The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients (P.S.),   ISBN:9780061719615

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This book is helpful. If you are interested in existential therapy, this is a great book.

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In the introduction of his _Existential Psychotherapy_ text, Yalom recounts how in a cooking class he discovered that it was the instructor's "surreptitious throw-ins (that) made all the difference." He then makes the parallel that the "critical ingredients" of effective psychotherapy are the therapist's intuitive "throw-ins" that exist outside of formal training and "are hard to describe, even harder to define."

Fortunately, in _The Gift of Therapy_, Yalom has been able to eloquently describe and clearly define many of his "critical ingredients" which have ultimately made all of difference in his work. The 85 bite-sized essays comprising this book convey the crucial "throw-ins" that optimize the effectiveness of therapy, including the here-and-now therapist-client relationship, the therapist's use of self, an ongoing exploration of the givens of existence, and the use of dreams in therapy. _The Gift of Therapy_ is truly a gift to therapists, and to anyone else striving to experience a more meaningful life via improved relationships with self and others.

Customer Rating: 

This really is something EVERY new therapist should read and probably something older experienced therapists should read too! I was nervous about reading a book about my career for my night time book, but Yalom has broken it up into such small chapters that you can read it in any chunk of time you have! His writing is such that he makes it enjoyable and simple to read. I NEVER re-read books and I intend to re-read this one. :)

Customer Rating: 

This was the book we were asked to read for one of our very first counseling lab class, and I skipped reading it. By the end of the program, I was given this as a graduation gift by my internship supervisor and decided to finally finish reading it (and go beyond the first 10 pages I'd read initially!). This is one of Yalom's good books, and although not as engaging as his other works, it's definitely helpful for a beginner.

I also like Yalom's emphasis on here-and-now, which is one of the essential part of process in psychotherapy. In conclusion, Yalom talks about things that all therapists need to know and follow, and should've learnt about in their training.

Customer Rating: 

Very fluent, easy to understand. A great guide for both therapists and patients. It is a book that I would want to read or take a look at over and over from time to time.