The
Relationship Rescue Workbook by Dr.
Phil (Phillip C. McGraw)
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- Paperback: 224 pages ;
Dimensions (in inches): 0.70 x 9.20 x 7.30
- Publisher: Hyperion; ;
(October 4, 2000)
- ISBN: 0786886048
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Book
Description
The
ideal companion book to the #1 New York Times bestseller
Ever since Relationship Rescue
became an instant number one New York Times hardcover
bestseller, Phil McGraws audiences have been asking for a
workbook to help them apply his strategies for change to their
relationships.
Now, in The Relationship Rescue
Workbook, Dr. Phil, Oprah's resident expert on human
functioning, provides questions, exercises and self-tests that
will enable couples in even the most troubled relationships to
get their love lives back on track.
And for those in solid relationships
who would like to regain their spark, he reveals how to make
that happen. He shows readers exactly how to pinpoint problems
in their relationships, and how to make sure that the changes
they enact will truly last.
His straightforward,
tell-it-like-it-is advice is made crystal clear in this
easy-to-use workbook that is sure to prove immensely popular
with his devoted national following.
Most Oprah
viewers are well aware of Dr. Phil's book Relationship
Rescue, which presents a seven-step program for salvaging
troubled relationships.
McGraw would be the first to tell you
that watching Oprah or reading about his program are all
fine and good, but if you really want to rescue your
relationship, you've got to do the work--which is where this
excellent workbook comes in.
Loaded with probing questions,
exercises, and fill-in-the-blank "self-tests," this
four-part book is probably more effective than having a
televised session with McGraw on Oprah. (For those who
haven't seen the tearful relationship breakthroughs, be assured
that McGraw gets results.)
Don't expect to approach this workbook as if you were
whizzing through a magazine quiz. Like the relationship that you
are trying to revive, this workbook presents a big commitment.
(There's no timeline suggested, but judging from the amount of
work involved, common sense says to give it at least a
month.)
McGraw also urges readers to use this workbook in tandem
with Relationship Rescue, even though there are similar
exercises in both books. The hardcover book is geared toward
helping readers identify "what's wrong and begin the
process of restoration," he explains.
The workbook helps readers begin the self-scrutinizing
work that leads to change. Throughout this 287-page workbook,
McGraw asks readers to be brutally honest while they examine the
beliefs, behaviors, resentments, and expectations that they
bring to the relationship.
The four-part structure echoes the structure of his
original book, starting with "Recover Your Core" and
finishing with "Aim for the Best." Some of the
exercises seem predictable, such as "list and describe five
things that made you fall in love with your partner."
Most of the time, though, the requests are profound and
suggest a huge impact on a relationship. For example:
- "I am 100 percent accountable for my life, so I
will take a responsibility for bringing a win/win spirit to
the table day after day. I can show my optimism by..."
"My partner does not deserve the effort I am about to
invest. I deserve it, and our relationship deserves it. I
will take the respect I have for our relationship and
exercise it toward my partner. Some simple ways I can
demonstrate the respect I hope to be shown myself
are..."
This workbook won't change your partner or offer you
relationship perfection, warns McGraw. The goal is "to
reconnect with your own best self" (which is the foundation
of McGraw's couples work).
Nor is there a big prize upon completing the workbook.
Instead, readers will find a personal letter from McGraw,
emphasizing what's already been discovered--relationships aren't
maintained and nurtured by a one-shot course, but rather by a
strong commitment to one's highest self.
It may sound anticlimactic, but as so many Oprah
guests are likely to attest, it really works. --Gail Hudson
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