Blowing Out The Darkness - by Dave MacQuarrie (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Blowing Out the Darkness takes a new look at emotional management. In reading this book, be prepared for an unusual and thought-provoking challenge as well as practical tools for the management of emotional life issues, especially anger, and rage. The book offers practical tools for the resolution of emotional difficulties, especially those of depression, anger, and rage. Yet the tools are applicable to any emotional issue. It provides an in-depth discussion of the skills one can use in conflict, especially when the other person is non-cooperative. The identification and living of one's values are emphasized. Additionally, the book provides a philosophic and practical perspective on the underlying processes of emotional maturity. It contends that a fundamental loss to our society has occurred with our emphasis on technology and objectivity, with the consequent devaluing of the skills of subjectivity. These skills of subjectivity are explored in detail and proposed as providing a place of healing, both for individuals and for society as a whole. We can live our lives differently; we can have a more effective society.

Review Quotes

Dr. Ronald Potter-Efron, MSW, Ph.D., author of The Handbook Of Anger Management acknowledges that "Dr. MacQuarrie's book is a wonderful blend of psychology with philosophy. He utilizes well-designed metaphors and makes unexpected connections (e.g., ' Energy is stored in two locations: story and muscles") to detail his model of healthy human functioning. Dr. MacQuarrie argues fearlessly in favor of full expression of effect in an era increasingly suspicious of intense emotionality. In addition, he provides interesting examples as well as relevant personal experiences, both of which add to the integrity of the volume.

Quotations from clients who have attended the workshop:

SC, a 48-year-old woman with years of drug abuse and violent crimes.

"So over the years, I have gone to anger management programs, psychiatrists, and psychologists to talk about my problem. Honestly, none of this helped... For almost two years now, I have been working with Dave ... I no longer think about not living, or harming others. Sure I still get angry, I am human. I know exactly what to do with the energy when it isn't appropriate."

JS, a probation officer with more than 25 years of experience, has indicated that only two of about sixty of his clients have re-offended after attending my weekend workshop.

"As a former client, and as a Probation Officer who has referred numerous clients to Dr. MacQuarrie over the past fifteen years, my focus is on results. The initial results I observe in clients (and this is true of my own experience as well) are ---surprisingly --- something intangible. There is just something different."

MP, a 47-year-old truck driver, deeply caught in frequent raging.

"I had seen therapists before, numerous times. Have they helped? No, I walked out feeling more confused than when I walked in. No therapist has ever gotten into my head and to the root of my anger like David has."