Book Review: Chained to the Desk: A Guidebook for Workaholics, Their Partners and Children, and the Clinicians Who Treat Them

Amazon.com Review nnBeing a workaholic doesn't just mean being a hard worker, says Robinson, a psychotherapist and professor at the University of North Carolina who has been studying people's work habits for years. It means you've got a progressively worsening addiction like any other, in which work becomes the substance you use in an attempt to meet your unconscious psychological needs. Robinson calls workaholism the "best-dressed addiction," because it's often rewarded--at least in the short term--and is seen as a positive attribute by people who don't understand the destruction it can cause. Chained to the Desk provides worksheets to help you recognize whether you or someone close to you is a work addict, case studies that demonstrate workaholic ways of thinking, and treatment methods that involve the entire family. It sheds considerable light on a topic that mental-health professionals often don't recognize--in part because, as Robinson points out, many of them are workaholics themselves. --Ben Kallen, Personal Growth editor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. nnProduct InformationnnAs seen on 20/20, The Early Show, and ABC World News TonightnnPraise for the first edition:nn“Psychology professor and psychotherapist Bryan E. Robinson trains his practiced eyes on the workplace in Chained to the Desk. In chapters like “Treating Work Addiction as a Family Disease” and “The Childhoods of Workaholics,” Robinson begins with a case study and then explores the various beliefs, motivations and fears that propel people to overwork. This useful, well-tuned guide will serve therapists and the many people affected by the disease equally well.” n—Publishers Weeklynn”The many revealing case studies, self-analysis tools, and the autho's personal story of his struggle with workaholism make for a thorough, solid package.” n—Library Journalnn“Along with readable stories that illustrate the problems of work addiction, Robinson offers real information on how to remedy it. Once again he leads the way in treatment of this serious disorder, at a time when others continue to minimize it. An important resource for everyone concerned with the damage workaholism causes to self, family, and career.” n—Gayle Porter, Rutgers Universitynn“Robinson manages to cut to the heart of so many of today's problems and offers practical suggestions for those of us who have suffered from work addiction. His book raises concern about the future of a nation that is chained to the desk, and for the children of parents who come home depleted and empty at the end of the day. A sober voice in a work-delirious culture.” n—Patricia Love, co-author of Hot Monogamynn“Workaholics, their families, friends, and colleagues will welcome this comprehensive guide book. Robinson approaches workaholism with pragmatic and effective strategies designed to overcome the resistance with which most workaholics greet attempts to change them. This is also the first book I know of to look closely at the effect of workaholism on family members and children, the people who often feel most strongly its effects.” n—John Bradshaw, author of Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner ChildnnAmericans love a hard worker. The man or woman who works eighteen-hour days and eats his or her meals on the run between appointments is usually viewed with a combination of respect and awe. But for many, this lifestyle leads to family problems, a decline in work productivity, and ultimately to physical and mental collapse.nnTo view this book on Amazon.com, click here.