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Regaining Control: When Love Becomes a Prison

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Only 1% of the world's assets are held in the name of women.
70% of people in abject poverty living on less than $1 per day are women.
Over half the women of this generation do not themselves receive, from either employment or the state, enough to 'get by'.
These shocking statistics call to our attention the importance of financial independence among women. Financial dependence, though, is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Dependence can also be noted in Validation and Self Esteem; Mobility and Daily Care; and Emotional Support and A Shield from the World.
Loving, caring, and well meaning spouses, families, and caregivers can unwittingly gnaw away at self confidence and self esteem until a person is trapped in an unhealthy situation.

Are you at risk?

Would you be financially secure without your spouse's income?
Do you find it hard to say "No"?
Do you feel unlovable or ugly?
Have you given up on your dreams?
Are you truly unhappy with your life?
If so, there is hope! It is possible to regain your self esteem, rebuild your self confidence, and become independent once more.

Independence is a skill, an attitude, and a lifestyle that anyone can achieve.

Praise for Tami Brady:
"The main point I saw in this work, and one I thought was outstanding, is that we are all individuals, unique and that one set formula may not work for everyone. I believe that is what makes her work different than other self-help books." -Shirley Johnson, Midwest Book Review

"I found myself submersed in this book, discovering it a true source of encouragement, that however overwhelming life becomes, we should stay aware of what we want, never forgetting where we come from or what our dreams are." -Tracy Jane-Newton, An Alternative View

"If you have been thinking there must be more to life than what you have; or you find you tend to say one thing in public, whilst being of an-other opinion in private, then this book may be for you." -Sue Phillips, Spiralthreads Reviews"

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2007

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About the author

Tami Brady

38 books85 followers
Tami Brady | Writer/ Freelancer
 
To learn more about Tami Brady, visit her website at https://www.tami-brady.com.

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Author 38 books85 followers
January 10, 2008
In a society where we think equality is a given, Tami Brady opens eyes. She begins her book, "Regaining Control: When Love Becomes a Prison" with some shocking statistics - "only 1% of the world's assets are held in the name of women" and "over half of the women of this generation do not themselves receive, from either employment or the state, enough to `get by'." When considering these statements, it's not hard to understand why many women stay in damaging relationships for the sake of financial security. Unfortunately, this only worsens their self-esteem, keeps the cycle of abuse going, and teaches the next generation that it's okay to live a degrading situation.

"Regaining Control: When Love Becomes a Prison" is workbook that takes an in-depth look at what's holding you back and how you can reclaim your self-confidence. Beautifully written in a gentle, guiding tone, Brady's text digs into the triggers that cause dependence problems. With these answers in hand, the reader utilizes her easy-to-follow steps for an individualized recovery.

Probably the most surprising part of this book is learning that not all abuse and devaluing behavior is intentional. Brady notes, "Sometimes, even people with the best of intentions unwittingly and unknowingly help eat away at our self worth. In their minds, they are just helping out in times of trouble or are supporting you..." For those that see abuse as entirely intended this is truly an unexpected realization. Although when considering those situations where the mistreatment is deliberate, Brady includes additional resources for domestic violence, emergency contacts, support groups, and further research.

"Regaining Control" is meant for women who are trapped in dependent relationships - whether that relationship is with a controlling spouse, family member, or a caregiver. This dependence can stem from financial problems, validation for self worth, help for mobility issues, or emotional support and isolating oneself from the rest of the world. Women with any combination of these issues would greatly benefit from contemplating the soul-searching questions in this workbook.

"Regaining Control" is a fresh alternative in a sea of self-help books. Brady shows how to break free of a debilitating prison of low self-esteem while strengthening the independent woman waiting to be released Her thought-provoking questions lead her readers to gain independence, confidence, and get their lives back on the road it was meant to take. Hope is within - and Brady has the keys.

Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (2/07)

"Regaining Control: When Love Becomes Prison" by Dr. Tami Brady is an unusual guide to the treacherous terrain of codependence. The author is not a mental health professional. Everything she writes about she has experienced first-hand. The book is a great stand-alone guide to dependence in
relationships, how to identify it, and how to cope with it. It is brimming with exercises and lists of useful resources, including an impressive array of online help and information Websites. The author's advice emerges from a coherent philosophy of life and this lends the book pragmatic sagacity that many other, far heftier tomes, lack. Recommended.

Sam Vaknin, author of "Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited"
73 reviews61 followers
October 7, 2009
Independence means different things to different people. Tami Brady, the Author of Regaining Control: When Love Becomes A Prison, has written an excellent book that speaks to all women, regardless of their personal situation and views on independence.

It's a sad fact of life that many women will live at least part of their lives in poverty, or at the very least, have a tough time making ends meet, often while attempting to raise their children without a spouse or helpmate. Oftentimes through no fault of their own, they will be left in less than ideal circumstances. Reading this book and following the steps and guidelines can help you move beyond your current circumstances.

Written in an upbeat, easy to understand style, Regaining Control helps lead you through the questions you need to ask yourself to plan for your future well-being. Touching on many types of problems, personality issues and lifestyle situations, the author shows that change is possible, and lays out in great detail how to succeed to meet your needs. Any reader will find the checklists, questionnaires and forms to be useful. The book will help you find what's truly important to you, and guide you through the process of setting goals and breaking them down, turning them into steps that are easier to reach, and less overwhelming than looking at the big picture without a gameplan.

My daughter works with abused women in an emergency shelter. When she saw this book, she was excited and impressed to have access to an easily understood, easy to follow manual that she could recommend to her clients. That speaks volumes, in my opionion, about the usefullness of this book.



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