Friedman's Fables

Edwin H. Friedman has woven 24 illustrative tales that offer fresh perspectives on familiar human foibles and reflect the author's humor, pathos, and understanding. Friedman takes on resistance and other "demons" to show that neither insight, nor encouragement, nor intimidation can in themselves motivate an unmotivated person to change. These tales playfully demonstrate that new ideas, new questions, and imagination, more than accepted wisdom, provide each of us with the keys to overcoming stubborn emotional barriers and facilitating real change both in ourselves and others. Thought-provoking discussion questions for each fable are included.

Edwin H. Friedman (1932-1996), a family therapist and ordained rabbi, was born in New York City and worked for more than 35 years in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Well known in the fields of mental health and pastoral education, Dr. Friedman brought his unique blend of systems thinking, motivational style, and common sense to his highly regarded work as a consultant and leadership trainer to diverse professional and government organizations.

Prologue
THE FAILURE OF SYNTAX
The Bridge
A Nervous Condition
The Friendly Forest
'Round in Circles
Projection
Raising Cain
THE DEMONS OF RESISTANCE
The Power of Belief
An American Holly
Soaring
Net Results
Metamorphosis
The Curse
Interlude
BONDS AND BINDS
Symbiosis
Attachment
Jean and Jane
The Magic Ring
The Lesson
Cinderella
REPTILIAN REGRESSIONS
Caught in Her Own Web
The Wallflower
Panic
Burnout
Narcissus
Tradition
Epilogue
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS