I've been reviewing the books I habitually recommend to those who have had a few sessions of therapy, and who want to know what they might gain by taking the long journey, if I can call it that - therapy that extends sometimes into years, and ends with the discovery of the "real you," the fully functioning person, the self-actualised person, individuation.
At present I recommend:
"A process conception of psychotherapy" by Carl Rogers, written in 1956. While short (a chapter in "On Becoming a Person") I think this is a bit dry for the modern reader.
"Families and how to survive them" by Robin Skynner and John Cleese, in 1983. Whilst very funny and well-written, it's a bit dated.
"The Road Less Travelled" by M. Scott Peck in 1978 is possibly the best of the lot but again has been around a long time, and I wonder if, just because it has always spoken to me, it speaks to the modern reader in an attractive way.
Has anyone got any ideas of a more up-to-the-minute book which shows the benefits of counselling/psychotherapy well?
I've half read Dr Raj - Staying sane. it is quite insightful Once you get passed the Jargon a lot is revealed lots of exercises to get to know where you are and what you can do to overcome trauma/anxiety/depression etc
Thanks for this suggestion. I haven't read the book, although I did hear him a lot on the radio at one time. My understanding is that he gives tools for self-help. He does not recommend the services of counsellors and psychotherapists, indeed he has come across as disparaging of us as a group, as if we were all the same.
am I right?
Hmm I wouldn't put it like that really.. he outlines the difference between
psychology and psychotherapy, and explains that not everybody needs meds however some do. and also intensive therapy but also many people can feel lost after therapy so the tools are there for self help and staying out of therapy if possible. He did or still practices as a counsellor at his nhs practice so he not totaly against it.
I think it's a good book anyway he also talks of how it's scary how many people can just set up from home with no real accreditation. I've read a lot of self help books and i've been through counselling and cbt only to find it isn't substainable all the time anyone can slip back so thats why I took to that book I learnt at lot the nhs would not tell you and I also know i'm not insane lol give it a try anyway. It could be laid out a bit better but I found writing down the page numbers for quick reference helpful to go back to something.
Thanks for replying in such detail. I can see from your description that it could be worth looking at.
There are plenty of would be clients who can't afford the therapy they would like, and such a book might be helpful for them too.
Ha lol just picked up a copy on Amazon, I love Amazon click lol. Thanks Tina I will have a look, always after new books that expand the subject
Fab stuff 🙂 hope it sheds some light,
he is very honest, I have to say..
I came across it in a charity shop, always a good place to find books,
It just stood out to me and It's one I will keep and always go back to..
The first part is quite a bit to take in,
it's all backed up with research and studies, but once you get through that it's all about identifying the areas you need to work on I'm sure everybody would find something out of it xx