Michael Aanavi, PhD, a clinical psychologist, licensed acupuncturist, and recovering heroin addict, recently published “The Trusting Heart: Addiction, Recovery, and Intergenerational Trauma,” a book discussing his struggle with addiction, his path to recovery and his unorthodox perspective incorporating principles of Chinese medicine, Jungian psychology and other methods gathered over his more than 20 years of experience.
An alumnus of the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) has recently published a book, “The Trusting Heart: Addiction, Recovery, and Intergenerational Trauma” centered on his personal journey through addiction, recovery and his over 20 years of research, training and mastery of the subjects. Aanavi sheds light on revolutionary ways of understanding addiction.
“In the context of personal experience, the book offers an unorthodox perspective on addiction and intergenerational trauma, incorporating insights from Jungian psychology, Chinese medicine, and elsewhere,” said Aanavi when asked about what makes his book so unique.
“Carl Jung (founder of Jungian psychology) spoke of pistis, the trusting heart. He said that this fundamental capacity for trust is the precursor to faith, and that without this essential quality, faith in something greater, faith in one’s own process, faith in the wholeness of the psyche is impossible,” as said on the cover of “The Trusting Heart.” For the author of this book, pistis involves the ability to trust one’s own subjectivity; one’s felt sense, regardless of whether it jibes with what is externally acceptable or valid, regardless of the outcome.
Through his studies at ACTCM, Michael Aanavi deepened his understanding of the ways in which Chinese medicine has much to offer for the process of recovery from addiction. That, along with his studies as a psychologist gave him a multifaceted perspective on substance abuse treatment.
“The Trusting Heart” is a compilation of blog posts from Aanavi’s popular blog http://www.thetrustingheart.com which is now the book’s website. “The Trusting Heart” was published by Chiron Publications.
“Each addict is different and each addict needs a personalized pathway to recovery,” said an ACTCM clinician. “This is why it is so important to explore the various avenues of treatment. What works for some, doesn’t necessarily work for all.”
“The Trusting Heart” is available for purchase on amazon.com or at http://www.thetrustingheart.com. Michael Aanavi is a practicing psychologist based in Berkeley, California, which is his top priority. He finds it extremely rewarding to guide other addicts through the process of recovery.
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About American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) has provided affordable, quality health care to the public and trained professionals in acupuncture, massage and Chinese medicine since 1980. In addition to its graduate curriculum, ACTCM offers continuing education, public education, community outreach and clinical services in acupuncture and herbal medicine. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic, and has been voted “Best of the Bay” by both the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. ACTCM is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.