Audrey R. Sherman - Dysfunction Interrupted: How to Quickly Overcome Depression, Anxiety and Anger Starting Now

Testimonials

Dysfunction Interrupted showed me how my upbringing affected my thinking patterns and moods. I had no idea! I thought I was just going to be depressed and anxious forever. I now feel better and have enthusiasm for my future. Teresa M .

Dr. Sherman was very responsive to emails and questions regarding program. I never felt alone working through my problems. Very helpful and knowledgeable in her field. Ruth P .

I never understood why I felt so scared all the time and couldnt focus on anything. Dysfunction Interrupted gave me answers to these problems and tools I could use to feel better. George B .

Great program! Informative and helpful as I had suffered for years with anxiety as well as depression and nothing was working. I now feel good most days and am able to easily get through the days that arent so great. Nancy M .

Dysfunction Interrupted was the best thing to ever happen to me! I had been in one bad relationship after another and could never understand why things didnt work out. I would go from bad to worse and I became very depressed, ready to give up on ever finding someone and ready to spend the rest of my life alone. Dr. Sherman coached me through the program step-by-step and we worked out the skeletons that were keeping me from finding love. I feel better than ever about myself and ready to face the dating world without fear of another disaster. Kathryn S .

I not only feel better, I have now put in place a life that I want and look forward to getting up each day. Bob B .

After years of taking antidepressant medications and going to therapist after therapist to find relief from depression that started as a teen I am now medication free and enjoying my life as I believe I was meant to. Dr. Sherman and her program taught me what I needed to get out of this rut and I am eternally grateful. I highly recommend the program and Dr. Sherman. Debbie G .

I worked through the Dysfunction Interrupted program with Dr. Sherman as my coach. I cant believe the gains I made in such a short time in my career, not to mention my personal life. I had been stuck in a career I hated and in a relationship that was going nowhere. I look forward to every day for the first time ever and hold hope that my new skills will continue to bring me new and exciting experiences. Darlene F .

Dr. Sherman took me through her program and uncovered at every turn the things that I had learned that were causing me to lead a life full of bad choices. I had really good parents, but some of their habits and ideas that werent very productive had rubbed off on me and I was recreating their problems in my own life. Dysfunction Interrupted allowed me to learn new thinking skills and gave me a tool box for life that has brought many happy moments instead of regret. I wish I had found this sooner.

Patricia M .

Dysfunction Interrupted

Audrey Sherman, PhD

2015 Audrey Sherman

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, copied, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems without the prior written permission of the author or Financial Literacy Press, except where permitted by law.

Disclaimer

The information provided within Dysfunction Interrupted is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. It is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any psychological or medical condition or to render any type of psychological, medical, legal or other professional advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any psychological or medical problem, consult your own physician. The publisher and author are not responsible for any specific health concern that may require medical supervision and are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or inaction by or to any person reading or following the information in this book. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the author or publisher. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial or commercial damages including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. The reader is responsible for his or her own choices, actions, and results. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources.

Cover + Interior design: Rebecca Finkel, F + P Graphic Design

Publisher: Concord Publishing, Naples, Florida

Book Consultant: Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd

Library of Congress Catalog Number: 2015910842

ISBN: 978-0-9861534-0-2

ebook ISBN: 978-0-9861534-1-9

Categories for cataloging and shelving:

1. Self-help 2. Psychology 3. Mental Health

Reminded

Yesterday I was reminded

about certain things of my past

Sometimes I wonder how I changed my direction

as time went by so fast.

My family didnt seem dysfunctional

it seemed as normal as could be

Maybe there were things I was missing

things I was just too young to see.

blueboxSometimes I am reminded

of things I went through

It reminds me of the pain I had to endure

as there was nothing else I could do.

Even though I remember

just as if it were yesterday

I certainly hold no grudges

toward anyone in any way.

The way I see it

things were the way they were supposed to be

I grew up with hardship

but it made a man out of me.

It was a voice from the past

that shined light on my earlier years

There were some very dark times

and certainly many fears.

Happy and somewhat content

in these days as I grow old

I continue writing my poetry

with much wisdom to me told.

Copyright 2015 E. Wayne Searles All Rights Reserved

Dysfunction Interrupted is dedicated

to all my clients through the years.

By sharing your lives and difficulties,

you inspired and motivated me

to write down what I thought

everyone should know.

Contents

Introduction

Part one: Major Patterns of Dysfunction in Families

Violent and Directly Abusive Parents Meet The Bullies

Verbally Abusive Parents Meet The Name Callers

Sexually Abusive Parents Meet The Sickos

Substance Abusing Parents Meet The Out to Lunches

Depressive Parents Meet The Sad Sorts

Histrionic Parents Meet The Theater People

Abandoning/Emotionally Unavailable Parents Meet The Here Today, Gone Tomorrows

Invalidating Parents Meet The Pooh Poohs

Perfectionistic Parents Meet The Never Good Enoughs

Controlling Parents Meet The Control Freaks

Parents Who Do Not Discipline Meet The Free-for-Alls

Get Ready to Interrupt Your Dysfunction

Tasks for Part 1

Part two: Defining the Problem

Anxiety and the Anxiety Spectrum of Disorders

Attachment Problems

Attention and Focus Problems

Boundary Issues

Caretaking

Codependency

Chronic Anger

Depression

Hypervigilance or Boy Scout Brain

Learned Helplessness

Locus of Control

Low Self-Esteem

Personality Disorders

Poor Coping Strategies

Relationship Problems

Trust Issues

Underachievement

Tasks for Part 2

Part three: The Program

Step 1 Self-Soothing

Step 2 Cognitive-Based Work