Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You

Dr. Henry Cloud in his introduction, explains that he did not set out to write this book. Rather it was an extension of his ministry and the encouragement of many who benefited from the ministry and wished that he would expand its scope. Most revealing in the introduction into this material is the observation that within Christianity is a broad section which seems to espouse the idea that Christians who suffer from issues such as depression, relationship deficiencies, sexual dysfunction etc are somehow in sin and to blame for their issues simply because they have not laid claim to the healing available to them in Christ. This viewpoint is not all that different than those in the past who have applied the same reasoning to those who are physically ill with issues like cancer, diabetes etc and have failed to lay hold of the same healing that is promised to varying degrees. Great damage came from this form of absolute intolerant thinking. Equal and perhaps greater harm comes from the application of this same erroneous thinking to the softer field of human emotions and thought processes. While the latter form of absolute thinking has diminished and more grace and understanding have been extended within all but the most extreme factions within the Church, unfortunately this same attitude prevails far too often within the mainstream of the Church for reasons that this reviewer can only attribute to the fact that these issues are less visible and that many who espouse them do so from ignorance and the discomfort that these situations can bring. Dr. Cloud's book does an outstanding job of explaining the causative roots of many of these issues to where those who suffer from them as well as those who have difficulty accepting or understanding them can benefit greatly without having to reject or discount the truths of Christianity. Addressing the issue progressively with an explanation of how psychological growth can get out of sync with physical growth and then specifically addressing the issues of bonding, separating, developing values and then maturing, gives footholds to understanding that help the individual identify where they need to work and the Church as a whole know how to provide the understanding and support that draws the Church into a loving and accepting community rather than a judgemental and exclusive society of only those who are without problems. Far too often the fruits of the field of psychology are rejected by the community of faith. Dr. Cloud does an outstanding job of bringing the two together in a manner that promotes understanding and growth without watering down the importance of spirituality. Appropriate for those seeking help as well as those who seek to better understand how to extend it.

This is a wonderful study.

Great easy read for relational and spiritual healthy development, and if you didn’t accomplish it in your family of origin and are now grown, it gives clear direction for how to accomplish becoming a healthy functioning fulfilled adult. This has been personally helpful as well as helpful in working in coaching ministry with others. Lots of scriptural truths and principles to make the case for how we are meant to live as designed before the Fall. Dr Cloud demonstrates his god-given wisdom in all of his books, but I think this is his best work of all. Practical and easy read, providing a blueprint for steps to take given the necessary time and grace in relationship with others to overcome our broken places. If you provide spiritual guidance to others, you need this book! Thank you Dr Cloud!

Changes that Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud is an excellent resource helping readers do four things that, if left undone, can leave adults feeling stuck for years, never reaching mature adulthood. Cloud argues that adults most bond with others, separate from others, sort out issues of good and bad, and take charge as an adult. With Scriptural references, physiological research and helpful stories, Cloud guides his readers towards growth.

Through reading Dr. Cloud's well-written book, I've been able to understand that I'm responsible for "owning" what's mine (emotions, thoughts, actions, reactions, etc.). For example, I'm responsible for my happiness and for my reactions to the way others treat me. It also has shown me that I'm not responsible for what others "own"; my actions may cause someone's upset, but that upset is not my responsibility - it's theirs. It seems totally elemental - and it probably is to people who aren't carrying around injuries from their past. But if you come from a past that includes abuse of any kind (physical, emotional, mental, verbal, sexual, abandonment, neglect, etc.) it's harder to know where to draw the lines. Dr. Cloud's book clearly explains the importance of ownership, bonding and boundaries (both creating your own and respecting other's). There are examples that are relatable and the language is clear, concise and "plain English" - not a bunch of medical mumbo-jumbo. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to live a life free of emotional and verbal clutter and unnecessary baggage. The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:37 to let our yes mean yes, and our no mean no - Dr. Cloud's book helped me to understand more clearly what this means.

This author puts a twist on topics I have never considered. Highly highly highly recommend this book. It will change your life.

Biblical guidance that can help you heal. Read and also purchase work book to help enhance your healing and understanding.

The best book I've ever read. God healed me through it. It clearly explains what is right and what is wrong. Why do we do things that we think are right, but still feel bad when we do it. It pointed out a lot confusing, puzzled issues that we face everyday. After reading the book, I learned to do the right thing, and not feel guilty, angry, or sad. I no longer being controlled by others' emotion. I feel light, free, and happy. The great examples in the book reminded me a lot of my past. And by remembering the painful, unpleasant past, I learned how and why they happened. And what I need to do next time when they happen again. I no longer need to be affraid. Reading the book feel like God is healing me at the same time. It's painful, angry, sad, sorry, and a lot of mix feelings. But after reading it, I am thankful. I recommend to read it slow, so God can work on you. I also recommended to a lot of my good friends, some have hard time finish reading it. But those who finishing reading it also loved it. They discovered things that bothered them, but they did not even know till the book pointed it out for them. God has been waiting to heal us, even when we did not know we had problems.