Someone suffering from addiction lives in a fantasy world – one where the world seems hostile, judgmental, and unforgiving. Those with the disease cannot see their true role in the universe, and they rationalize, justify, and deny their anti-social and criminal behaviors. M. Hilliard Patterson knows because that is what he did as an addict. In this testimony, he recalls the pain of addiction and what it felt like being trapped in a world of self-doubt. More importantly, he shares how he escaped a prison of his own making so that others can: overcome unpleasant thoughts and feelings; appreciate how family trauma and loss can lead to addiction; find freedom through faith in the Lord. While the author does not pretend to have the answer to the problem of addiction, he does know what worked for him and how God has helped him overcome his problems. Through hard work and faith, he has found a renewed sense of meaning and hope. Take control of your life, stop making excuses, and help others walk with you to a better place by joining the author on his journey.

Middle Passages and the Healing Place of History: Migration and Identity in Black Women's Literature brings together a series of essays addressing black women's fragmented identities and quests for wholeness. The individual essays concern culturally specific experiences of blacks in select African countries, England, the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada. They examine identity struggles by establishing the Middle Passage as the first site of identity rupture and the subsequent break from cultural and historical moorings. In most cases, the authors themselves have migrated from their places of origin to new spaces that present challenges. Their narratives replicate the displacement engendered by their own experiences of living with the complexities of diasporic existence. Their female characters, many of whom participate in multiple border crossings, work to define themselves within a hostile environment. In nearly every essay, the female characters struggle against multiple yokes of oppression, giving voice to what it means to be black, female, poor, old, and alone. The subjects' migrations and journeys are analyzed as attempts to heal the "displacement," both physical and psychological, that results from dislocation and relocation from the homeland, imagined variously as Africa. This volume reveals that black women across the globe share a common ground fraught with struggles, but the narratives bear out that these women are not easily divided and that they stand upon each other's shoulders dispensing healing balms. Black women's history and herstory commingle; the trauma that ensued when Africans were loaded onto ships in chains continues to haunt black women, and men, too, wherever they find themselves in this present moment of the Diaspora.

MARTIN FAIR A wonderfully easy read...something of a rollercoaster ride! It draws you in...evocative, detailed and engaging. Excitement comes rushing off the page...as you see ‘God at work’ in Murray’s own life, and in so many places throughout the book. ALASTAIR PETRIE I strongly recommend ‘in search of THE HEALING PLACE’ for all leaders and all readers...a blueprint for life! Murray McGavin is clearly a champion for all people...in all nations. A treasure of medical skill...not only about physical sight, but also a compelling wake-up call for spiritual insight. A timely publication! SANDY MILLAR This is no ordinary biography! At one level...a fascinating and inspiring story of one man, his family, and a life lived to the full. At a deeper level...it is clear that Murray’s whole life and approach to every situation, as a senior ophthalmologist in Afghanistan and in many lands, springs from his lifelong faith. A book very hard to put down! I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Real-world advice for caregivers of grieving children?from the founder of the nationally acclaimed, non-profit organization Kate?s Club. Kate?s Club is dedicated to empowering children and teens who have lost loved ones. Based on its founder?s down-to-earth philosophy on how to handle grief, A Healing Place aims to help parents cope with the realities and daily struggles grieving children face in a forthright, compassionate manner. The book is written from Kate?s own personal experiences after having lost, at the age of 12, her mother to breast cancer, as well as featuring experiences of the many families she has encountered through Kate?s Club. Chapter topics include: ? Embracing, not erasing memories ? Giving the child a voice ? How caregivers can be strong role models ? Handling transitions and traditions

This edited volume brings together innovative contributions from a range of health and social care professionals and research scientists who are interested in introducing new approaches to qualitative research into the world of health and social care. A range of methodologies including discourse analysis, imagework, cut-up technique, minimalist passive interviewing technique and social action research are discussed along with their histories, methods and their applicability to practice. Illustrated by examples drawn from clinical and practice settings, the book also explores recent developments and their implications for, and impact on, delivery and good practice evaluation in health and social care. The book encourages an in-depth appreciation of the concept of evidence - what it means, how it is arrived at and the consequences of it being applied, and: enables health and social care professionals, academics and students to learn more about new qualitative methodologies broadens understanding of notions of good practice encourages new thinking about the application of methodologies to practice.

One man’s quest to finding his healing place! Searching for a residence in nature which he can call his own, Dermod Judge finally finds his healing place where he will have respite from the quotidian pressures of life.

Wil Gesler examines how different environments affect physical, mental, spiritual, social, and emotional components of healing.

A Guide to Imagework is a pioneering guide to a new trend in ethnographic research: the use of imaginative, experiential methods such as dreamwork, artwork, Gestalt theory and psychodrama. Originating in group counselling and psychiatric therapy, imagework techniques explore subjects' imaginative resources to reveal unconscious knowledge about identity, belief and society. They are ideal for accessing rich qualitative data about how individuals and cultures function. Iain Edgar, a leading specialist on ethnographic method, has condensed top-level research theory on imagework into this handy practical manual. Complete with case studies and examples, hands-on tips and guidance on methods and ethics, it is an ideal starting point for any imagework project.

For nearly three decades, Sandra Bertman has been exploring the power of the arts and belief--symbols, metaphors, stories--to alleviate psychological and spiritual pain not only of patients, grieving family members, and affected communities but also of the nurses, clergy and physicians who minister to them. Her training sessions and clinical interventions are based on the premise that bringing out the creative potential inherent in each of us is just as relevant-- perhaps more so--as psychiatric theory and treatment models since grief and loss are an integral part of life. Thus, this work was compiled to illuminate the many facets that link grief, counseling, and creativity. The multiple strategies suggested in these essays will help practitioners enlarge their repertoire of hands-on skills and foster introspection and empathy in readers.