TACTICAL BOUNDARIES

A therapist offers a self-help book that explores strategies for setting boundaries in difficult situations.

For many people, establishing personal boundaries can be a challenge, particularly when they’re afraid of negative reactions from others. Del Giudice, a licensed marriage and family therapist, suggests a variety of ways to do so, with an aim to help people stand up for themselves and make their relationships work better. He argues that many values were taught in childhood, when many learn that establishing boundaries can “protect us from being used, abused, or neglected by others.” Each chapter includes stories from the author’s patients (with names and other details changed) to illustrate relevant points and demonstrate solutions to common problems. Readers are encouraged to face fears, communicate more effectively with partners and family members, and pursue financial independence to establish one’s personal freedom. Helpful chapters on dealing with narcissists offer significant insight into why people become self-centered, how they behave toward others, and how readers can deal with this behavior. Each chapter ends with questions to consider so that readers can apply new strategies to their own lives and relationships. Del Giudice’s self-help advice is backed up by years of practical experience, and he offers wisdom on why people struggle with self-worth. What constitutes effective boundaries may be different for each person, so the author offers plenty of specifics geared toward individual circumstances. The sections on overcoming one’s fear of rejection when being assertive and on dealing with difficult bosses should be helpful to many, as will the book’s emphasis on fostering good communication in marriages.

A well-thought-out and insightful behavioral guide.