Love's Executioner

I liked the stories, they are all fascinating and a page turner, probably not exactly an illustration of the psychotherapist's mastery (I thought quite the contrary in places), but an eye-opener into what goes on in other people's lives. It can make you feel quite humble about how lucky your own lot in life is, but it can also destroy your confidence in psychotherapy, in general.. While reading it, I found myself thinking psychotherapists are human, too, not these impartial, all knowing professionals who are always like some efficient healing machines. Reading between the lines, I could see that a psychotherapist can be rattled by the person they saw before you and might only pretend to be listening to your problems now, if you're a woman and they are male, there is always this sex thing going on: if you're young and sexy, they have to struggle to NOT objectify you (!! it's in there, he says it himself!), if you're old and unappealing, they can find you boring and annoying, if you're obese, they have to work hard on not falling asleep while you talk, etc. There is also the issue of counter-transference which means that you might remind them of somebody they hate(d) and force themselves to stay impartial. For me, it was an interesting book because it showed me that if you're even toying with the idea of seeing a psychotherapist for whatever reason, it's probably easier to save your money and just talk to somebody who loves you or just use your own common-sense and keep things in perspective...I would just find it impossible to go and see a psychotherapist because, knowing what I now know of what goes on behind the scenes, I could freeze with shyness and terror of being ridiculed, even if only inside the therapist's skull:( But I guess my problems are not bad enough to overcome that vulnerability! There are 10 stories and for some reason I thought he mishandled some of those or brought his own prejudices into the equation, but somehow the process of talking, just talking to another human being, can be redemptive in itself and can heal beyond both people's bullshit, either said or just thought... Interesting read, I would recommend this book. It's great for dream interpretation! Especially the last dream, it's priceless:)))

First things first - this is not a self-help book. If that is what you are looking for, you may be disappointed. Having said that, I found it challenging in places, in a way that was both thought provoking and helpful.The book is written largely from the perspective of the therapist. Dr Yalom is candid in revealing his own thoughts and feelings as each case unfolds. He admits where he doesn't like or 'connect' with a client, but, as the therapy evolves, he allows us to see how his opinion and feelings towards them evolve. He shows how their personal endeavours to overcome their issues earn his genuine respect. In this way, he reveals the 'human' side of a health care professional. I appreciate that some reviewers did not gel with his style, but I found it intriguing and refreshing.I am familiar with, and enjoy studying, the principle of psychology and psychotherapy, but this book gives the subject a totally different slant. Well worth a read.Why 4 stars instead of 5? Maybe it is me, but I found one or two of the case histories to be light weight in comparison to the others. Whereas this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book, it did feel a bit like padding.

I really like the insight to the Psychotherapist on this book. Dr Yalom’s writing really painted the people he helped and was wry touching, I cried through several chapters as the pain of the people he wrote about felt so visceral and deep regret and pain is something I can empathise with. I read a lot of psychology books, I’m a nurse and find reading them helps me better understand all sorts of people and this book was easily devoured, had great insight and even had be reflecting on things on my own therapy

The book is made out of separate stories each with its own quirks. It is based on the author's recollections of running talking therapy sessions with a number of different clients. The author gives a running commentary on his silent thoughts during each session, and I found it fascinating comparing these with what was said in each session. For me it was an insight into how honesty and genuineness are necessary for building therapeutic relationships, but at the same time can clash with rules of politeness and social convention. Some people will find the author's honesty distasteful and offensive, and I found it equally interesting reading less favourable reviews from people who felt genuinely upset about it.

Taking you through some of Irvin's therapy client this book is touching, moving and brought tears to my eyes towards the end. So real, true to the core, it highlights to me the reasons why i want to become a therapist. It also highlights the powerful changes that person-centred therapy can bring to the client. And how skilful practice goes through being 100% genuine, bringing 100% of oneself into therapy, working hand in hand with the client as two adults in a joint enterprise.