I must admit, The Empathy Trap was a random buy. I was looking for Psychology based reading books (as opposed to text books) and this came up as a recommendation on Amazon. I was in doubt of its validity in my 'research' and whether I would even pluck up the courage to read it, but I was pleasantly surprised.
While buying this influx of books, my inspiration for these was the notion that there could be a psychopath/sociopath/narcissist, etc, within our family circle and I am a firm believer that education is half of the battle in any given situation. This is the first book that I have read whose focus is on this topic, but it is the only book that concentrates on living life before, during and after the aftermath of sociopathic abuse. A large majority of the book is devoted to case histories, story by victims of abuse, all in different contexts (work, relationships, school, etc) which makes the book easy reading and understanding for any person; those studying a degree or those who read solely out of pleasure.
In addition to its real world applications, the book takes a step-by-step approach, beginning with the profile and definition of a sociopath (a term used here to cover all of the aforementioned titles), to coping with a destructive relationships and complex family situations and ends with recovery. I can't say that any single bit of the book was most informative because it all was in all honesty. I appreciated the fact that the authors explained why they wouldn't be defining the disorders in vast detail, but aimed to provide a self-help manual for those who affected by similar situations. Furthermore, whilst encouraging self-help, a metaphorical pros and cons list is provided during each step of the way to recovering from a disruptive relationship. For example, you may want to maintain contact between yourselves and the suspected sociopath, but... and then goes on to list more than one possible outcome to each situation.
I have had many Eureka! moments during my few days of reading this book and I feel a little more prepared for my own situation at home. Most valuably, is the notes that the authors make to protecting children against the abuse and what UK statutes to quote when seeking legal help (police or otherwise) against the perpetrator.
This book is truly for the everyday person who is in a rut. For those who have an interest, but are not required to have any existing knowledge of psychological terms as all terminology and jargon is well defined within the book. I enjoyed this book a lot more than I had originally anticipated and now have more additions to my lists of books to ready since Jane and Tim include a list of recommended reading to all readers ranging from abused adult children, concerns of empathy and writings regarding disorders of the mind, such as, post traumatic stress disorder, narcissism and so on. This further help does not stop there though. They also include films which may be of help and useful addresses, such as, the NSPCC and the UK charity MIND.
I really recommend this book for any person who has been knocked down by a suspected 'sociopath'. I wish you all the best of luck in this matter.
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