Jane Birdsell Releases Her New Book, EMOTIONAL ENLIGHTENMENT

Jane Birdsell, a retired psychologist, was fascinated when she frequently heard people express their need to be understood more than anything else. She went on a quest to learn more about what it is that allows a person to think they have been understood. She learned that empathy is essential for developing healthy relationships. This awareness caused her to feel passionate about the importance of empathy. Thus, she was inspired to write her book Emotional Enlightenment: Managing Feelings for Success.

Readers are encouraged to learn the skill of empathic listening, which enables people to understand others. It requires listening to understand not to respond. When people can actually hear the thoughts and feelings of another person, without judging or offering advice, they are able to understand life from the perspective of the other person. The other then feels understood and becomes more self-accepting. It facilitates mutual respect, essential for healthy relationships.

Readers are responding enthusiastically to the value of this information.

Influenced by Carl Rogers, a psychotherapist in the United States who strongly believed in the importance of empathic listening, Jane Birdsell employed this skill in her work as a psychologist for 25 years. She recognized the value of empathy for it helps people become more self-confident and more self-directing. As she became aware of this, she began to think that empathic listening should not be used exclusively in the health professions. She believes that all people who have the responsibility of influencing others should learn to use this vital communication skill. This includes parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals who work with people.

Her book, Emotional Enlightenment: Managing Feelings for Success helps readers learn how to use this skill. It is a practical resource offering exercises, which allows one to see by example how to listen to the thoughts and feelings of others. One of the advantages to those who learn this skill is that they are often respected by the people with whom they live and work. Healthy relationships can then be established.

Jane is inspired by the wisdom of Lao Tzu, the Chinese Philosopher who in the 6th Century BCE said: "He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened."

Ann Laverty, PhD, RPsych., Associate Director of Counseling at The University of Calgary's Student's Union Wellness Centre, has endorsed Jane's book with the following comments:

"I have recommended this book to several clients who appreciated the transparency of practical suggestions and exercises included and the encouraging voice in which the book is written. I believe this text is particularly helpful for post-secondary students who are learning about the importance of emotions as well as benefits of knowing how to express and manage responses."

The book is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in the United States and at Owl's Nest Books and other quality bookstores in Canada. It is also available on Kindle.

About Author Jane Birdsell:

Jane Birdsell has been a Nursing Instructor, a Public Health Nurse and a mother of two children. After her children started school, she obtained a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary. For 25 years, she worked as a psychologist conducting her own private counseling practice and teaching Personal Development Seminars. At the University of Calgary, Division of Continuing Education, she taught a course for 18 years called Understanding Self-Esteem: A Discussion and Information Course for Women. She also taught Enhancing Personal and Professional Effectiveness (for men and women) for 14 years. Jane launched her book at Owl's Nest Books in Calgary on June 19th, 2012. She is enjoying the success of her book, which has appeared frequently on The Calgary Herald best seller list since its launch.

Contact
Jane Birdsell, author, retired psychologist
1323 Riverdale Avenue, Calgary, AB.
Canada, T2S 0Z1.
Phone H: 403-243-2001
C - 403-689-5355
Email: janebirdsell(at)shaw(dot)ca
http://www.janebirdsell.com

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