A Fight to Be
Dr. Bassman explodes the myth of "progressive, incurable brain disorder" that is now the general view. We have trusted too long in the mechanical medical model that denies the strength and the spirit of ordinary human beings. I recommend this book to clinicians, family members, and the many people who have in some way been touched by mental illness. --Joanne Greenberg, author ofI Never Promised You A Rose GardenDr. Bassman's unique trifecta of vantage points-a former mental patient, a clinical psychologist and an advocate extraordinaire-offers the reader a most informative and breathtakingly comprehensive view of emotional distress and the way our society deals with it. After reading this book, no one will be able to reduce madness and recovery to the simplistic (and dangerous) notions of biological psychiatry and mechanistic treatment. A hero of the empowerment movement has given us a heroic account of survival and inspiration for generations to come. --Peter Stastny, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, co-editor,Alternatives Beyond Psychiatry, co-author,The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital AtticThis masterfully told story of a horrific yet beautiful journey of transformation gives voice to those who have traveled this ground; Ronald Bassman's personal metamorphosis and resilient spirit will inspire those struggling down a similar path, enlighten those unaware of the everyday atrocities perpetrated in the name of treatment, and finally will frighten-yet reward-those "mental health" professionals who have the courage to face the harsh truth of abuse, oppression, and other violations inflicted on individuals for "their own good." --Barry Duncan, Ph.D., Co-Director Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change, author ofWhat's Right With You: Debunking Dysfunction and Changing Your Life