All of John Bradshaw's books have significantly helped me. In addition to Healing the Shame that Binds You, he has written other books including The Family. The books talk about healthy shame vs. Toxic shame, healthy vs. Unhealthy family systems, the real self vs. The false self, and excersizes for healing.
I have used these books as homework and when I see my therapist we can quickly get to the important issues without everything being explained to me.
Warning: these books are very intense so make sure you have a therapist or support group. If you do not have any tools for healing, the harsh reality of toxic shame can lead to severe depression! It was a huge shock to me reading about my dysfunction, and my family's dysfunction. I do not beleive in "self-help", if it really worked then more people would be healthy. Never face it alone!
