FWIW - i think AR is probably awesome for those situationally depressed that need a kick up the ass to get out of that funk. motivation can work for those in that sort of situation. it might be all they need. but Depression isn't "one size fits all" - and the depression that comes around because your brain chemistry is screwed up - motivation isn't going to be the fix needed. to simplify everything so much is to discount the breadth of the disorder in so many people. i know that what works for me isn't going to work for others. i know that what works for them won't work for me.
FWIW I couldn't agree more!

Um, Robbins has formed a working partnership with world renown Chloe Madanes, she is the president of his centre, so if you would like to make a more educated opinion, you can read about her here: Workshops with Cloé Madanes - she is the female voice talking over most of the intervention DVDs. Robbins is not a motivational speaker. Again, you're making a conclusion on work you haven't even learnt about or experienced. It's like trying to describe a country you've never even been to... taken one point and ridden it to death because you don't understand his work.
and as far as "educated opinions" go, what makes you think I have not been down the AR path? Is my education and opinion lacking substance? am I unqualified? This stuff has been around since the 70's! And qualifications aren't all that matters! I have spoken with professors that have more PhD's than members in my family tree. Does that mean they are all knowing? No! Qualifications may suit a targeted social group, but not every human being! Freud was a smart man, but I don't want him raising my daughter! Do you see my point? I hope so!

You have shown Chloe Madanes resume, which summed up in plain english says she has been a Clinical Member, Supervisor and Fellow, a Licenciada (Spanish for University graduate), an Adjunct Associate Professor (part time non tenured), a Clinical Assistant Professor (entry level non tenured) and a Director. Sounds like a very learned Lady! Her website states she became a Master Therapist in 2005, which to my understanding is a Psychologist with a masters degree. This opens up an area of conjecture as some people prefer Psychiatrists! I wouldn't care to pass judgement as to her being a "quack" or not, but maybe I'm just being rhetorical! and now she's doing voiceovers on a DVD?

A quick Wikipedia search on Chloe Madanes lead me to this (Strategic Family Therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) " Strategic family therapy seeks to address specific problems that can be addressed in a shorter time frame than other therapy modalities. "

This is brilliant! But has it worked for me? NO! Would I suggest it to people I know? NO! Are you suggesting it to other people? YES! Has it worked for you? YES! From the bottom of my soul I am happy for you, and applaud you in sharing your fortune! Please bear in mind that we are all unique and are entitled to our judgments. I do not pass judgement lightly. I have not walked in your shoes and will not assume that you mean ill will and apologise for any vexation!

I'm all for help, self help, shared help, whatever it takes, but just like religion, one viewpoint can NOT be stipulated as the be all and end all. We all have different needs. I am extremely envious of those gifted people who can assist others through traumatic times, and I am relieved that people find benefit through so many different mediums. My most prefered medium is Buddhism, but I will not opinionate here, as it is not for everyone!

It's a fact of life that the interpretation of reality is a conundrum. Mankind has hypothesized it existence for centuries. Quantum physics has proven that purely observing some thing will alter its outcome (irrespective of wether we have partaken or sat silently). There will forever be discrepancies when mankind is involved. Our senses are inconsistent as our brains phases change (apostrophes left out for grammatically incorrectness) from hour to hour and day to day. There are over 30 academic principles of psychology and over 50 sub-categories. This in itself outlines the problem faced by modern day society!

After all is said and done, Forums like these need to be here! Any help is good help if it's given and not enforced. The best way to learn is from eachother!

Nemaste