Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed
E**S
Excellent Book!
This is the best book I have read in some time. Wise, witty and full of compassion. I highly recommend it!
G**A
Navigating the Human Experience: A Therapist's Guide
I read it because it had 46,000 great reviews. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is an enlightening exploration of the human experience through the lens of therapy, written with both depth and humor. The author’s insight into the complexities of life and the intricacies of human emotions resonates throughout the narrative.From the very beginning, the author emphasizes that "most people are what therapists call ‘unreliable narrators,’” reminding us of the importance of perspective in understanding our experiences. This concept is woven through various anecdotes and reflections, illustrating how the narratives we tell ourselves can shape our realities.One powerful takeaway is the idea that “the perfect is the enemy of the good,” encouraging readers to find joy in the imperfections of life. The author’s candid acknowledgment of her own struggles adds an authentic touch, particularly when she states, “The only way out is through,” highlighting the necessity of confronting our pain head-on.The book also tackles significant themes such as loneliness and the need for connection, revealing that many people seek therapy due to a craving for meaningful human interaction. This resonates deeply in our modern world, where isolation can often lead to despair. As the author notes, “You won’t get today back,” reminding us of the urgency to seek fulfillment and connection in our lives.In discussions of the therapeutic process, the author skillfully navigates complex concepts like “forced forgiveness” and the notion that “suffering shouldn’t be ranked,” emphasizing that pain is not a competition. Her assertion that “you can have compassion without forgiving” encourages a nuanced understanding of healing.The book is not just a narrative about therapy; it’s a reflection on what it means to be human. The author’s ability to balance the technical aspects of therapy with relatable anecdotes makes this a compelling read. The exploration of dreams, familial patterns, and the intricacies of the human psyche leaves the reader with a profound understanding of the challenges we all face.Overall, *Maybe You Should Talk to Someone* is a must-read for anyone interested in personal growth, mental health, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and others. This book will not only change the way you view therapy but also inspire you to embrace your own journey with compassion and courage.
O**R
Great book enjoyed every page
Great book I enjoyed every page, I do think the ending feels a little bit rushed. I really enjoyed it It makes you consider therapy.
D**N
Entertaining AND Insightful
This book is an easy 5 stars! If there was an option, I'd give it more. This story is engaging and thought provoking. I took many pauses throughout the novel to reflect on the concepts woven into the story and found more mental/emotional freedom because of it. I love how the author chose to write about cases that almost anyone can relate to and learn from--all while being entertained by her story! I recommended this book to all humans... because we all have "stuff."
D**I
Felt like I was in therapy myself
I loved it! It was healing, informative, and entertaining. Absolutely a must read! I read it on kindle but I need the physical copy to reference.
A**R
Excellent
I really loved this. It was basically a therapist telling both her experience of going to therapy and her experiences with several of her clients. It wasn't quite a memoir and it wasn't quite a self-help book, but I enjoyed it more and got more out of it than I generally do with either genre. It was engaging and really made me think. It could have been a quick read, because it was so well written and engaging, but I needed some breaks at times because it could be emotionally heavy. I pretty much cried through the last several chapters, but it was a good cry. I'm really glad I read it.
J**R
Good book
Not exactly what I expected but still a very interesting read.
P**M
This isn't just a book about therapy, it's a book about being human
What a powerful, incredibly poignant book. This isn't just a book about therapy, it's a book about being human. About living, and connection - with others, ourselves, our feelings, life - and about how we learn from each other. The very first sentence of the Author's Note sets the tone: "This is a book that asks, 'How do we change?' and answers with "In relation to others.' "I won't give a summary; you can get that from the blurb and the full title of the book itself serves as a mini-blurb.What I'll say is that I love the way the author's insight into herself, during her own therapy, both informs and *is informed by* her work with her patients, by their insights into themselves, reached with her guidance, as well as by the insights she, in turn, takes from them. But what really struck me was how, as a reader, I too became part of this experience, because there wasn't a part of this book that didn't touch me, and often deeply: In every person's story, the author's and each patient's, though their personalities and circumstances were all very different from each other's and from mine, I found common ground, found my own resonance, even my own insights.Fair warning: If you read this, be prepared to cry, and more than once. But (for me at least) it was the good kind of crying, because these are stories of letting go and acceptance and healing, so the crying is the sort that leaves you feeling vulnerable but washed clean, like after a storm, peaceful and full of hope.But it's not all tears and insights and seriousness; this book is also really funny at times, often at the same time it's touching your heart. And if that doesn't capture in a nutshell what its like, both being in therapy and being human, I don't know what does.I highly recommend this book to anyone with feelings, whether or not you have ever been in therapy, considered it, or are a therapist yourself; but maybe *especially* if you have been, or are. And yep, I *totally* recc'd this to my own therapist :DI'll close with one of my favorite touchingly humorous and human moments from this book:SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT“Is that a pajama top?” Julie asks as she walks into my office. It’s the afternoon after the [...] Incident, right before my appointment with [....], and I’ve almost made it through the day. I give her a quizzical look.“Your shirt,” she says, settling onto the couch. I flash back to the morning, to the gray sweater I intended to wear and then, with a sinking feeling, to the image of the sweater laid out on my bed next to the gray pajama top I’d taken off before stepping into the shower [...]. Oh God.[...] had gotten me a pack of PJs, their fronts emblazoned with sayings like AREN’T I JUST A F[…]ING RAY OF SUNSHINE and TALK NERDY TO ME and ZZZZZZZZZZ SNORE (not the message a therapist wants to send her patients). I’m trying to remember which one I wore last night.I brace myself and glance down. My top says NAMAST’AY IN BED. Julie is looking at me, waiting for an answer.Whenever I’m not sure what to say in the therapy room—which happens to therapists more often than patients realize—I have a choice: I can say nothing until I understand the moment better, or I can attempt an answer, but whatever I do, I must tell the truth.[...]“Yes,” I tell Julie. “It’s a pajama top. I guess I put it on by mistake.”I wait, wondering what she’ll say. If she asks why, I’ll tell the truth (although not the specifics): I wasn’t paying attention this morning.“Oh,” she says. Then her mouth twitches the way it does when she’s about to cry, but instead, she starts laughing.“I’m sorry, I’m not laughing at you. Namast’ay in Bed . . . that’s exactly how I feel!”Content Warnings: terminal cancer, death, mystery illness, depression, suicidal ideation, romantic breakup, car accident, sudden death of child
B**M
must-read
Beautifully written loved this book. The Store is quite catching from the start and filled with good advice..must read c
H**E
Great read for a Counselling student.
I whipped through this book, it was a really fun and interesting read. It touched on and gave great examples of many of the skills and techniques I’m currently learning.However, even if I wasn’t a counselling student I would have loved this book. It’s got heart, humour, honesty and humility. I can’t recommend it enough!
C**N
A moving insight
Sometimes, reaching the past page of a book feels like saying goodbye to a friend. You're grateful for the time together, knowing that you are richer for it, and saddened that it has come to an end. This is one of those books.Emotional and humorous, relatable and complex, heartbreaking and cathartic, this book pulls you into the lives of its characters with wit and profound compassion.
M**T
Una opinión muy refrescante de lo que supone ser Terapeuta.
Este libro ha tenido muy buenas referencias en Inglaterra , USA y Alemania.
E**A
Life lessons written with vulnerability and care
I bought this book when I was going through a tough time. The reviews looked great, although I must say I was sceptical about how many fervent positive comments there were about the book; surely it cannot be THAT life changing. It was 6 months before I started to read it, but I'm glad I picked it when I did, the stories and knowledge and experience in the book came at just the right time.I LOVED the book. It was written so so beautifully. Gottlieb is an excellent writer, the way she manages to create intricate plots out of people's life stories and hooks you in is simply fantastic.I have qualms with non-fiction books which use jargon and have a narrative voice that gives off "better than thou" energy. So I was happy that this book shared so much professional expertise in an easy to understand way and with a tone that was warming and approachable.I must say I read the book quickly, wanting to know what happens next.However, there were so many beautiful and striking quotes, I shall be re-reading it and noting these down with care so I can refer back to these again and again.I really do recommend this book, in fact I have to the people in my life, passing the book around.I think in many ways, if you are struggling, you may see yourself reflected in her stories and in her patients' stories and you might just find yourself in a position to change your life.
Trustpilot
3 days ago
2 days ago