A Gentle Path through the Twelve Steps: The Classic Guide for All People in the Process of Recovery

by Patrick J. Carnes

A revised and expanded edition of the recovery classic by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., a leading expert on addictive behaviors.It was out of his reverence and respect for the wisdom and therapeutic value of the Twelve Steps that Carnes wrote A Gentle Path through the 12 Steps, now a recovery classic and self-help staple for anyone looking for guidance for life's hardest challenges. Hundreds of thousands of people have found in this book a personal portal to the wisdom of the Twelve Steps. With updated and expanded concepts and a focus on the spiritual principles that lead to lifelong growth and fulfillment, Carnes's new edition invites a fresh generation of readers to the healing and rewarding experience of Twelve Step recovery.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Health, Reference, Personal Development

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Patrick J. Carnes, Ph.D., is an internationally known authority and speaker on addiction and recovery issues. He has authored over twenty books including the bestselling titles Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction, Facing the Shadow, Betrayal Bond, Don’t Call It Love, A Gentle Path Through the Twelve Steps and The Gentle Path through the Twelve Principles.

Dr. Carnes’ research provides the architecture for the “task model” of treating addictions that is used by thousands of therapists worldwide and many well-known treatment centers, residential facilities, and hospitals. He founded IITAP (International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals), which provides CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) training and certification as well as cutting-edge information for addiction professionals. Dr. Carnes currently serves as a Senior Fellow and Executive Director for the Gentle Path Program at The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Reviews

[Charlotte Wrenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise, powerful guide to help us toward consciousness and honesty. (The acronym for denial is "Don't even notice I am lying":) Specifically, this 12 step workbook addresses the various addictions that traditional AA and Al Anon books do not: Relationship and sex addiction, food, religion, exercise and work addictions. It is a workbook for everyone. It changed and is continually changing my life. It should be on every Al Anon book table. I found it elsewhere.

[Ramón S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must have book if you are working the 12 steps. Buy the physical one because you can work better with it.
I am not agree with certain points but again I must recognize the great work that Patrick Carnes have done helping those trapped in addiction. May the Lord give him the one hundred fold

[Bj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Gentle Path to take and to continue to reflect on my Daily Inventory and to also REVIEW and continue to add/log my Life's Path.
My Journey and continue to this day as I continue to remember things from a young Child to help me to understand " It's alright, let them go and Turn them Over!
#1 - Forgive Myself for ME!
#2 - Forgive Others for ME!
#3 - Always try to Turn Ugly into Compassion!

[Jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my new step book. It's actually a workbook. Gentle path my ass, this book digs deep! I wouldn't recommend it for a person new to recovery/sobriety.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone working a 12 step program, or just have addicts in your life. This book is one of the most helpful in understanding the 12 steps.

[K.R. Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a psychologically-trained mental health practitioner who grew up with addict family members, and recently recognised signs in someone close to me, I read this book with a mixture of personal and professional curiosity. I was not previously aware of the 12 Steps in any detail and feel this was a good 'overview' for those who are interested. The workbook elements seem helpful, and there is a section specifically on ow to use the workbook to support groupwork. 

I would comment that it is fairly God-heavy despite some sections suggesting that spirituality and religion both work, but this makes sense considering the programme's foundations. 

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked what they said in the intro to this book "the ruthless path". Very tough book to read for all the searching questions it generates and asks you to think about. I'm actually trying to answer the questions thoughtfully and sincerely in a journal as I go along.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with good advice and easy to follow exercises, A Gentle Path through the Twelve Steps is not just for people in recovery, it's for anyone who wants to create a life that is filler, richer and more rewarding.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic guidebook/workbook for people in recovery from any addiction.

[Rena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a gentle slow path through the twelve steps. Sometimes it felt like it did not apply to me because I am dealing with the codependent side of things but overall I am glad that I did the work and feel much more engaged with the way I live life.

[Andala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was always curious what the 12 steps was all about as a non-drinker.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

it ain't conferenced approved literature, but it has a lot of fill in the blank work book space that's useful.

[Chris Gager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an official book of any 12-step organization but helpful. This was one of my late younger sister's books I "inherited".

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

as far as 12 step guides I have seen, I haven't seen its equal. you have to like writing. there are writing exercises for every Step.