Sheldon H. Kardener, MD graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and subsequently a doctorate from the School of Medicine, with honors, at Wayne State University. After completing a psychiatric residency at the University of California at Los Angeles, he joined the faculty where he is now a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry. He has been a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. For over forty years, he has written extensively, practiced psychodynamic psychotherapy - with a special interest in couples therapy - taught mental health professionals,… psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, marriage family therapists, and nurses, as well as lay groups, in the United States and Europe.nbsp; In the book, Breaking Free, he distills these experiences, illuminating his unique approach to understanding how emotional conflicts develop and are treated in psychotherapy. Monika Olofsson Kardener, MFT was born and raised on the enchanting Swedish island of Gotland. She lived and worked in Germany and England before coming to the United States where she graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. Subsequently she obtained a masterrsquo;s degree in Islamic studies at UCLA, and a masterrsquo;s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University. She practices as a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. Drawing from her rich and varied background and experiences, she contributes valuable perspectives as co-author of the book, Breaking Free: How Chains From Childhood Keep Us From What We Want.nbsp; In addition to her psychotherapy activities, she is a fine artist specializing in pastels. Dr. and Mrs. Kardener maintain an office in Santa Monica and a summer home on Gotland.