Creating Love: The Next Great Stage of Growth

Bradshaw builds on his earlier work ( Homecoming , etc.) about ``reclaiming the inner child'' in this practical, often profound guide to ``learning to love.'' He first explains the concept of ``mystification''--a type of identity confusion rooted in the ``defective love'' encouraged by our culture and passed along by even the best-intentioned parents. Then he suggests how to replace it with ``soulful'' love, which remains grounded in reality but also calls the creative spirit into play. Borrowing from 12-step programs, transactional analysis and conventional psychology as well as theology, Bradshaw outlines a four-step program to overcome the ``trance'' that perpetuates mystification. Self-tests, diagrams, personal testimony and case studies round out his observations. Published to coincide with a PBS TV series, this book should prove a major addition to the self-help field. 250,000 first printing. (Dec.)