SIDE BY SIDE by Clinical Psychiatrist, Dr. Charles Sophy, Strengthens the Mother-Daughter Relationship With a Revolutionary Approach to Conflict-Free Communication
SIDE BY SIDE introduces the Four Truths of every mother-daughter relationship and a revolutionary communication approach called the Chair Strategy. This mom-driven program is designed to harness her power to resolve even the most volatile situations with love, understanding and respect.
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 28, 2010
The relationship between a mother and daughter is unique: extremely powerful and emotionally charged. Despite wanting the best for their daughters, many mothers find themselves trapped in a cycle of fighting and negative communication. In his new book SIDE BY SIDE: The Revolutionary Mother-Daughter Program for Conflict-Free Communication (http://browseinside. harpercollins. com/index. aspx? isbn13=9780061791574) (HarperOne, February 2010, Hardcover, $25.99), Dr. Charles Sophy introduces a ground-breaking plan for moms to develop a strong and rewarding relationship with their daughters for years to come.
As a clinical psychiatrist, Dr. Charles Sophy has treated youths of all walks of life: from infamous young celebrities in Beverly Hills to foster children in the Los Angeles County child welfare system. Now, with his first book, he presents a concrete strategy for improving the most tension-fraught, precarious family dynamic of all: communication between mothers and daughters. In SIDE BY SIDE, Dr. Sophy begins by identifying three key truths about mothers and daughters:
1. Mothers and daughters want the same things: love, understanding, and respect
2. Mothers and daughters speak the same language. Moms and daughters are always communicating, either verbally or nonverbally, in a conversation that begins in the daughter’s infancy. Mothers must recognize the tremendous impact they have, and strive to communicate in an honest, respectful and loving way.
3. Mothers and daughters, on some level, are in competition with each other. This competition can be subtle or unconscious, but it’s important to recognize.
Next, Dr. Sophy unveils a crucial tool for mothers and daughters: The Chair Strategy, a unique, easy-to-use approach to communication that reduces the emotions of any argument and allows mom to guide any conversation to a place of love and respect. The Chair Strategy is composed of three metaphorical positions:
1. Back-to-Back: In this position, mother and daughter are at odds, with no chance of seeing eye-to-eye or making a real connection. One or both members may be disrespectful, confrontational, or antagonistic.
2. Face-to-Face: When mother and daughter are discussing an issue openly, honestly, and with respect, regardless of whether they agree or not. Face-to-face is the ideal position for working through heated conflicts and serious disagreements, but because of the intensity required, it is difficult to sustain this position for long periods of time.
3. Side-by-Side: When mother and daughter are supportive of each other, but open to disagreement. They are looking in the same direction and from virtually the same place, though they are not necessarily seeing the same view. This is the ideal position for everyday communication.
Each of these three chair positions will inevitably arise—but mothers who are aware of these three positions will be able to take control of the situation and steer towards a better outcome. In addition, Dr. Sophy provides a section on Hot Button Issues, helping mothers approach some of the most challenging areas of parenting: sex, money, values, and divorce.
Being a mom is hard work, but Dr. Sophy steers mom through even the roughest waters. With exercises, guided conversations, journaling and real-world stories, SIDE BY SIDE takes the mother-daughter relationship, regardless of its current state, and leads it toward a new level of understanding, love, and true connection.
“I applaud Dr. Sophy’s efforts to take the heat and pain out of the mother-daughter relationship. His principles are sound and his advice is practical. Side by Side is an innovative and useful book.” — Jane Isay, author of Walking on Eggshells: Navigating the Delicate Relationships between Adult Children and Parent
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Charles Sophy has dedicated himself to the physical and mental well-being of children and families of many different backgrounds. In addition to his private practice, he serves as Medical Director for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, the nation’s largest child welfare system. He has appeared on television programs including Today, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper 360, and on the Fox News Channel. Visit the author online at http://www. drsophyonline. com (http://www. drsophyonline. com)
QUIZ (http://www. quibblo. com/quiz/bxZ_SyF/How-Healthy-is-Your-Mother-Daughter-Relationship): Dr. Sophy's quiz is a useful evaluation tool to help start the process.
SIDE BY SIDE | by Dr. Charles Sophy with Brown Kogen | On-sale February 2010
Hardcover, $25.99 | ISBN: 978-0-06-179157-4
Tour Dates:
New York City - February 3 – 5th
Chicago - February 8th
Los Angeles - Feb 10th and ongoing
Palm Springs - February 12 – 14th
Houston - February, Date TBD
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