The Gift Of Therapy: An open letter to a new generation of therapists and their patients

Really loving this book, clear insights, easy to read, a very human and honest perspective on the relationship between therapist and client. There are no biases/power beliefs about the therapist over the client and Yalom's genuine compassion and empathy with his clients is evident. A very well written and easily read (though not simplistic!) book, a real joy to read and one which makes you think and will stay with me. Can be dipped in and out of and I'm sure one which will be a point of reference in the future.

Wonderful book, wonderful man, wonderful practitioner, there isn't anything I didn't like about this book. Irving Yalom really hits the nail on the head with all of his works. My favourite book of his 'Loves Executioner.' I know this is my second favourite book. He is an author who I recommend to all of my friends

So easy to read, engaging style, full of useful advice and he doesn't shy away from the mistakes he has made either. You can dip in and out and I found myself using a highlighter over and again there were so many nuggets of wisdom I wanted to return to. For a student (I am Level 4) training to become a professional therapist I would highly recommend this and any of his books frankly. They are all brilliantly readable and accessible and USEFUL!

This is a book borne of experience rather than theory. What Irvin D Yalom does here is offer counsellors and psychotherapists the benefit of his own discoveries about what works. While he does make occasional reference to various schools of thought (e.g. neo-Freudian) it is clear that his interest is in getting 'alongside' people rather than in analysing or diagnosing them. Indeed, he cautions against diagnoses and advises therapists to view those who seek their help as 'fellow travellers' (rather than as afflicted clients). Not being a therapist myself, I am not able to comment from that particular perspective, but it seems to me that what Yalom is writing about is the kind of pastoral care that, in the past, many people may have sought from their priests, ministers or rabbis. It is interesting that Yalom dislikes the term 'client' (which suggests a business relationship), preferring instead to use the term 'patient' (which seems rather more clinical) - but 'parishioner' might almost be a more fitting expression (though, presumably, there cannot be too great a 'flock' of 'parishioners' at any one time!). I make this comment because Yalom appears, essentially, to be urging therapists to act as secular clergy, supporting and empathising with individuals and, on occasions, giving them direction. Given his relational/pastoral emphasis, it is unsurprising that he is dismissive of particular fixed approaches to therapy. He is certainly critical of the Person-Centred Approach pioneered by Carl Rogers, but he reserves some of his most scathing remarks for formulaic 'evidence-based therapies' such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). The Gift of Therapy is actually an enjoyable as well as informative read, precisely because it stresses relationship with the human subject rather than adherence to a method.

it is an important read. The writer present psychotherapy in a great was and with clear language

Beautifully written, inspiring and knowledgeable. I would recommend it to therapists and general readers alike.

I'm a huge fan of Irvin Yalom's writing and approached this book with highest expectations, which it has easily met. The chapters are short, but comprehensive and the book is therefore easy to read when you have spare time, whether it is five minutes or an hour. I've read a couple of chapters several times and have taken more from them with each read. Regardless of if you have read work by Yalom before or if this is likely to be your first purchase, it is likely to be equally accessible and rewarding.

I find this book invaluable! I first borrowed it from a friend and kept it for quite some time before I reluctantly returned it, but only after ordering my own copy to keep close at hand! I never tire of returning to it like an old friend, each time discovering, then rediscovering Irvin Yaloms words of wisdom. It is not a heavy book to read.. . more akin to listening and learning from someone who is offering his lifes knowledge and experiences for the benefit of others in whatever sphere of life in the helping professions.