Healing the Eight Stages of Life

by Matthew Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn

A practical and prayerful guide to healing the hurt that may have occurred in the eight stages of life as described by psychologist Erik Erikson.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Spirituality

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1988

Reviews

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 3 out of 5]

While some of the examples and studies in this book are a bit dated, I found it more helpful and enjoyable the more I read it. This book applies healing prayer to the characteristic developmental problems encountered by people during Erik Erikson's eight stages of human development. This book draws heavily on scripture and is very Christ-centered in its approach. Present encounters with Christ help heal the pain of past memories and abuse. At first I was a bit skeptical of the way some of the case histories are presented. Some of their descriptions made it seem like healing prayer involved sitting an imaginary Jesus mannequin on my lap and putting the therapeutic words into his mouth to make me feel better. This may be a tendency to guard against but trying this imaginative exercise can simply be a matter of setting the stage for the spirit of Christ to do his healing work. Avoid trying to force a result. Instead, allow plenty of opportunity for repeated attempts, and trust in the faithfulness of the living Christ to fill the setting with his own uncoerced presence and purpose. This book is well worth the time spent reading it.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I will definitely reference and go back to for the exercises. They use the work of Erik Erikson, add inclusive language and root it in spirituality.

This book challenged my image of God and helped my understand how our image of God is based on who affected us as children. How do you see God? After understanding comes the healing - stepping through each stage of life. The authors use their own stories of pain and healing as well as stories of those they have counselled over the years.

One of the most amazing techniques & excersises they use is to imagine the "good" parts of your childhood, see Jesus there; then take him with you to some of the not so good parts and talk about how he feels and how you feel and let Jesus heal you. I LOVE visualizations and what better way to pray!

[Ramón S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tres estrellas porque hay temas teológicos en los que no estoy de acuerdo. El mayor ejemplo es en el capítulo sobre la adolescencia, pero dicho esto es un libro muy interesante y con mucha luz sobre la sanación interior. Recomiendo leerlo sabiendo que no es 100 por cien fiable pero que sí no lo lees perderás bastante sobre cómo tratar las heridas interiores de cada etapa de la vida. Contiene ejercicios prácticos que ayudan a entender mejor lo que se explica.
Los autores son muy honestos y sinceros sobre sus propias heridas lo cual hace que el libro sea más valioso

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a thing for Erik Erikson, so praying into the life stages to enable healthy resolution of characteristic crises is appealing to me. The exercises are practical, which the Linns are good at.

[Sheryl Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books and a favorite gift item. It introduces the reader to Jesuit spirituality, which is creative and therefore my favorite. Reading it was a life-changing experience.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little 'woowoo' at times, but I like Erikson approach to human development and this bases on his work.

[Sonia Agcaoili Lorenzo · Rating 2 out of 5]

How can I open this book? I want to read it. Thanks

[Joan Real · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cant read it why?

[Mary Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cant read it

[Janelle Hooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message is fine. I like the idea of imagination as part of our healing but couldn't get there myself.

[Milca Mae]

My professor suggest us to read this book for our subject, and I am interested on it.

[Johnsol Jayme]

This app is useless because I can't read this book it's fake

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

[Terry Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a long time to read this book as it is one you don't just read through. Good ways to heal through the love of Jesus.

[林 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a beautiful book. I first read this as part of a series of sessions on formation. This book is probably best read in this manner - as part of a programme of sessions or a retreat. Otherwise one may run the risk of flipping through the pages without experiencing the healing this book is inviting us to be open to.

On a personal level, this book came at the perfect time as I am developing my self-awareness on this journey of (young-)adulthood. Recently I practised getting in touch with my emotions and bringing them into prayer. As I continued reading this book, I was better able to identify my past hurts and truly lift them to God, so that He can enter into and heal those memories. I remember identifying a significant fear of certain authority figures... Praying for healing in that area of my life has truly changed the way I am able to interact with people now.

[Kay Kwok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid examples of how prayers, spirituality and counselling could integrate, and to renew and liberate people in bondages. Especially I love the perspectives for people entering young adulthood, years of legacy and the wish to pass along life lessons to the next generation as the last stage ...

[Ryan Sarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Makoto Asing]

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