This weekend in Missoula is the Annual Montana Book Festival, so I’ve got books on my mind. In a stroke of good fortune (and thanks to Susan O’Connor and Rita), last night I got to meet David James Duncan, the author of my all-time favorite book, The Brother’s K. Talking with DJD was ALMOST as fun as reading The Brother’s K, which, if you haven’t read yet, should be on your reading list.
Speaking of Davids and books, several days ago one of our fantastic UM Doc students and I had a book review published in the Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. The Doc student’s name is Ariel Goodman (not David), and I have the bragging rights (and honor) of being the co-author of her first (of many to come) publication.
Our review is of Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness by David A. Treleaven. Ariel and I both liked the book. Although we take him to task a bit for less than perfect scientific rigor, overall the book is very well written and has many excellent ideas about how to safely employ mindfulness with individuals who have previously experienced trauma.
Here’s the review: Goodman-Sommers-Flanagan2018_Article_DavidATreleavenTrauma-Sensitiv
Also, thanks to James Overholser, editor of the Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, for giving us the opportunity to do this book review.
John Sommers-Flanagan 
Hey John,
This is the only contact portal I have for you. I was thinking about the odd behavior that Kavanaugh has been displaying as he is put on the spot about sexual assaults. What came to mind after the latest hearing was “white male fragility “. I think other things are going on, but what do you think?
I am in ND now and may not be in Missoula until December. I appreciate what you and Rita do to make things better. Greetings to both of you.
Rob Sand
Killdeermtn@gmail.com
Hi Rob. Pathological lying also comes to mind. He had trouble with the facts immediately after being announced as a nominee. My email is john.sf@mso.umt.edu. Hope you and Mary are doing great. John
The thing is, why is he lying and is he lying to his family and himself? Someone who has set his sights on the Supreme Court and perhaps has changed his behavior, would want to “reinvent himself”. If he had to admit to what he did as a young man, it would all come down. Fragility, rather than the strength of honesty and humility, makes it so hard to empathize and listen/observe with an open mind and heart.
Like so many things, the coverup becomes the fatal sin. Deny, deny is djt’s mantra, and Kavanaugh is playing the same game. In this time, it may work for both of them.
Mary loves our condo, and it is great for me as well. Our granddaughter is a joy. And we wish we were together more. We can’t keep our ND place much longer, but lots of work still to do here.
Wishing you the best.
Rob