The Power of Labels: How Do We Get Labeled? How Do Labels Predetermine our Lives? How to Get Rid of Them and Live a Happier Life . . .

by Marsy Beron

"Gestalt psychotherapist Beron, in her debut self-help book, examines the positive and negative impacts of being socially labeled and how such labels shape one's feelings, thoughts and behavior. ""The power of labels is like an invisible pressure...which intercepts our thoughts and actions, distorts beyond recognition the mirror...and makes us vulnerable to the pain of the past and the fear of the future,"" asserts the author in the book's foreword. Although people may acquire labels at any age, Beron contends that most first appear in childhood and come from such sources as classmates, teachers, parents and friends. She briefly describes the Gestalt theory of psychotherapy, which emphasizes personal responsibility, and uses it as a basis for exploring ways that people may assume positive control over their lives. Beron reminds readers that people may be labeled in direct and indirect ways, with or without cruel intent, due to name-calling, nicknames or comparison to others. What's important, then, is how people believe such characterizations and how they become a part of their identities. In turn, those conceptions of identity influence people's thoughts and habits and may deter them from changing their lives. A helpful, hopeful and thorough guide that invites readers to change the images in their mirrors."
-- KIRKUS Review

"In The Power of Labels, a self-help book with an encouraging tone, Marsy Beron discusses a range of ways people label themselves or are labeled by others, and the detrimental psychological effects this can have on children and adults.
Through a series of personal stories, Beron focuses on how labels are created for others by parents, coworkers, and spouses, and how that can influence people's perceptions of themselves and their environments. She relies on many anecdotal experiences, not only from her own life but also from her clients and group therapy work, to offer advice."
--CLARION Review

116 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2013

Reviews

[Катерина Дойкова · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine you were a box, just an ordinary white box. Imagine that the box is lying on a table and there are people passing by – strangers, acquaintances, friends, parents, lovers and so on… All of these people stop next to the box take a look at it, may be take a glimpse inside and put a label on the top. The label shows the way they saw you, the people put a word that they think best describes you (the box and its content). Now imagine what would be people’s reaction after seeing several labels on the top – they probably wouldn’t look inside, because the label on the top says what’s inside. But that’s not always true. Have you ever had the feeling that people’s opinion about you is wrong? Have you noticed how often do you talk or act in a certain manner just because someone expects this from you? Well it’s about time you show the world the REAL you! Open the box so that people could see its content, not only the cover! “The power of labels” will show you how to do it!

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although labels are powerful and often have a great deal of influence on our lives, in most cases that will happen only if you allow them to be in control. That is the dominant message of this book and it is of course correct, albeit repeated too often.
Many examples are given of labels that were placed on someone and were negative in connotation and practice. That should be expected, it is natural for humans to place people in categories, organizing the world in this way allows for a rapid evaluation of the situation and can help a person cope with new experiences. It is also common for humans to label others negatively, for many believe that is the only way they can feel competent, capable and even superior.
Therefore, the first step in overcoming negative labels is to recognize that it is the nature of humans to use them as tools. Once that is acknowledged, the next step is to identify and overcome them when they are negative, independent of whether you are the labeled or labeler. Beron describes the steps in this process and they are logical, understandable and generally within reach.
Major success in life is often due to a willingness to go beyond labels, do the hitherto undone and to aspire to be better. Throwing off negative labels, either self-inflicted or imposed by others, can be the first step to greatness and a happy and healthy life. Beron shows you the way, although the steps along that way are repeated a few too many times. Some of the examples could have been left out and the point will still have effectively been made.

This review also appears on Amazon.