It Doesn't Have to Be This Way

“A relevant and educational book. This psychologist guides us through where we are as a society, how we got here and possibilities for a better tomorrow. A work contextualized and based on history and research, she connects the dots and puts us all on the same page. Her work is inviting and a game changer.”

— Mary D. Anderson, MS, CRC

Vocational Expert

“Dr. Sharon Flaherty has written a thoughtful account of some of our most vexing societal problems. She weaves through the world’s psychological literature, finding clues to what’s wrong and why. In doing so, she finds solutions that are common-sensical and science-based. She’s right — the world doesn’t have to be this way. Worth a close read.”

— Herman Huber, Ph.D.

Former Chairperson, Psychology Department, College of St. Elizabeth

“ It ranges widely in its effort to find a path through the darkness of modern life to a place of light and hope for the next generation of children and youth. It does so with rare clarity, and an impressive mastery of research.Sharon Flaherty demonstrates a breadth of knowledge that is impressive, and thus reassuring. It is impressive because it covers so many scientific bases, and it is reassuring because it generates confidence that this is not academic flim flam, but genuinely thoughtful and deeply caring analysis and recommendations.”

James Garbarino, PhD

Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Cornell University and Loyola University Chicago

Dr. Flaherty's book was a pleasant surprise for me. It is an easy read, well substantiated with scientific and psychological research, that deals directly with the complex social and global issues we are facing today, their origins and more importantly, powerful simple solutions.

Carla Hannaford, Ph.D.

Biologist/Author/International Consultant

If you, like me, feel the twinges of frustration and helplessness by the deluge of reports of the poly-crisis unfolding around the world and at home. Focusing on the lives and brilliance of children, Flaherty digs deep to offer insights into how we can choose to support them to be peaceful, courageous adults.

Justine Willis Toms

Co-founder, Creative Producer, Host

New Dimensions Radio

Author of Small Pleasures: Finding Grace in a Chaotic World

“Addresses the fundamental nature of being human and how our

emotions and thoughts dictate our behavior far more than logic, facts, or reason. Dr. Flaherty matches common behaviors with scientific research to make it easy for the general population to understand human behavior. The book allows the common person to understand that we are not unique in our problems, perspectives, and prejudices.

The book offers practical solutions that are usually reserved for mental health professionals with many years of experience, and offers alternatives that the common person can benefit from. It serves as a resource that recognizes the contemporary problems of life and living, but also acknowledges It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way.”

— J. Theodore Brown Jr, Ph.D., HSPP, Clinical Psychologist 

Extensive connection through database

Eblasts to public libraries across the country

Display at ALA June 2024

Eblast to College & University libraries

Campaign to college psychology and sociology professors

Blog review tour spring/summer 2024