Reviews

Lying on the Couch by Irvin D. Yalom

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mariavoss's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

baharshahraki's review against another edition

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5.0

این نویسنده همیشه منو مبهوت کرده.. سیر داستانی این آدم ها و ربطی که به هم پیدا می کنن واقعا جالبه..

mimisher's review

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2.0

Me and my flatmate agree that this book is outrageous and I fear for anyone who reads this book without a critical eye and a bucket full of salt

Ce-mi rămâne altceva de făcut decât să devin psihoterapeut? Cartea mi-a plăcut mult, foarte mult, atât de mult încât am dat comandă și de alte cărți de-ale lui, cărți pe care le-ar citi doar cei care au treabă cu psihoterapia. Dar mie mi-a plăcut prea mult ideea de a-mi fi propriul psihoterapeut ca să nu fac cercetări pe tema asta. în mod sigur nu aș fi în stare să fac din asta o profesie și cu atât mai puțin o ocupație.
În ciuda faptului că, din punct de vedere literar, nu mi-a plăcut atât de mult ca Plânsul lui Nietzsche, cred că pe viitor cartea asta va avea un impact mult mai mare asupra mea.

heliarocha's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

cestarimm's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

dnf 49%
book club recommendation

steveinadelaide's review

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funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

In the novel Lying on the Couch by Irvin D. Yalom, the author delves into the intricate dynamics and challenges that exist between therapists and their clients. Through a mildly satirical lens, the book presents two interwoven narratives, each highlighting instances where patients deceive their trusting therapists and the therapists themselves grapple with professional boundaries. At the centre of the story is Ernest Lash, a psychotherapist who transitions from psychopharmacology to beginner psychoanalysis but starts questioning the artificial and rigid nature of the therapeutic relationship. Ernest yearns to explore a more authentic, human, and transparent approach in his practice.

As we embark on this journey, we navigate the intricate realm of the human psyche, observing the intersecting worlds of psychiatry and storytelling. Within the narrative, an unspoken truth emerges - the potential manipulation and misuse of intimate relationships by therapists for their own gain.

Irvin D. Yalom was a prominent American psychiatrist and psychotherapist known for his influential work in existential psychotherapy and his numerous books on the subject. His writing is captivating and clever, infused with a satirical flair that continuously draws in the knowledgeable reader. He employs expressive language and visual descriptions to craft dynamic and unforgettable characters, while his storytelling technique is engaging and moves at a well-structured pace. The character development within Yalom's work is exemplary, as he delves deeply into the motivations, conflicts, and interconnections of the main protagonists.

Lying on the Couch excels in its unique perspective and profound insights. Yalom delves into the intricacies of the therapeutic alliance, offering valuable reflections and stimulating contemplation. His clever critique of psychoanalysis and existential psychotherapy provides an enjoyable and enlightening experience. The book's emotional resonance is noteworthy as Yalom's characters grapple with themes of love, grief, and betrayal. Although the pacing occasionally lags and characterisations may lack consistency, certain plotlines remain unresolved, possibly leading to some readers being frustrated. I didn’t find it a problem for me.

Yalom extensively examines the significance of the therapeutic alliance in this book, exploring its social, cultural, and philosophical implications. He challenges conventional assumptions about the scope of therapy and the medical paradigm by emphasising that the therapeutic relationship extends beyond the therapist and patient dynamic.

Lying on the Couch is an exceptional and enticing book that distinguishes itself from other novels I have read in this genre. Although it may have occasional pacing concerns and character development inconsistencies, it is a unique and intellectually stimulating piece of literature. I especially recommend it to readers with some background or interest in psychotherapy and/or psychology and who appreciate subtly satirical examinations of intricate connections and intellectually stimulating portrayals of therapeutic relationships.