Book Reviews
Beyond Diagnosis makes a profound impact on the field of mental health. Chana Studley shares that with an understanding of three spiritual principles any human being can discover mental health. What a powerful realization. With a thorough historical exploration that questions the validity of psychiatric diagnoses, the author points the reader toward an innate state of mental health. The book's personal stories bring hope that any human being can find mental health and help the reader realize there is only one generic understanding for mental illness. This is a must read.
Mark Howard, PhD: Three Principles Institute and co-author of online program:"Building an Impactful and Sustainable 3P Coaching Practice"
Beyond Diagnosis is very welcome addition to critical discourse around ‘mental health’. Chana calls out the mainstream ‘mental illness’ narrative with its endless list of labels and cookie-cutter treatments and encourages us to consider other ways of understanding and responding to emotional distress. It’s a hopeful breath of fresh air!
Jo Watson, Psychologist and Founder of A Disorder for Everyone.
Beyond Diagnosis is more than just a book; it's a movement towards a more compassionate, understanding, and effective approach to mental health. It challenges readers to look beyond conventional treatments and diagnoses, advocating for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and address mental illness. With its rich historical context, personal stories of recovery, and critical examination of the mental health industry, this book is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the true nature of mental health and the potential for genuine recovery.
Natasha Swerdloff, Psychologist, owner of The Principles Institute, and co-author of the book “Coming Home - uncovering the foundations of psychological well-being”.
Chana Studley is a pioneer in looking at the connection between pain, chronic conditions, and state of mind.
Chana weaves into the story the history of how medicine and psychiatry have looked at women as mentally ill as a result of their reactions to hormone changes and have been treated as if they have a disease that needs to be managed.
The book engages the reader to look at this topic through new eyes, and I believe it will bring relief to many women who suffer needlessly from their own thinking about what is happening in their bodies.
I know that I will share this book with my clients, as well as friends and family. I think it will give women permission to get the help they need without feeling like they are going crazy and thus get relief from their needless suffering.
Christine J. Heath, LMFT, CSAC
Hawaii Counseling and Education Center, Inc.
In her novel "Very Well" Chana beautifully points to something that spoke deeply to me, her gentle touch left me feeling seen, uplifted and embraced. I laughed, cried and felt so much during the reading! I love how Chana balances a captivating story and sprinkles it with common sense and great suggestions. I highly recommend this book!
Natasha Swerdloff, Owner of The Principles Institute, and Co-author of Coming Home: Uncovering the Foundations of Psychological Well-being
Painless has the potential to awaken fresh hope to the millions of people worldwide who spend the majority of every day enveloped and overwhelmed by their experience of pain. This state when left unabated often results in permanent disability and all too often in suicide. Chana does this with a clarity and certainty that would make Candace Pert Ph.D., the late pioneer in the oneness of the body -mind phenomenon, proud.
William F. Pettit Jr, M.D., Retired Psychiatrist
I am usually very fussy about the Three Principles books I read, but I can honestly say Painless by Chana Studley is one of the very best I have read. First of all, since it is a novel and a well-written one at that, it is a good, compelling read. Secondly, this book provides the best example I have seen of the way to go about beginning and working with a new group of people who comes in knowing nothing about the Three Principles. Thirdly, this is the best book I have seen about the mind-body connection in terms of the relationship of physical pain to the Three Principles. Lastly, did I mention that Painless is a pleasure to read? So we get entertainment and new learning at the same time. What could be better than that?! Oh, maybe one thing: it is also written with a lot of love.
Jack Pransky, PhD, author
Somebody Should Have Told Us!, Seduced by Consciousness, Modello, Hope for All and numerous others
Chana Studley has written an engrossing novel with a depth of understanding that will unleash your own insights bringing enormous hope for all. Painless, is a must read for anyone experiencing physical or emotional pain, regardless of age or circumstance.
Lori Carpenos M.Ed., LMFT
The night before a couple of last-minute gifts had arrived. An envelope addressed to me was one of them. I opened it to find Chana Studley’s novel Painless, so I sat down to read. I haven’t finished it yet, but I can still say with complete confidence that it’s one more powerful tool in the ever-increasing arsenal of awareness. Awareness of what? Awareness that Hell is not other people, as Sartre quipped, but instead our thoughts. Awareness of this truth is one of the simplest, yet most difficult conundrums, we will ever have to untangle.
This novel sets out to untangle this mystery, and it does do with wonder intact. When we believe we have arrived somewhere we are often lost. So, be here now- and I hope you get new insights and awareness from this book.
Michael Galinsky, Director of All The Rage, a documentary movie about Dr. Sarno.
Chana Studley has written a powerful novel about how we can use the power of our mind to heal us from the negative messages which cause us to feel anxious, enraged and depressed. Her book provides hope to people who have been diagnosed with various disorders, showing how, by changing their self-limiting inner narratives, they live a life of unlimited joy and inner peace. I heartily recommend this book to those who want to learn how to free themselves of negative mental constructs.
Dr. Miriam Adahan
Teacher, writer and spiritual guide
I just want to tell you how much I loved reading your book. I took it with me over winter vacation and couldn't put it down. It is now my favorite 3P book: love the novel style, well written, easy to read and relate to, love your honesty, your journey, how you smash all myths, not just the one related to self-esteem. I have been recommending it to whomever I speak to. Hatzlacha in all you do.
Aviva Barnett MSW
As I read your book, I realize the truth is so simple.
It's our desire to create a story to live by rather than living our lives
truthfully that complicates life. Thank you for your journey and your courage to share it.
Milt Simon, Los Angeles County Court Judge
Chana, I did not want to put this book down, though I have no time to read these days, and I kept it with me day and night for two days. My only disappointment was that the story ended; I wanted, needed to hear more! The deep affirmations and wisdom come in new waves on every page. Your shining honesty washed me to the core. Your quotes by Victor Frankel and "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck right from the beginning drove me in. This is an important book. I have much more to say.
Gloria