New Releases by Robert J. Wicks

"This book presents one hundred reflections on ways that we can relate better with self, others, and God"--

We are experiencing significant ongoing challenges such as Covid-19, the presence of political divisiveness and violence in the U.S. and around the world, as well as the growing stresses and uncertainties of job insecurity, new routines, and an increase in mental health struggles. In a timely second edition of Bounce, Robert Wicks shows us how to find balance in life with new strategies for self-care and personal growth. His proven techniques show us all how to live a life of meaning and resilience.

"Spiritual mentoring advice inspired by the writings and life of renowned priest and author Henri Nouwen"--

“Riding the Dragon gives the reader the chance to look for the lessons that are often hidden in our sorrows.”—Goodreads reviewer Twenty years and 70,000 copies after it was first released, Riding the Dragon—by popular author, speaker, and psychologist Robert J. Wicks—continues to help thousands each year to confront the “dragons” of stress, discouragement, burnout, and unexpected change that everyone struggles with in their daily lives. Instead of pretending these difficulties don’t exist or trying to remove them entirely, Wicks offers ten lessons to help us face them, overcome them, and grow from them. These simple yet profound lessons draw on the wisdom of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions as well as Wicks’s experience as a psychologist, and include pairing clarity with kindness, seeking perspective daily, and building a barrier of simplicity. Riding the Dragon is a concise, compassionate, and knowledgeable guide for anyone experiencing or supporting someone facing personal or professional challenges. This twentieth anniversary edition features a new preface from the author, highlighting how Riding the Dragon is, perhaps now more than ever, an indispensable spiritual and psychological companion for all of us who are yearning for our lives to be transformed.

Robert J. Wicks argumenta a favor de la humildad y la autenticidad en un momento en que el narcisismo y el exhibicionismo son protagonistas en muchos ámbitos, como la política, el entretenimiento o los deportes. Y defiende la simplicidad en una época en la que la vida parece tan compleja. Te muestra la fuerza y la alegría al explorar quién eres, y te invita a compartirte con los demás de forma que ellos también puedan beneficiarse y recuperarse. El autor reexamina específicamente temas de humildad, sencillez, soltar, autoconciencia, «tiempo a solas» y la resiliencia, en una era en la que las personas tasan cada vez más la autoestima mediante medidas externas, como la cantidad de «me gusta», vistas y seguidores en las redes sociales. De este modo, muchas personas persiguen fantasías imposibles y viven con el miedo constante de «perderse». Wicks ofrece un retorno a nuestro auténtico yo y nos da pautas para enfrentarnos al fracaso y beneficiarnos del mismo.

With a healthy perspective we can become resilient in ways that not only help us bounce back from stress and tough times, but we can actually deepen in ways which would not have been possible had they not occurred in the first place. The Simple Care of a Hopeful Heart offers a series of brief, accessible lessons in self-care and self-understanding to enhance such possibilities.

This book is an invitation to come home to your authentic self in a world that is frequently mesmerized by "spin," narcissism, fantasy, and exhibitionism. Psychology and classic wisdom literature have, in various ways, long recognized the value for simply becoming who you are (i.e., ordinariness). However, this call is becoming increasingly drowned out by the many other voices that emphasize publicity and image-making over authenticity and humility. Renowned therapist and author Robert Wicks has written The Tao of Ordinariness as a way of beginning to address these tendencies in contemporary society. In this new countercultural work, the strength and joy of exploring who you are - and proceeding to share yourself with others in a way that they too can reclaim themselves - is revisited from a range of vantage points. The author specifically reexamines themes of humility, simplicity, letting go, self-awareness, "alonetime," resilience, and mentoring. In an era when people increasingly measure self-worth by external measures, such as the number of likes and views and followers on social media feeds (which have many individuals chasing impossible fantasies and living with a constant fear of "missing out"), Wicks offers a return to your authentic self.

Told through anecdotes, clinical observations, and pearls of wisdom, and drawing from broad literature in psychology, philosophy, religion, and spirituality, Wicks weaves together stories of pain, hope, healing, and strength to guide readers through the night. This text is the culmination of decades of experience of someone who trains the healers, and helps the helpers. Consequently, it affords readers the opportunity to learn the strategies that professional helpers, first responders, ministers, emergency workers, and soldiers have learned to use in dealing with loss, pain, trauma, and grief.

We''ve all had times when bouncing back from the ordinary stress of daily life or an unexpected tragedy seems to be an insurmountable challenge. We need a way to recover resilience. If you''re facing difficult times, Dr. Robert Wicks is here to help you regain your balance by discovering resources you may have been taking for granted. Through 30 daily reflections, you can gradually find your way back to a place of serenity and renewed energy. Wicks draws on the wisdom and insight of great teachers and healers throughout the ages, as well as the wealth of insight from the Scriptures to show how a renewed spiritual life can bring you to a place of psychological strength.

"Robert Wicks is a master craftsman of hope. He exquisitely hones this indispensable quality in Conversations with a Guardian Angel. Wicks''s perspective remains positive even amid the greatest darkness and loss. The author has a remarkable ability to draw meaning from the events of ordinary life and offer theological, spiritual and psychological insights with both depth and clarity. As with his other publications, this one is spiced with good humor, delightful stories, and practical insights. Prepare yourself for a spiritually enriching and hope-filled experience as you enter into these beloved conversations." -- Joyce Rupp, Award-winning author of numerous books, including Fragments of Your Ancient Name Jack, a psychiatrist recovering from a personal tragedy, finds hope and healing in the wise words offered by his guardian angel, Kathleen. She introduces him to a world of new perspective, the insight of other spiritual guides, and a new life of acceptance and hope in the wake of great loss. The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.

This is one of the few programmed texts now available in the police-correctional science fieldOCoone of the first written specifically for law enforcement and correction officers on interviewing. Features include an easy-to-understand programmed format, numerous studies from the law enforcement and corrections fields, basic principles in interviewing (not offered in any interrogation text to date), universal principles designed for use throughout the world."

With total book sales of more than 200,000 copies, spiritual teacher Robert J. Wicks brings his characteristic warmth and insight to his newest book, an "inner workshop" for the soul. He shows readers that personal transformation is attainable through a simple, day-by-day process of identifying and turning the next corner of his or her spiritual life. For Robert Wicks, forward motion in the spiritual life is "no problem." All it takes is the right perspective and a little bit of knowledge--both of which he provides through his book''s three-part structure: twenty lessons, three doorways, and thirty daily exercises. Wicks''s twenty lessons are bite-sized and practical, and he shows how the two great commandments (love God, love others) and the parable of the Good Samaritan form doorways to spiritual riches. In part three, Wicks provides the tools and coaching for readers to conduct their own inner workshops. In these thirty spiritual exercises, Wicks invites his readers to acknowledge, accept, and start where they are, employing simple practices and assuring that God''s grace will carry them around the next spiritual corner.

For generations, classic wisdom literature has taught that a healthy perspective can replenish our thirst for a meaningful and rewarding life. From its inception clinical psychology has followed suit, revealing that how we see ourselves and the world is more important than what we see or have-in essence, that a healthy perspective is tantamount to possessing the psychological "pearl of great price." Robert J. Wicks, world-renowned psychologist and author of Bounce: Living the Resilient Life, has written a powerful guide for discovering and regaining a balanced and healthy perspective. Combining classic wisdom with cutting-edge research in cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology, his new book, Perspective, offers concrete steps for overcoming doubt and resistance to openness, so that beneficial life changes become possible. Drawing on the psychology of mindfulness, gratitude, and happiness, Dr. Wicks also reveals how a healthy perspective makes us more aware of the beneficial things already present in our lives. Perspective teaches us to see ourselves more completely and will inspire us to become the calm within the storm, better able to enjoy our experiences, maintain balance in our professional and personal lives, and reach out to others without being pulled down in the process.

One of the greatest gifts helping professionals can share with others is a sense of their own peace. However, retaining and renewing a sense of a healthy perspective requires not only self-care strategies, but also an awareness of basic profound, yet simple, wisdom themes. The Inner Life of the Counselor presents classic and contemporary wisdom that examines and explores each of these themes in a way that both professional and non-professional helpers will find revealing and meaningful in understanding their own journey. Informed by the author''s over thirty years of experience as a therapist, mentor, and clinical supervisor of professional helpers?as well as by his expertise in resiliency and prevention of secondary stress?The Inner Life of the Counselor thoughtfully looks at those elements that encourage sustained personal growth and professional development, such as self-care, stress management, and mindfulness. Lively, practical, and marked by an elegant sense of simplicity, this nurturing book demonstrates how exploring the inner life can lead counselors to new wisdom and inner peace?not only for themselves but also for those who come to them for relief and insight. It is an invitation to pause, reflect, renew, and navigate one of contemporary society''s most challenging yet rewarding professions.

"From the inspiring chapter quotes, to relevant historical and current research, to practical clinical directions, Primer on Posttraumatic Growth takes a giant step toward both grounding us and moving us ahead with strong hope for adjustment and growth in the post-trauma/loss world. This is a comprehensive, practical, and readable work that should be at hand for any mental health clinician, pastoral care professional, or student preparing for these professions." —J. Shep Jeffreys, EdD, FT, author of Helping Grieving People—When Tears Are Not Enough: A Handbook for Care Providers, Second Edition A guide for helping your clients overcome negative events, based on the latest research on posttraumatic growth Drawing on the growing empirical and theoretical material on posttraumatic growth—an outgrowth of the positive psychology movement—Primer on Posttraumatic Growth provides insight, depth, and treatment recommendations for both the clinicians who work with those who have experienced dramatic negative events in their lives and for other professionals who support victims of trauma and extreme stress. This essential primer examines: The connections between meaning and growth The impact of cognitive processing on posttraumatic growth Positive emotion and posttraumatic growth Posttraumatic growth and an "open" personality The human drive to be in positive and important interpersonal relationships Forgiveness: can it be extended towards all areas of posttraumatic growth? Posttraumatic growth and religious and spiritual variables Wisdom and posttraumatic growth

Essential themes excerpted from five of Wicks'' most successful books that offer readers means to seed their souls with ideas, insights, questions and reflections that would encourage them to live their lives with greater peace, hope and holiness. NOW IN PAPERBACK

Now in paperback, Prayerfulness,by Robert J. Wicks--therapist, speaker, and bestselling author of Riding the Dragon--examines what it means to live fully in the present moment, with eyes wide open to life and to God. Blending insights from Christian contemplation and Buddhist mindfulness, Robert J. Wicks offers a brilliant guide to cultivating a receptive and reflective attitude to life. A rich array of insights--including seven practical steps, a thirty-day at-home retreat, and a "spiritual mindfulness questionnaire"--helps readers develop a loving, clear, and balanced outlook. Drawing from classic and contemporary spiritual writing, Wicks explores seven steps to growth in prayerfulness, including creating simple rituals, honoring life''s fragility, facing difficulties directly, and befriending anger. Thirty days of reflections, quotations, and questions also guide readers to form or strengthen a practice of daily prayer. A special feature is the innovative spiritual mindfulness questionnaire, a set of thirty open-ended questions that lead to a clearer sense of how present one is to daily life. Filled with practical wisdom and rooted in sound psychological principles, Prayerfulness is a clear and simple manual to living fully in the present moment.

Robert J. Wicks, noted psychologist and best-selling author of Riding the Dragon and Everyday Simplicity, offers an insightful guide on how the wisdom of the ancient desert monks can help contemporary readers grow in personal freedom and authenticity. Exploring the early Christian monastic movement of the Desert Fathers and Mothers through a psychological lens, Dr. Wicks uses their wisdom to guide readers towards humility and freedom. In the same way the desert sages never gave answers, but always asked questions, Crossing the Desert presents readers with the Four Desert Questions that will lead them to take Three Steps to Inner Freedom.

This innovative volume presents an insightful philosophical portrait of the life and work of Arthur Schopenhauer. Focuses on the concept of the sublime as it clarifies Schopenhauer’s aesthetic theory, moral theory and asceticism Explores the substantial relationships between Schopenhauer’s philosophy and Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity Defends Schopenhauer’s position that absolute truth can be known and described as a blindly striving, all-permeating, universal “Will” Examines the influence of Asian philosophy on Schopenhauer Describes the relationships between Schopenhauer’s thought and that of Hegel, Nietzsche, and Wittgenstein.

This repackaged edition of Dr. Robert J. Wicks''s most popular book will revitalize his message of ordinariness, self-esteem, and friendship for a new generation of spiritual seekers. Infusing the wisdom of ancient and contemporary Christians with his own vast experience as a parent, teacher, and counselor, Dr. Wicks demonstrates that the simplicity and openness of truly ordinary people is a meeting place with God. Dr. Wicks''s wise guidance includes descriptions of the four types of friends we need for the spiritual journey, principles of self-respect, checklists on openness and listening, skills for stress management, and much more.

Pastoral counseling is one of the fastest growing ministry specialties in the emerging world church. ''Pastoral Counseling in a Global Church'' vividly presents the experiences of people involved in ministry in different cultures, in Asia, Africa, and Latin America as well as Europe and Australia. Its practical, narrative-style approach complements more theoretical treatments of cross-cultural counseling. In our increasingly global and multicultural world, sensitivity to the ways in which families and cultures are central to growth in Christian life is essential for pastoral counselors. This is especially true since, in many cultures, the pastoral ministry is the first one people turn to for help, before mental health or other professionals. Those who can apply culturally-relevant and sensitive pastoral skills can provide real help to those in need: whether in a multicultural parish in North America, or anywhere in the world.

Stories, ideas and truths that show how to nourish the human spirit--our own and that of those we meet along life''s journey.

Discover new freedom through this step-by-step approach to living life with a sense of joy, compassion, hope, and commitment. The author offers helpful hints to quietly overcome the resistances that limit our ability to become the persons we were meant to be. Featured in the Washington Post.

Everybody talks spirituality. Here''s how you can do something real and practical about achieving it.

Mentoring has long been a treasured way people have shared their wisdom with others. Ideal for everyone from families to church groups, "Sharing Wisdom" offers a simple, step-by-step approach to everyday mentoring. It''s filled with stories, easy-to-learn skills, and prudent helpful cautions.