Join us in the shop for an author event with author and psychologist Dr. Alyson Nerenberg.
About No Perfect Love: Shattering the Illusion of Flawless Relationships
Perfect couples do not exist; nor do perfect families. Yet, in our photoshopped, Instagrammable world where we only present flawless versions of ourselves, we can easily be tricked into believing that they do. Clinical psychologist, Dr. Alyson Nerenberg has spent 30 years listening to couples, families, executives, celebrities, and professional athletes; and is here to share the truth. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, every one of us experiences challenges in our relationships.
While many books have been written about overcoming our own perfectionism, rarely has one described our tendency to expect perfection from others. How do we cope when our illusions of flawless relationships are shattered? What do we do when we discover extra-marital affairs, addiction, financial betrayal, or dishonesty from our partners? What happens when we realize our children are in crisis? In those moments, we have several decisions to make: we can face our loved ones, we can deal with our own vulnerabilities, or we can run.
With wisdom and compassion, Dr. Nerenberg thoroughly explores the origins of perfectionism and how it keeps us stuck in a cycle of disappointment, anger and resentment. Expertly combining psychological theory, popular culture, her patients’ life-changing moments, as well as her own challenges and growth, Dr. Nerenberg transforms trauma into triumph.
Through case studies and powerful tools, including 12 clarifying questions that help us decide whether we should stay or leave our relationships, she helps us write a new story where we overcome our adversities and find meaning in our heartbreaks. Deftly weaving her patients’ stories and her own into a beautiful tapestry of struggle, commitment and empowerment, Dr. Nerenberg shares healing strategies with compassion and an open heart; and walks with the readers as they take the first step towards embracing their own perfectly imperfect love.
About Dr. Alyson Nerenberg
Who I Am
Psychologist, Wife, Mother, Therapist, Educator, Supervisor, Public Speaker and Media Personality
What I Value
• Being authentic, real and kind
• Showing compassion while being direct and honest
• Holding myself and others accountable
My Mission
Helping others lessen the shame, blame and guilt they suffer from in order to live their best lives with honesty, accountability and love
Training and Professional Background
I was trained in a variety of therapy modalities which include: family systems, gestalt, cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic. I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University in Chester, PA in 1997. After completing my doctorate I received advanced training from Masters and Johnson’s Program as well as Dr. Patrick Carnes. Additionally, I spent five years as the clinical director of the Keystone Center Extended Care Unit, a nationally known residential treatment program for healing from sexually compulsive behaviors and trauma.
For 5 years I was a board member of IITAP- The International Institute of Trauma and Addictions Professionals, where I headed the supervision committee. I have supervised hundreds of therapists and lectured nationally on various topics including: healing from trauma, addictions, post-traumatic stress and co-dependency. I have trained therapists at various addictions facilities including: The Betty Ford Clinic, The Caron Foundation and Delamo Hospital in Torrance, California. I have also been featured on television networks which include: MSNBC News, ABC, CBS, Fox, A & E, CN8, as well as many newspaper and talk shows.
Additionally, I spent 4 years leading an Emotional Eating Program at the Women’s Center of Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia, where I educated patients about developing a healthy relationship with food and their body images. I have also been an adjunct faculty member at Widener University’s Clinical Psychology Doctorate Program and have lectured at: Chestnut Hill College, Villanova University and the Philadelphia college of Textiles and Science.
Personal Background: Who Influenced Me?
I am a third generation healer. My grandmother was a social worker, who grew up in a time when women weren’t highly educated. She was a free spirit who embraced knowledge as power and earned a masters of social work degree. She helped hundreds of people from many different cultures and was my role model on how to live life passionately. Also, my mother was a guidance counselor who helped countless families in crisis and opened her heart to help people from all walks of life. My father was a criminal defense attorney who taught me how to root for the underdog. He was direct and believed in embracing honesty at all costs. I was also raised in a family where successful healing from addictions was modeled. Through my upbringing, I derived a sense of believing that recovery is possible and that I have a huge amount of inner strength.
My Role as a Wife and Mother
I have been happily married for over 23 years and have three children who are the biggest blessings in my life. Through my marriage I have learned to work through ups and downs, assert myself and grow as an individual as well as embrace being part of a couple. I have also learned to laugh wholeheartedly and love fearlessly. I believe in the value of marriage and will do everything in my power to help support couples who are in crisis. Strengthening families is very crucial to what I believe and who I am as a person.