Dysfunctional Relationship Dynamics

A Book Review

By: Dr. Sam Vaknin

Emotional, Verbal, and Psychological Abuse, Domestic and Family Violence and Spousal Abuse


https://samvak.tripod.com/covers.jpg

Malignant Self Love - Buy the Book - Click HERE!!!

Relationships with Abusive Narcissists - Buy the e-Books - Click HERE!!!


READ THIS: Scroll down to review a complete list of the articles - Click on the blue-coloured text!
Bookmark this Page - and SHARE IT with Others!



Subscribe to narcissisticabuse
Powered by groups.yahoo.com


Burney, Robert - Dysfunctional Relationship Dynamics - Suite101, 2003

Robert Burney, the author of "Codependence: The Dance of Wounded Souls" does not fall into the twin traps of stereotype and righteousness. The 35 pages of his e-book are a clear-eyed and useful exploration of the differences between toxic, obsessive, and addictive forms of "love" - and the real, growth-enhancing thing.

He starts by asking why many of us feel like failures in our romantic relationships. He attributes this to socially-sanctioned unrealistic expectations and defective role models. In our adult relationships, he warns, we tend to repeat and recreate childhood abuse. He then proceeds to explore the various forms of dysfunction: power struggles, codependence and counterdependence, shared psychosis, and approach-avoidance.


This article appears in my book, "Malignant Self-love: Narcissism Revisited"

Click HERE to buy the print edition from Amazon (click HERE to buy a copy dedicated by the author)

Click HERE to buy the print edition from Barnes and Noble

Click HERE to buy the print edition from the publisher and receive a BONUS PACK

Click HERE to buy electronic books (e-books) and video lectures (DVDs) about narcissists, psychopaths, and abuse in relationships

Click HERE to buy the ENTIRE SERIES of sixteen electronic books (e-books) about narcissists, psychopaths, and abuse in relationships

 

Click HERE for SPECIAL OFFER 1 and HERE for SPECIAL OFFER 2

 

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook (my personal page or the book’s), YouTube

 


He contrasts these pathological behaviours with their healthy equivalents: interdependence, flowing and meaningful communication, emotional intimacy, partnership, sexuality, and romantic love. In menu-driven sections of the book, he provides pragmatic tips and techniques, worth printing out and memorizing.

The author clearly has considerable experience with these issues as well as vast knowledge. He refers to other scholars throughout his work and thereby grounds it in relevant literature and cumulated practice.

The book is not without its flaws. Dysfunctional relationships do not always end in abuse. Sometimes they peter out to become an empty shell. Moreover, in large swathes of the world romantic love is unheard of or frowned upon. Barney's book is, therefore, geared exclusively to Western audiences. Finally, some readers may find disconcerting and distracting the constant references to Higher Powers, gods, godesses, spirits and "Multiple lives" (reincarnation).

Still, I recommend the book as one of the best primers I have seen to building and maintaining a happy, healthy, and durable relationship.

Continue ...


Also read

What is Abuse?

Coping with Your Abuser

How do I get rid of him?

Vindictive Narcissists

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Tips

Reconditioning the Abuser

Reforming the Abuser

Contracting with Your Abuser

Interacting with Your Abuser

The Relief of Being Abandoned

"Trauma Bonding" and the Psychology of Torture

Traumas as Social Interactions

Coping with Your Abuser

Coping with Your Paranoid Ex

Avoiding Your Abuser - The Submissive Posture

Avoiding Your Abuser - The Conflictive Posture


RESOURCES

Spousal (Domestic) Abuse and Violence - Articles Menu

Verbal and Emotional Abuse - Articles Menu

Healthy Place Narcissistic PD Community

Case Studies on the Psychopath and Narcissist Survivors Support Group

Ask Sam on the Psychopath and Narcissist Survivors Support Group

Ask Sam on the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Forum

Domestic Violence and Abuse statistics - Click here

Verbal and Emotional Abuse on Suite101

Spousal (Domestic) Abuse and Violence on Suite101

Open Site Family Violence


Copyright Notice

This material is copyrighted. Free, unrestricted use is allowed on a non commercial basis.
The author's name and a link to this Website must be incorporated in any reproduction of the material for any use and by any means.


Additional Q&A's

Go Back to Home Page!

Journal Entries

Frequently Asked Questions about Pathological Narcissism

Excerpts from the Archive of the Narcissism List

The Narcissism List Home Page

Philosophical Musings

After the Rain - How the West Lost the East

Internet: A Medium or a Message?

Write to me: palma@unet.com.mk  or narcissisticabuse-owner@yahoogroups.com