Desperately Seeking Self: An Inner Guidebook for People with Eating Problems

by Viola Fodor

This little book is a powerful reminder that your true nature is the most precious resource that you have to help yourself. Presented in the unique form of a dialogue between a therapist and a client, it encourages self-reflection and the daily practice of inner silence as powerful ways to nurture this true self and your full healing capacity. Tenets of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality are subtly woven into easily-understood messages of hope and change.

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 1997

Reviews

[Pamela Tames · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 12 years of struggling with anorexia/bulimia and after trying every technique, workshop, program and expert available, I finally found Viola Fodor. I was desperate, resigned, near suicidal by then and she was my last hope. She taught me how to live from my center—what she’d call, the True Self—and this book, Desperately Seeking Self, became my “bible.” It's still my bible and the Second Edition is much welcome. This newly updated version contains a forward and introduction by experts that provides insight into the enduring relevance and practicality of the concepts presented here. Not only do they continue to support people through their own personal transformations, but they also fill a niche that cannot be met with available approaches today.

[Katie Dunnigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deeply rich book about life, hope, and healing. Viola shares how we can look beyond the symptoms of an eating disorder to explore who we are, what we need, and how we can create lasting change for ourselves. I came across this book over 10 years ago and come back to its timeless wisdom over and over again.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short sections to help you think and focus. A nice way to deal with tension about your eating disorder and strength and encouragement to keep fighting. I love the quotes.

[Christina Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this special book at a time where I was desperate to find inner peace. Little did I know that each page of Desperately Seeking Self would invite me into a deeper understanding of my pain, and that still to this day, it brings up new insights and opens my perspective as I apply the teachings in my life. As someone who once felt silenced and unheard, reading Viola’s message felt as if, for the first time, I was being understood and my experiences captured; my pain and struggle felt valid and yet her message awakened me to recognize my own capacity to heal. It gave me hope. Now as a social worker and researcher in the field of eating disorders, I refer to the second edition of Desperately Seeking Self and Viola’s teachings in hopes to continue to spread her compassionate and humane message—that healing is possible, and that inner silence can allow for a true sense of our self to shine through in such meaningful ways! Enjoy!

—Christina Hyland RSW, MSW, BSW, BA SOC, PhD (Candidate)