Authentic: How to be yourself and why it matters - Softcover

Stephen Joseph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0349404844 ISBN 13: 9780349404844

Publisher: Piatkus Books, 2016

Synopsis

The hunger for authenticity guides us throughout our lives. People strive for joined-up living, where on the one hand what they say and do reflects what they think and feel, and on the other what they think and feel reflects who they are.

Stephen Joseph has pioneered developments in research into authenticity, drawing on the solid science of positive psychology to develop what has become one of the gold-standard tests for assessing authenticity. His and others' findings reveal that when people are in relationships in which they feel accepted, understood and valued, they drop their defences. They naturally begin to examine themselves psychologically, accommodate new information and live more authentically. What's more, the latest studies reveal that it is authenticity that leads to true happiness.

In Authentic, Stephen Joseph presents his fresh and inspiring perspective on the psychology of authenticity alongside practical advice and exercises for the reader. Drawing on the wisdom of existential philosophers, the insights and research of psychologists, and case studies from his own and others' clinical experiences, he shows how authenticity is the foundation of human flourishing - as well as how the ideas relate to debates about the importance of happiness.

About this title

About the Author

Stephen Joseph is a professor of psychology, health and social care at the University of Nottingham, UK, where he is co-director of the Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth and an honorary consultant psychologist in psychotherapy. He has published more than two hundred academic papers, seven academic books and is the author of What Doesn't Kill Us (Piatkus). He is often asked to comment in the media on topical events relating to his work.

From the Back Cover

Are you living a life that's true to who you really are?

Be yourself. This is advice that we have all been given at some time. But what does it really mean? In Authentic, psychologist Professor Stephen Joseph shows us the steps we can take to move towards living in a way that aligns with our true goals and values. Contrary to what many people believe, that doesn't necessarily mean completely overhauling your life - small steps in the right direction are all that's needed to start the process. This book is your guide to those steps.

Fascinating, ground-breaking yet practical, Authentic draws on the wisdom of philosophers, the insight of psychotherapists, the research of positive psychologists, and case studies from Stephen's own and others' coaching experience to show how authenticity is the very foundation of human flourishing.

The need for authenticity - where what we say and do reflect what we truly think and feel - usually lies at the heart of our search for true happiness. And science is now proving that instinct to be well-founded, with a growing body of research pointing to authenticity as the key to fulfilment, vitality and wellbeing. Stephen Joseph, a pioneer of developments in this new field, shows why authenticity is so important and how we can shift our priorities towards what really matters and, as a result, live a happier more contented life.

Edition details

• Publisher: Piatkus Books
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0349404844
• ISBN 13: 9780349404844
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272