John Bradshaw (theologian)

John Elliot Bradshaw (born June 29, 1933 in Houston, Texas) is an American educator, theologian, and author best known for his PBS television programs on topics such as addiction, recovery, and spirituality and in particular, the championing of his "wounded inner child" theory within the context of the dysfunctional family.

Born into a troubled family abandoned by an alcoholic father. Bradshaw was an outstanding student who won scholarships to study for the Roman Catholic priesthood. He earned a B.A. degree, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree and an M.A. degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto in Canada. Six years after his 1963 graduation, Bradshaw returned to academia at Rice University in Houston doing three years of graduate work in psychology and religion.

Despite his academic achievements, his personal life was a mess. Alcohol addiction and other problems led to his decision to end his plans for the priesthood. Ultimately, after gaining an understanding of the effects of childhood on his own adult behavior, he devoted himself to the championing the concept of "reclaiming" self through a process of making change one step at a time.

Bradshaw is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, his "Homecoming" going to No.1. During the 1980s and 90s he hosted a number of highly successful PBS television broadcasts based on his books for which he received an Emmy Award nomination. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Palmer Drug Abuse Program and as the National Director of the John Bradshaw Center at Ingleside Hospital in Los Angeles, California. A much-in-demand motivational speaker, he lectures nationwide and remains a leader of the self-help movement.

Bibliography

Bradshaw On: The Family - 1986
Bradshaw On: Healing the Shame that Binds You - 1988
Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child - 1990
Creating Love - 1992
Family Secrets - 1995
Bradshaw On: The Family (Revised) - 1996