The Dark Side of the Light Chasers: Reclaiming Your Power, Creativity, Brilliance, and Dreams (2012) Debbie Ford

Debbie Ford encourages us to embrace our shadows as a part of our Self as a way to find wholeness as opposed to ignoring, suppressing, or hiding them out of guilt, shame, fear, etc. We are meant to be imperfect human beings, not perfect angels. As such an important part of achieving an integrated and authentic wholeness is to honor both the light AND the dark parts of ourselves. With humility, Ford provides personal anecdotes to exemplify her points and guides the reader through exercises and meditations to help facilitate the work. While I appreciate and support the sentiment of the book, I also think it may not be appropriate or safe for some people to attempt to follow this book as a self-guided journey without the support of a trained mental health provider. 

How was this book recommended to me? I honestly have no idea how this one ended up in my library holds

Would I recommend this to my colleagues? Maybe

Would I recommend this to my clients? Sure

How do I apply this content to my work: In my work with trauma and addictions, I am trying to help my clients toward an integrated sense of wholeness where they feel like they are embodying their core sense of Self. And facing our triggers is an important part of that. Rather than continuing to suppress those experiences, memories, behavior patterns, emotions, etc. that we feel ashamed, scared, insecure, or otherwise bad about; it is important to process it, learn from it, and integrate it as part of our Whole Self. It’s a valuable part of our story even if it was a mistake, a wrong choice, or fueled by an unhealed wound. It helped to highlight or even guide us to identify what choices or directions feel aligned for us. 

If you live in WA state and feel like you need some support facing and embracing your shadow parts so you can feel whole and aligned, contact me. Let’s schedule a free 15-minute consultation and see if we might be a good fit to work together.

Disclaimers: These reviews are based on my own personal experience reading these books and do not reflect on the book’s author or publisher. I have not received any commissions or other incentives to promote my reviews. My reviews express my own unbiased opinions. 

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