Attachment Theory, the Self Medication Hypothesis and Individual Psychology are brought together to revitalize marginalized men. “Bath of Steel” shows how therapy validates trauma through building a purpose by finding a meaning to live. This is the psychological escape ladder from chronic depression. Drawing on Frankl, Adler, Stack Sullivan, Bowlby, Khantzian, Winnicott and Fromm, hope is kindled. Then a practical therapeutic team intervention from skilled life builders harnesses this energy to create a custom built future. This is a psychologically informed environment. Detailing early traumatic lives through 40 case histories of homeless men Dr. Dean Whittington PhD illuminates the various self medication strategies used to obliterate memories. Substance use allows these men to negate meaninglessness through creating a psychological withdrawal from the world. Psychologists, psychotherapists, psychopathologists, social policy makers, gender practitioners, criminologists and “addiction” experts will all find this revelatory.
