This compelling book offers those who have or are trying to survive the negative influences of dysfunctional families an in-depth understanding of how they "survived," as well as support for their continuing journey. Transcending Turmoil is a provocative, well-documented book focusing on individuals who not only survive but in fact "transcend" painful childhood experiences and then go on to become productive, successful adults. It offers concrete techniques for surviving the traumatic events that typify life within dysfunctional families. Donna F. LaMar, Ph. D. , a psychologist and psychotherapist with extensive experience in treating members of dysfunctional families, explores this new field of psychology by studying the survival, health, growth, and accomplishment of transcenders caught in the eye of familial unrest. Using poignant, arresting accounts of these remarkable individuals, the author empathically relates the pain and loneliness endured while growing up in such families. She shows how the anguish is often what motivates a transcender to make a turning point decision--for example, separating both emotionally and physically from the family in order to begin the journey toward development of an authentic self. A unique feature provided by Dr. LaMar is a series of guided techniques, tailored along the lines of twelve-step programs, designed to give the reader an outline of the choices at hand for learning how to maintain a sense of and belief in the self. Description of the multiplicity of negative characteristics (e. g. , mental illness, substance abuse, incestuous behavior) found within many dysfunctional families adds to the gritty credibility of the advances made by those following the author's guidance. For readers in search of tools and techniques for coming to terms with unresolved conflicts, this book offers an opportunity to examine the past within the context of a safe, nonjudgmental framework. Not only general readers, but clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, drug and substance abuse counselors, public health workers, and marriage and family therapists will find this work an inspiring tribute to the human spirit.