A lot of people suffer -- and I do mean suffer -- from one or more phobias, and a lot of techniques are offered by various therapists to treat phobias. Unfortunately, while some of these treatments may reduce phobic symptoms somewhat, relatively few phobics are actually cured. In this excellent book, Dr. Harold Levinson explains the reasons for this situation. One is that there are three different types of phobias, a fact not generally recognized. About 5% or so of phobias are caused primarily by a neurotic condition of some sort. These phobias often respond to conventional psychotherapy whereas most phobias do not. Another 5% or so of phobias are caused by a severe trauma, such as being bitten by a dog or being in a plane that almost crashes. These phobias are often helped by desensitization therapy. But if phobias that are caused primarily by neurosis or trauma account for only about 10% of all phobias, what is the primary cause of the other 90%? Dr. Levinson's brilliant discovery is that the root cause of most phobias is a disorder of the cerebellar-vestibular sustem, called in lay terminology "the inner ear." Dr. Levinson also found that inner ear disorders are the primary cause of dyslexia and that there is a very high correlation between dyslexia and phobias. About 90% of people who are phobic or dyslexic are both phobic and dylexic. Fortunately, Dr. Levinson has found that about 80% of cases of both phobias and dyslexia respond to at least one of the inner ear medications currently available, including dramamine, scopolamine, and Benadryl. Inner ear disorders are relatively easy for trained audiologists to detect and verify by the battery of tests available to them, but they seldom are detected by routine examinations made by general practitioners or even ear, nose, and throat specialists. If you suffer from phobias and/or dyslexia -- as I do -- please read this book with an open mind. It may literally change your life for the better. In my case, thorough audiological testing -- as described in this book -- revealed that I do indeed have an inner ear disorder which was not detected by routine examinations. Based on this finding, my physician tried the inner ear medications listed by Dr. Levinson and found one that has given me significant relief. Therefore, I am recommending this book from personal experience.

I Have been phobic for the last five years, i've been hospitalised and housebound. My phobias started on a day trip in the country with what I know now as a panic attack,it was the most frightening exprience of my life as I thought I was going mad and or had a brain tumour. After psychiatry, hypnotherapy,counciling and reiki healing. After numerous amounts of medication and none to my relief,my phobias incresed and I was desperate I could see no way out of this living nightmare. I got the book and finished it in an evening it was brilliant I'am now on the medication 3 weeks and everyday I lose a phobia its a miracle and I would just like to thank Dr Harold Levinson for giving me what i can only say is my life back--

This is beneficial information for those suffering from OCD. Dr. Levinson's theory has led to my complete recovery. His theory attributes the disorder to a "medical" condition of the inner-ear called a cerebellar-vestibular dysfunction and is easily treated and corrected with a combination of antihistamines, antimotion-sickness, and antianxiety medications that he prescribes. Soon after starting the medication, the disorder was gone. Calmness and total control were shortly established. Prior to this were many months of unsuccessful behavioral therapy treatment with no relief occuring. Dr. Levinson's treatment doesn't just give some relief from OCD, it rids it! His book "Phobia Free" is extremely helpful and describes in depth how the cv-dysfunction is related to all anxiety. It describes why obsessive thoughts occur and how they are thoughts that are just not being properly filtered. The title of this book, "Phobia Free," is truly ! ! a perfect description of how an OCD sufferer feels after being treated by Dr. Levinson for this "medical" condition called the cv-dysfunction.

Steven Carter's wide-ranging mind and unsettling voice intelligently confront incipient tendencies in popular culture that threaten our national sense of who we are and who we ought to be. In a number of his essays analyzing technology's usurpation of the biological, Carter becomes a contemporary Tieresias, calling us to understand that some of the most comfortable and pleasing of our entertainments have a dark and destructive underside....Such a voice ought to be heard.

I have sat through three different lecture courses from Dr. Carter, and his ideas, lucid and insightful, are found in this book. Anyone interested in postmodern theory, from quantum physics to chaos theory to Las Vegas as an allegory for all of contemporary society, should read this book. It has a hefty pricetag, but it is well worth the dough for scholars of literature or postmodern theory. It is worth the dough for those that are not scholars, as well, since it will make you wish you were a scholar of literature and postmodern theory. A big-brained, but quite good, read.

Starting an EP Lab?? Defining standards of care?? Orienting new EP personnel?? Here is a practical, concise review of what we do and what we need to do in EP. Illustrations are simplified and easily read.

This anthology of traditional Japanese poetry, presents a grand collection of more than 1,100 poems assembled by Steven D. Carter, and translated by Carter and his colleague, Helen Craig McCullough. Carter trace's Japan's poetic tradition from the poets of early courts, as recorded in the Kojiki (712 A.D.) and Man'yoshu (759 A.D.) through the beginnings of the Modern Age (early 1900's), in both transliterated Japanese (romaji) and English, headnotes with brief biography on each poet, and extensive footnotes and appendices on many aspects of the poetry. Carter, Professor of Japanese at the University of California, Irving, has provided us with a solid reference for exploring the great cross-section of one of the world's most fascinating subjects. I purchased my paperbound copy several years ago, and keep it at hand.

This is a translation of 208 poems by Shotetsu, one of the greats of poetry from Japan's medival period (Muromachi, to be precise). The translator looked to pick up a cross-section of Shotetsu's poetry from across his life, and has picked up a good representative sample from what remains of the tens (hundreds?) of thousands of poems Shotetsu is said to have composed. The method for translation is not the standard, in order to bring out the "stops and pauses" in the original poems, but despite whether this was a success or not its nice to see someone trying something new. The footnotes and appendixes are full of usefull info and references, making this a nice book for someone looking to get started in Japanese poetry.

This was a great book! It changed my life! I read it after getting involved with someone who admitted that they were 'commitmentphobic.' For whatever reason, even after knowing this, I still got involved. I felt drawn to this person like never before. Anyway, I was crushed when the 'relationship' suddenly changed and ended. I was left feeling very confused by their behavior, as well as by their reappearances in my life. I couldn't believe after reading this, how acurately it depicted the events that took place between my partner and me. It felt as if the authors were writing my dating biography.
Well, I now realize that my partners weren't all to blame. I kept choosing partners who weren't completely available for a long-term commitment. I longed for love, and yet kept running the other way, wanting "my space", when any relationship I was in got too 'close'-- or when it seemed like the other person wanted more than I was willing to give. Thus, unintentionally, I began to seek out persons who simply couldn't give the time or consistency to a warm, honest, and balanced relationship. You may think, like I used to, that you just haven't found "THE ONE". But trust me, if you have gone from relationship to relationship; if you or your partner suddenly have ended things and gone the other way; you have to come to realize that the issue is much deeper than it may seem. This book forces you to look at yourself in the mirror! Don't read this, if you want to continue pursuing 'fantasy partners!' Only read it if you want to GET REAL with yourself and your dating history!!! Get real..so you can get the real and committed relationship that you desire.
Also recommened: Men who can't love. ( Same authors )

Wow. Where to begin? A friend recommended this book. I have carried it with me for the past 5 days since my breakup. I am amazed because I feel as if the book is giving a biography of my ex as well as me. Every other word I am underlining and shaking my head "yes, yes!" This book has opened my eyes to the reality that I have a commitment issue (when I thought it was only my ex). I have read lots of "self help" books- this one takes the cake. I highly recommend this book along with "HE NEVER CALLED AGAIN" to anyone who is looking not only for answers and understanding, but also strength to make it through the painful process of loosing a love.

This book is fantastic! Having just ended a four year committed relationship with a great future and wondering "Why? What happened?", I purchased this book. Thank Heavens for a rainy Sunday because I could not put this book down. The authors thoroughly explain exactly what is going on in the mind and behavior of the commitmentphobic person. They help the reader understand the crazymaking behavior he or she suddenly exhibits and why. They also point out the signs that were there from the very beginning, but that we, the passive partners in the relationship, overlook, forgive, or refuse to acknowledge. The Appendix gives you ways to heal from the pain and move on in your life - and how to avoid getting involved with this type of person again. I very highly recommend this book to anyone whose fantastic relationship has ended and you are sitting there wondering "Why?". I would also recommend their previous book "Men Who Can't Love" - very enlightening.

I picked this book up a few weeks ago in late August, 1999 and have read it two or three times! This book is all about the man I "dated" for 10 long years. I was AWAKENED to the fact that the craziness wasn't my fault, all I wanted was the normal life of a monogamous, faithful couple. This book gave it to me straight up and in terms that I could understand. No psycho-babble, just to the point facts with clear descriptions of what commitment phobia is all about. The stories from those interviewed are priceless, especially the input from the men. The facts from the authors are facts that I have read over and over, and will remember for a long time to come. Each time I read this book it reinforces my decision to end the back and forth relationship I had with a commitment phobic man. I value the "red flags" given to clue me in on approaching phobics. This book is always with me to provide uplifting support whenever I need it. It's an awesome feeling to read and then realize that I did not do anything to crush something that I thought was a beautiful relationship. It's as though I've been asleep through everything that happened during my commitment phobic relationship and now I'M AWAKE !!!

This book is "right-on" about many men, and I did feel vindicated upon reading it...but what we women just can't seem to get (read "He's Scared, She's Scared" for assistance) is that if we were okay ourselves, we wouldn't be with these guys in the first place! The signs are there from the beginning, but we choose not to see them. If you keep winding up with guys who are commitmentphobic, don't fool yourself into thinking that you just need to be more cautious and avoid them...our sub-conscious draws us to them like a moth to a flame. We are commitmentphobic ourselves- simply in a passive, rather than an active, role. We need to do some inner work and get to a place of self-love, where we truly feel that we deserve to be with someone who is capable of committing to a relationship with us, or we will continue to find ourselves in abusive relationships. It's NEVER just one person at fault. Let's stop playing the victim and take 100% responsibility for our lives, shall we?

I read this book after breaking up for the second time with my partner of one year. When I met him he almost swept me off my feet, declaring that he'd found 'the one' and that I was everything he'd ever wanted. Life was perfect. Then he started to change. All the behaviours described in this book were identical to the ones he'd displayed - the distancing, the unavailability, the answerphone whenever I rang, no reply to my messages, not turning up when he was supposed to. Then nothing. We broke up with no warning or explanation. After a time we got back together again, which lasted another couple of months, then the repeat scenario. It was then I bought the book and read it almost in an evening. This book had been written about him. Ironically, just after I finished it he contacted me again, and foolishly I went back to him after he promised me he'd changed, he'd made a mistake, I was wonderful, we could have a future together. All the things I'd heard before and believed. Seven weeks on we've broken up again after a wonderful weekend together. No explanation, no apology. Just a text message telling me we're finished. I'm having to read the book all over again, but I do know he has serious problems, and when the next curtain call comes, which I'm certain it will, I hope this book will have given me the strength to say no, mean it and move on. I know I'm not to blame, but it was interesting to read that the very things we do to try and reassure them that we care are exactly the things that make them run in the opposite direction. I would recommend this wonderful book to anyone who is either going through such trauma or is totally bewildered by the man who promised them everything and gave them nothing.

My first introduction to Steven Carter was his book "He's Scared, She's Scared" which a friend recommended to me upon the dissolution of a relationship. While that book was a great help, it wasn't strong on what to do about it. That is where this book excels. Like many psychological issues, it is not a matter of whether or not we have the condition, it is only a matter of degree. This book has helped me identify my trigger points for commitmentphobia (fear of commitment) and how to manage them. By taking self-responsibility I am able to deepen intimacy in my life. This book would be helpful to anyone seeking to improve or work on relationships.

"Getting to commitment" moves beyond Carter's previous book ("Men Who Can't Love") in two significant ways. First, he recognizes that commitment issues are not just a "guy" problem. Both sexes have them, frequently for the same reasons that are often deeply rooted in our childhood or adolescence.To Carter, these negative experiences hinder development of a mature, whole "Self", and are the basis for insecurities that become barriers to commitment. Second, Carter moves beyond simply identifying symptoms -- the warning signs for potential partners -- and meaningfully addresses proactive steps those with commitment problems can take to overcome the barriers to a fulfilling relationship. Significantly, Carter has traveled this road himself, which lends credibility to his prescriptions. The basis for his solutions is that those with commitment problems must take responsibility to be totally content with themselves and their own lives before they seek a relationship with someone else. A must read for anyone afflicted with commitment issues or involved with someone who is.

A very worthwhile read for anyone in any type of relationship. Book covers topics to make you more aware of the motivations for your own behavior and reactions to other people. Good for men and women, people who don't think they have relating problems and for those who know they do. Just read it, it is worth your time.

I consider myself to be a relative smart woman, but after reading the customer reviews I thought that this book would have something to teach me (since I recently have felt not-so-smart about not seeing a commitment issue in a man I have been dating). It was an easy and obvious read. It may be a good book for teenagers or women who have a history of making very bad relationship decisions, but for anyone with any common sense it does not provide much insight. Most of us know to not date liars, alchoholics, abusers, etc...

If you know someone (or are someone) who needs to be told fundamental common sense things, then this book is for you. If you are someone who can occasionally make a not-so-smart decsion, but have the ability to realize it, then I would not recommend this book for you.

I read this book for the first time in my twenties. At 36, I still refer to it from time to time when I doubt myself. Any woman can benefit from this book. You will feel as though you are reading about yourself!

A friend gave this book to me when I was a freshmen in college and in a relationship that was obviously horrible to everone except me. I saw myself in its pages. I have since given it to at least five friends. This book spells it out what men really mean/think when they treat a woman in a particular way in no uncertain terms -- and it is right on the mark. There is no reason to learn the hard way. All young women entering sexual or serious relationships should read this book.

I did enjoy this book, though I only head half of it. It is written in such a way that the first half deals with you when you're not in a relationship and the second half deals with you when you're already in one. I had trouble connecting with it though. Some things were very true -- they were common sense. I was looking for help on how to deal with my lack of self-worth to help me find the right guy; I did not find it here.
But I must emphasize, the book is still great :)

This a powerful book. I found it to be more influential than most relationship books. Though I was a bit uncomfortable at first with the untraditional layout - the information is not organized into respective chapters and seems to flow from one subject to another continuously - it was that very conversational style that seemed to drive the authors' points home in a most profound way. Some of those points were:

-To get to the end you must start from the beginning; think about connecting with men before you start thinking about marriage/babies
-everyone makes mistakes, so give men a chance
-husband's usually don't resemble magazine models
-abuse is abuse
-behaviors and conversations to avoid on dates

The tone of the book was more practical than spiritual. The authors do not present "following your heart" and "soul mates" as precepts. For a read along those lines I would recommend mystical relationship books by Deepak Chopra.

This book was also quick and easy read without being too wordy and conceptual; great if you're a busy person.

This book is so simply written, yet very powerful. It gave me the confidence and courage to break off an abusive relationship and start a new! I highly reccomend it to any woman who has low self-esteem. This book will change your life!