Robert W. Firestone Ph.D.

About

Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D., psychologist and author, has been affiliated with The Glendon Association as its consulting theorist since its inception. His innovative ideas related to psychotherapy, couple and family relationships, suicide, parenting, and existential issues have been the inspiration and cornerstone of Glendon's research and publications.

Firestone's major works, including The Fantasy Bond, Voice Therapy, Combating Destructive Thought Processes, The Enemy Within, Compassionate Child Rearing and many other books, articles, and video presentations, outline a fully realized and comprehensive theory on neurosis and human development. His studies on negative thought processes and their associated affect have led to the development of Voice Therapy , an advanced therapeutic methodology to uncover and contend with aspects of self destructive and self limiting behaviors.

Firestone has applied his concepts to empirical research and to developing the Firestone Assessment of Self-destructive Thoughts (FAST) , and the Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (FAVT) scales that assesses suicide potential and violence potential (published by PAR) . He co-authored Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice, Creating A Life of Meaning and Compassion: the Wisdom of Psychotherapy, Fear of Intimacy ; Sex and Love and Intimate Relationships and The Self Under Seige with Lisa Firestone, Ph.D., and Joyce Catlett. His latest works include Overcoming the Destructive Inner Voice and most recently The Enemy Within :Separation Theory and Voice Therapy .

Books by Robert W. Firestone Ph.D.

Recent Posts

Death Anxiety and the Coronavirus

The coronavirus has increased death fears, but people’s individual reactions are compounded by their original death anxiety.

The Origin of Polarization, Prejudice, and Warfare

Unless we understand the nature of the defense mechanisms that play a part in intolerance and hostility, the human race will be threatened by extinction.

An Overview of Separation Theory

Early interpersonal pain, separation anxiety, and later death anxiety lead to the development of powerful psychological defenses.

Insight into the Violent Mind

The key to understanding violence lies in identifying and verbalizing the destructive thoughts that drive acts of criminal and social violence.

The Inner Voice in Self-Destructive Behavior and Suicide

Identifying the internalized negative thought process that can lead to self-destruction and suicide.

Assault on the Self

A look at six major influences that impinge upon the evolving self, contribute to psychological distress, and interfere with differentiation and individuation

Factors that Increase or Suppress Death Anxiety

Both positive and negative circumstances and events tend to arouse or intensify feelings of death anxiety.

Societal Defenses Against Death Anxiety

The sense of being merged with a particular group can provide partial relief from existential fears. It can lead to also hostility toward different belief systems.

Death Anxiety

People repress the full realization of death and dying and develop various defenses to keep the suppressed material at bay.

Human Rights Violations in Personal Relationships

Some couples or families tend to exert excessive control over their members by imposing attitudes and regulations that favor obligation over choice and image over self-expression.