No Perfect Love

“This book has the potential to change lives and heal relationships. Couples can benefit from their first date through every stage of their relationship.” — Dr. Drew Pinsky, nationally known doctor, author, and host of 7 television shows

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 THE AUTHOR

Dr. Alyson Nerenberg is a licensed psychologist who has been counseling individuals, couples and groups for the last 30 years. After earning her doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University in Chester, PA in 1997, she spent 5 years as the clinical director of the Keystone Center Extended Care Unit, a nationally known residential treatment program for healing from addictive behaviors and trauma.

Additionally, she spent 5 years as a board member for the International Institute for Trauma and Addictions Professionals where she headed the supervision committee. She has supervised hundreds of therapists and lectured nationally on various topics including healing from trauma and addictions. Dr. Nerenberg has spent the last 20 years running her private practice: Dr. Alyson Nerenberg Psychology Associates, PC in Philadelphia, where she consults with organizations including: The National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), National Soccer League (NSL), Johnson & Johnson, McNeil Consumer Products, Seabrook House, Keystone Center, and the Philadelphia Police Department, among others. She has been featured on MSNBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, A&E and CN8.

Her mission is to help us lessen the shame, blame and guilt we all suffer from so we can live our best lives with honesty, accountability and love.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Nerenberg is most proud of her family including: her husband, Jeffrey, children, Amanda, Marissa and Justin and their white fluffy dog, Rosie.