RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRAISE FROM READERS
". . . the book is engaging when it addresses Marshack's five levels of "EmDs." The second chapter does a particularly good job of describing each one of these. . . .The EmD levels do resonate, and the implications of empathy dysfunction become clear." -Kirkus Reviews
"A Must Have! Combine equal parts trauma, tenacity, courage, mama-bear energy, and determination to help others, then add big dollops of empathy and wisdom, and you have this book. Dr. Kathy Marshack survived the unthinkable and tells her story loudly and clearly, offering others in relationships with unscrupulous people a roadmap out of their suffering. She designed the Empathy Dysfunction Scale to deepen our understanding of the range of human empathy disorders. . . . If you are struggling with mean people or confused about your loved one's behavior, I highly recommend reading this book." -Dr. Julie Glass
Just plain mean. That's how many would see it if: their best friend swindled them; a cyberbully harassed them; a neighbor filed complaints about fabricated wrongdoings; or they befriended a good-looking stranger who inched into their life and hijacked it.
If any of this sounds familiar, "Beware," advises Dr. Marshack. "These 'innocents' may be more than liars or cheats. They may be narcissists, even sociopaths, who are living with Empathy Dysfunction (EmD), putting NeuroTypicals in harm's way." "NeuroDiverse" (ND) describes the unique workings of a brain that is different from those with typical neurological development or functioning; hence, the term, "NeuroTypical" (NT).
When Empathy Dysfunction is afoot, Empathy has failed. To demystify the puzzling-often maddening-world of EmD, Dr. Marshack invented the Empathy Dysfunction Scale. It identifies the severity of EmD, ranging from EmD-0 (having zero degrees of Empathy but not intending harm) to EmD-5 (epitomizing Empathy).
"This book," said Edward Snook, publisher of the 'US~Observer,' "is an imperative read for [crime] victims, law enforcement personnel, and those working in the legal system." On Snook's watch, the newspaper published several investigative articles about the critical damage vigilante justice and wrongful prosecution wrought on Dr. Marshack and her family. A groundbreaking book, it should be a dog-eared reference for anyone living in the shadow of Empathy Dysfunction.
Welcome. Right from the start, I want you to know: - You are not alone.- Your voice matters.- I am here to help you --- through my books, my online courses, and my international online communitiesI am Dr. Kathy Marshack, psychologist and author. As a professional I specialize in helping my clients who are in Complex Relationships that are tough to treat with conventional psychotherapy. The short list (but not all inclusive) of couples and families in Complex Relationships include: - "Asperger Syndrome" or High Functioning Autism - Codependency- High Conflict Divorce- Empathy Dysfunction- Entrepreneurial CouplesMy credentials go back decades including a Master's Degree in Social Work, and a Doctorate in Psychology. I've worked in every conceivable professional setting from child protective services, home health agencies, public schools, colleges, hospitals, and mental health clinics. I've covered lots of territory in those years, as you can imagine; everything from working with young children, teens, couples, families, seniors, and entrepreneurs; and with every conceivable diagnosis.I've trained with the best too. My favored clinical skills include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Ericksonian Hypnosis, and Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET). I find these techniques incredibly powerful in creating elegant and long-lasting healing and change. But as valuable as my education, training and experience is, I also know that each one of you is as unique and special as your fingerprints. Did you know that no one on the planet shares your fingerprints? That's right. What this means is that there is no "one size fits all." That's why I have designed my course and communities with differing levels of service depending on your needs: teleconferences, small intimate video conferences, community forums, and one-on-one video conferences with me if you like.You may already know that I am the author of several books to help you with your NeuroDivergent relationship."Going Over the Edge? --- Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome." "Out of Mind-Out of Sight: Parenting with a Partner with Asperger Syndrome (ASD)." "When Empathy Fails: How to Stop Those Hell-bent on Destroying You.""Asperger Syndrome & Relationships: Everything You Need to Survive a NeuroDivergent Life" (an eBook)."Empathy is More Than Words: Groundbreaking Tools for NeuroDivergent Relationships," has just been released. It is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback.There is one more thing I want you to know about me. I can relate personally to every single one of the Complex Relationship bullet points listed above. I was raised by a High Functioning Autistic mother, and an alcoholic father. My eldest daughter is on the Autism Spectrum. I've been an entrepreneur for many, many years, and raised my children in this environment. I too went through a hostile divorce, including parental alienation. Just like you, I went through a lot of suffering before it occurred to me to take another approach. I learned to build resilience. I learned to use what I know as a psychologist to reshape the outcome. I counted on the principle that Michelle Obama champions, "When they go low, we go high." This doesn't mean that you don't get hurt, or angry during all of those trying times. What it means is that when you're up against the harshness of a Complex Relationship, "your response has to reflect the solution," according to our former First Lady.I call this response, Radiant Empathy) something I describe in detail in my book "Empathy is More Than Words." Life isn't perfect, and you will keep making mistakes. But with Radiant Empathy you will learn to use your mistakes as feedback to refashion your life for greater healing, love and happiness.Learn more about Dr. Marshack's articles, online courses, and consultation by visiting www.kmarshack.com.
