Dibs in Search of Self: The Renowned, Deeply Moving Story of an Emotionally Lost Child Who Found His Way Back

by Virginia M. Axline and Dr Axline Virginia

Book Overview

The classic of child therapy. Dibs will not talk. He will not play. He has locked himself in a very special prison. And he is alone. This is the true story of how he learned to reach out for the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345339258
• Release Date: June 1986
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.9" x 0.6" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

A book you will remember

As a bookworm growing up, I pretty much read everything I could get my hands on, including all my mother's college textbooks and required reading. My mother went to college to become a nurse when I was in elementary school and this is one of the books that made it's way home with her. Since I had already been reading her child psychology textbooks, she gave me this to read. I fell in love with the book and I've read it at least one hundred times since then. I never tire of it. The true story of this amazing and misunderstood little boy will touch your heart.

Simply Inspiring

Virginia Axline's moving 'Dibs in Search of Self' has probably impacted my life more than any other book I have read. I read this book at age 16, while in my first year as a summer camp counselor. The empathy and emotion she shows in her writing struck a chord with me, and inspired me to take a similar look at helping children. I am now studying to become a child psychologist. I have worked with children with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and I can attest to the reality of the thoughts, reactions, and emotions of both child and therapist. This book is a seminal work, and I recommend it to anyone who works with children.

impact of conversation on growth

As a practicing oncologist I deal with peoples struggles for their life.This is another story about an individual's struggle to take control of their life.In some other reviews of this book I think the readers missed the basic concept. This is not a book that blames parents for their childrens psychological problems, rather it points out the power of conversations and actions on another human beings emotional well being. Especially the power during early childhood when the individual is developing his or her self concept.It should remind us all that the conversations we have about people including ourselves can alter a life. The pivotal point for Dibbs was acceptance of his self expression by a talented psychologist then himself and finally his parents. In the epilogue the letter Dibbs writes points it out beautifully.I recommend it highly for all those interested in the triumph of the human spirit.

Life changing

When I first encountered Dibs in 7th grade I was deeply touched and changed by the reading. Dibs is a little boy caught in a family that doesn't mean to hurt him but does sheerly by continuing the dysfunctionalism that is so prevalent. I don't think Axline ever accuses or blames the parents for not knowing how to cope with Dibs' different personality. As I read I was able to see Dibs in myself. And I also was able to conquer the world I was locked into. I still read this book about once a year and I still learn so much about myself

A DEFINITE MUST READ!

DIBS is an incredible book that can serve as an inspiration to all. It pulls you in emotionally while teaching you a great deal about children's psychology. I read it in ONE DAY! For everyone who rated this book low... they were obviously unable to see the meaning of this book. The strength this child had to overcome his past and learn to live a strong, happy, and healthy life. It is definitly worth the time and the money.