False Bodies, True Selves: Moving Beyond Appearance-Focused Identity Struggles and Returning to the True Self

Reviews and Endorsements

‘False Bodies, True Selves provides an exquisite account of the descent into various appearance related disorders and the arduous, multi-dimensional road towards profound healing. Unfolding the many personal and social dimensions of appearance battles, Nicole Schnackenberg beautifully narrates relevant neuroscientific research, psychotherapeutic theory, and metaphor, as she weaves the insight of her own excruciating journey throughout the book. As a human being I am richer for having read it, and as a therapist I now possess a clearer perspective of healing as I look through the lens of Schnackenberg’s profound vision.’
- Heather Mason, Founder of the Minded Institute

‘Nicole Schnackenberg’s book is thought provoking and insightful, giving a perspective on our cult of thinness and obsession with physical appearance. The challenge of deconstructing the norms we have created as a society, and the pressures consequentially put on both men and women, is an immense one. Nicole’s consideration and ideas have given this subject a very human perspective.’
- Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image

‘This is an outstanding and comprehensive work taking a transpersonal approach to engaging with body image disorders. Destined to be a classic, Nicole Schnackenberg’s book draws upon Eastern spirituality and Western psychotherapy to open up whole new possibilities for therapists and offer hope for anyone trapped inside a prison of their perceived physicality.’
- Richard Cox, director of T!M FREKE Publications and founder of Unbreaking the Mirror

‘A beautifully written book, containing a rare combination of academic rigour and compassionate understanding. Nicole Schnackenberg takes the reader on an insightful journey integrating psychological, philosophical and spiritual understandings of appearance-related identity struggles. This is both a highly readable and inspirational book offering a deep understanding of what takes us away from our true Selves, and most importantly, providing guidance for the path back.’
- Dr Samantha Bottrill, Senior Clinical Psychologist and Yoga Therapist for Mental Health, The Maudsley Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Service

‘Written by an author who has both personal and professional insight, this book is both stimulating and engaging to read. It is a comprehensive, articulate and uncommonly sensitive work on the important (yet still woefully neglected) topic of distress about appearance. With a broad range of historical, literary and contemporary research based references, False Bodies, True Selves is an invaluable resource for those interested in body image and who want to better understand this fundamental aspect of being human.’
- Rob Willson, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Chair of the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation

Customer Reviews

Our customers have given this title an average rating of 5 out of 5 from 2 review(s), add your own review for this title.

Dathen Boccabella on 20/10/2016 05:46:01

(5 out of 5)

'False Bodies, True Selves' is boldly unafraid to question the assumptions and shortcomings made by traditional approaches to treating appearance-based struggles. Schnackenberg instead shows the multifaceted sets of circumstances that can lead individuals down the dark path to struggling against their bodies, while weaving her own emotional story with the relevant academic findings for a powerfully balanced perspective.

All too often contemporary treatment of low body-image focuses solely on outward improvements; that is, one's ability to function in daily life and society, regardless of the turmoil they feel. Where Schnackenberg shines is in offering a path to find real inner satisfaction through living connected to our True Selves.

It's incredibly readable; an essential resource for sufferers, their families and friends, researchers and therapists alike. The lessons here are widely applicable to all aspects of life beyond body-image. 'False Bodies, True Selves' is bound to make a more compassionate person out of us all.

Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD on 26/06/2016 15:43:37

(5 out of 5)

"False Bodies True Selves", an intelligent, sensitive, poignant exploration of cultural and neuropsychological forces that shape our experience of our bodies, delves deeply into gender identity issues, body-related disorders such as anorexia, and social phenomena such as tattooing and skin lightening with toxic products. This interweaving of philosophy, psychology, art and science, informed by the writer's recovery from an eating disorder, serves as a guide as we wend our way towards our true selves. Beautifully written, informative, most highly recommended.

Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry
New York Medical College
Co-Author of The Healing Power of the Breath, How to Use Herbs, Nutrients and Yoga in Mental Health Care, and Non-Drug Treatments for ADHD. www.Breath-Body-Mind.com