condition. You can feel good again. The Half-Empty Heart shows the way.