In Psychological Defenses in Everyday Life, Dr. Robert W. Firestone shares thewisdom and compassion of his thirty years as a clinical psychologist, expoundingcomplex psychological theory in direct and illuminating prose. Important insights onthe origins, pervasiveness, and destructiveness of the defensive process are setforth to elaborate upon both the pain and joy of human existence.The authors point the way toward reversing the damaging process that keeps an in-dividual from experiencing genuine satisfaction while maintaining feelings of com-passion for oneself and others. Numerous case histories show how peopleultimately reject love and companionship with their mates and families for an imag-ined connection or an illusion of security.Psychological Defenses in Everyday Life is a rich source of information and enlighten-ment for broadening our understanding of ourselves, and enabling change towardpositive, constructive behaviors.The book clearly demonstrates that:"people can achieve a richer, more meaningful life by facing the reality of socialpressures, their defenses, and the reality of finite existence.-Library Journal