Ellen DeGeneres, Selfies And Narcissism - Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Makes The Case For The Selfie

WILMINGTON, NC, March 13, 2014 (Press-News.org) Everywhere we look today we see the most famous 'selfie' ever taken. Ellen Degeneres set a new standard for the selfie with her recent celebrity packed selfie taken at the Oscars. In a recent article on YourTango.com, where she is one of their Experts, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist and prolific published author, made the case for the selfie. While many believe the selfie is a narcissist act performed by self-centered megalomaniacs, Dr. Holstein believes the opposite.

Dr. Holstein recently examined the attraction of the selfie personally. Her husband believed she was exhibiting narcissistic behavior. Her daughter questioned her sanity. But the experience brought the subject into perspective for her.

"It got me thinking," Dr Holstein stated. "Why would I take pictures of myself on vacation on Block Island? Why would I start snapping photos later that summer, on my way to visit my college roommates in Connecticut, and in again Grand Central Station when I changed trains?"

"Why? Because I felt so alive that day, anticipating great talks with dear friends. Why? Because I liked the black and white sundress I had on. Why? Because Grand Central Station made me feel young, vital and as if I was on an adventure. Why? Because no one else would bother to record my adventure. Why? Because I felt able to take charge of an important part of my life; that I no longer had to give it over to someone else."

"If I want a visual memory of how I look and feel on any given day, I can now make that image for myself. I don't have to ask or explain, or feel vain for requesting a snapshot from someone else. Think about it: No one explains why they keep a diary, so why should taking photos be any different? This ritual is part of my diary: a part that technology has finally made possible."

"So today, camera phone in hand, I stand proud and announce: I support the selfie."

Dr. Holstein is a prolific writer who crosses genres with ease. Dr. Holstein's book for teens and tweens, 'The Truth, (I'm a girl, I'm Smart and I Know Everything)' is a first in using fiction for positive psychology. It is a fictional diary for girls, tweens and teens. Written by an 11 year old girl as a diary, Dr. Barbara has embedded within the story positive truths and concepts geared to help girls develop self-esteem and resiliency. Sky Pony Press will be publishing The Truth in the summer of 2014.

Her second book in The Truth Series is 'Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I'll Tell You Mine...Maybe!' Now the girl is 13. She handles many adolescent issues, including a crush, moving, a death in the family, feeling fat and problems with girlfriends. 'Secrets' provides a book kids and parents and grandparents can share and use as a sounding board for needed communication between the generations.

Both 'The Truth' and 'Secrets' are great for grandparents, older siblings and teachers to establish lines of communication with the tweens in their lives. Both books will be re-released by Sky Pony Press.

Dr. Holstein believes that getting in touch with your strengths, talents and potential at every age, as well as learning how to hold on to the wise, playful, happy, gutsy and energetic girl that still resides within each woman is essential for mental health.

To assist this process she has written many books, including: case study material as presented in The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy; inspirational stories as presented in Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU! and romance, mystery books designed to bring fun, excitement, romance and positive psychological truths into women's lives. Latest books are: Parts 1 and 2 of Next Year in Jerusalem! available in paper and as e-books; Parts 1,2 and 3 of Next Year in Jerusalem! are now available, incorporated into Around Every Corner on Kindle.

In addition to running a thriving practice, Dr. Holstein is a very successful author. She is available for media interview and can be reached using the information below or by email at drbarbara@enchantedself.com. All of her works are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all other online retailers. More information is available at her website.

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self , a positive psychology method for increasing happiness. Dr. Holstein has been a school psychologist for over 25 years. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara speaks regularly on radio programs around the country, and appears on television in New York and New Jersey. Her inspiring audio shows and podcasts can be found on the web, along with hundreds of her articles and stories. She has been a contributor to Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, The Wall Street Journal, Time on line, and Family Circle Magazine.

Her pathfinder book 'The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy' was published in 1997 by Harwood Academic Publishers and is now in its second printing through Brunner-Routledge. Her second book 'Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU!' has received rave reviews as a wonderful inspirational story book. 'DELIGHT', Dr. Holstein's third book is available in two versions, paperback and a CD-rom that includes music, art, and Dr. Holstein's voice.

Other works include 'The Truth, (I'm a girl, I'm Smart and I Know Everything)', 'Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I'll Tell You Mine...Maybe!', and 'Around Every Corner: Romance And Mystery . . . '