The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients Paperback – August 19, 2017

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Dr. Yalom provides a thoughtful, humorous, and prescient examination of being a therapist. This book is as applicable today as it was many years ago when it was first written.

I've bought this book for some of my clinical trainees and grad students. I personally learned a lot from the book, and found it entertaining. Many have reviewed it previously, so here are a few things that I have to add:1) Consider ordering Yalom's DVD "The Gift of Therapy." It is a one hour interview with Yalom that supplements the material in the book. If you are fascinated by Yalom, or if you'd rather watch the video... then obtain it online from Yalom's professional website.2) If you've read Yalom's therapy novels, then you'll appreciate this book. It clarifies themes that show up in Yalom's novels. I especially loved "Lying on the Couch." If you liked the "open letter," then you'll enjoy "Lying on the Couch." Poignant, deep, hilarious.3) One line that has stuck with me from the book has to do with empirically validated therapies. "UNvalidated does not mean INvalidated," or something like that... Frankly, I'm a big, big, big fan of empirically validated approaches. I see plenty of value in short-term behavioral and cognitive approaches. But the hubris surrounding "empirically-validated" behavioral and cognitive approaches is annoying, especially in this era of managed care fascism/stupidity. There is so much to mental health, psychotherapy, and life that cannot be validated using empircal methods. We need scientific validation of our interventions if possible, but we also need to acknowledge the profound limitations of science. This seems remarkably obvious to me but so many people on either side of the battle don't get it. If you are "anti-science," or, conversely, if you are "anti-things-that-can't-be-validated-empirically," then you are narrow minded. I know I sound arrogant here... but I'm right. ;-)4) Consider keeping this book by your bedside, and read a chapter each night. Chapters are very brief and can be completed within a few minutes, before you go off to sleep.5) If you are a supervisor or instructor, consider using this book in your therapy courses. I don't believe that a book like this one will replace an intro text on psychotherapy (e.g., Weiner's classic text). However, it is an easy read and students will enjoy it. When I buy this book for my students, it is often with the expectation that we will discuss its contents at various times.

A surprising easy to read book that touch on existential topics and a profession that I am not a part of. I appreciate the wisdom and advice given in this book - although they are directed to therapists, I believe those advises are mostly applicable to anyone aspiring to be a compassionate, genuine, and engaging person.Took a star off for Yalom’s hostility to brief therapy, obsession with dream analysis and constant referral to his other books. Otherwise I really enjoyed my time with this book

You learn so much detail of a long term therapists experience and the truths of what his experience was. How he learned and overcame and challenges and everything it taught him. Very practical examples in the book and reflect on real life stories. Talks about broad topics that are important in therapy but also specific techniques you can use. No pressure on thinking his way is the best and encourages readers to use his suggests or not. Very helpful as a young person wanting to pursue this field of study

If you're in the Counseling field, you will learn so much from this book. Absolute must read.

This had just the right tone and amount of wisdom to offer a kind of recentering in the purpose, challenges, and gifts of therapy.