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413 reviews for:
The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients
Irvin D. Yalom
4.24 AVERAGE
413 reviews for:
The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients
Irvin D. Yalom
4.24 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
This was a re-read as part of one of my courses.
As is always the case, I thoroughly enjoyed Irv's writing style and approach to discussing psychotherapy concepts and issues. This book is far more easily read than his tome on group therapy - but that is also a great book.
I digress, the range of vignettes presented in this book, the variety of issues that Irv tackles, and the clarity with which he discusses them make this book deserving of high praise. I first read this book prior to starting my first endeavor as a therapist in undergrad and it has been instrumental is shaping my theoretical lens and therapeutic approach, such as my interest in existential matters, my curiosity with dreams, and the focus on interpersonal and intimate matters with which I try to approach therapy. Having re-read it, I fell in love with it all over again and I cannot wait to read more of Irv's book in (hopefully) the near future. I would definitely suggest this book to psychology majors, people entering a program going towards counseling and therapy, and even if you're just interested in learning more about therapy from the side of the client/patient.
The only reason this book is not getting five stars is because of the fact that Schopenhauer's Porcupines by Deborah Luepnitz left such a lasting impression on me in a way this book did not and has not. That being said, though, I could probably only really appreciate Luepnitz' book thanks to the groundwork laid out by this one.
As is always the case, I thoroughly enjoyed Irv's writing style and approach to discussing psychotherapy concepts and issues. This book is far more easily read than his tome on group therapy - but that is also a great book.
I digress, the range of vignettes presented in this book, the variety of issues that Irv tackles, and the clarity with which he discusses them make this book deserving of high praise. I first read this book prior to starting my first endeavor as a therapist in undergrad and it has been instrumental is shaping my theoretical lens and therapeutic approach, such as my interest in existential matters, my curiosity with dreams, and the focus on interpersonal and intimate matters with which I try to approach therapy. Having re-read it, I fell in love with it all over again and I cannot wait to read more of Irv's book in (hopefully) the near future. I would definitely suggest this book to psychology majors, people entering a program going towards counseling and therapy, and even if you're just interested in learning more about therapy from the side of the client/patient.
The only reason this book is not getting five stars is because of the fact that Schopenhauer's Porcupines by Deborah Luepnitz left such a lasting impression on me in a way this book did not and has not. That being said, though, I could probably only really appreciate Luepnitz' book thanks to the groundwork laid out by this one.
fast-paced
Yalom makes some good points, however the content lacks an intersectional analysis and is told from a very condescending, white-centric, pathologized perspective.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I understand why this book has been so highly recommended to me by others in the profession.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
slow-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
Actually took me longer to read than expected because there were short chapters but lots to think about in each chapter. Some good bits to take away as a therapist but of course, each therapist brings their own unique gifts and perspective so always take it with a grain of salt!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Ableism, Bullying, Cancer, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Medical content, Car accident, Abortion, Abandonment