Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Penguin Books, Limited (UK) (1995), 288 pages
Description
"First published in 1989, this ... collection of ten tales by distinguished psychotherapist Irvin D. Yalom has become a classic. ... Yalom uncovers the mysteries, frustrations, pathos, and humor at the heart of the therapeutic encounter. In recounting his patients' dilemmas, Yalom not only gives us a rare and enthralling glimpse into their personal desires and motivations but also tells us his own story as he struggles to reconcile his all-too-human responses with his sensibility as a psychiatrist. Now with a new afterword ..."
User reviews
LibraryThing member JDHomrighausen
This is one of the most enthralling books about psychology I have ever read. Yalom is a psychiatrist at Stanford University and a practitioner of what he calls existential psychotherapy. This method of therapy seeks to help patients come to and cope with core existential realities and problems: the
Yalom is not afraid to be self-critical. He includes one chapter in which his method didn't work at all. In another chapter he openly (perhaps too openly) reveals his disgust at a client who was obese. I discussed this book with my therapist (a Jungian) and we agreed that Yalom seems rather guiding than what we are doing. He knows where he is going and tries to bring the session there, whereas my therapist follows what I do and only suggests possible directions. More starkly, my method of therapy affirms the reality and importance of the sacred, whereas Yalom sees it as an illusion to avoid existential reality.
So this book not only helped me see more of how Yalom's mode of therapy works, but also how mine works by contrast. I enjoyed the book but would not want Yalom to be my therapist.
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inevitability of death, our ultimate loneliness, the need to create/find meaning in life, and our terrifying freedom. While these are rarely openly discussed, they often linger in the background of other issues his clients bring to him. This book is composed of case studies of different clients who came to him, how the therapy worked, how he felt and reacted, and what the outcomes were.Yalom is not afraid to be self-critical. He includes one chapter in which his method didn't work at all. In another chapter he openly (perhaps too openly) reveals his disgust at a client who was obese. I discussed this book with my therapist (a Jungian) and we agreed that Yalom seems rather guiding than what we are doing. He knows where he is going and tries to bring the session there, whereas my therapist follows what I do and only suggests possible directions. More starkly, my method of therapy affirms the reality and importance of the sacred, whereas Yalom sees it as an illusion to avoid existential reality.
So this book not only helped me see more of how Yalom's mode of therapy works, but also how mine works by contrast. I enjoyed the book but would not want Yalom to be my therapist.
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LibraryThing member ablueidol
Refreshing approach that is focused on the pain of existence rather then repressed or childhood problems. Accept our deaths and we embrace life
LibraryThing member MiserableLibrarian
These ten stories tell of Yalom’s work with patients in the “therapeutic encounter.” While each story is different, several common themes emerge: freedom, decision, existential isolation. Several of the stories deal more directly with issues of death and involve older patients. As in Every
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day gets a little closer, it is a treat to listen in as Yalom works with these people to help them better understand their motivations and their wishes. Show Less
LibraryThing member bikiechic
A fascinating read. I found each story very interesting - I never tired of reading it. My only criticism would be of Yalom's commentary on his patients in places. I found him harsh and judgemental of others' flaws. Of particular note, his extremely negative observations of a "fat" patient he had.
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Although he explained that he recognised his own issues with people who are overweight, I think he used it as an excuse to go to town on putting them down and calling them "ugly". It was surprising, that as a counsellor/psychiatrist, he failed to come to the conclusion that people have weight problems for many reasons, not just overeating. Unfortunately, the attitude he expressed about an obese patient of his (near the beginning of the book) clouded my approach to reading of ALL the patients he discussed throughout. I kept getting upset with Yalom, claiming out loud that he was being unfair and judging his patients poorly at times. Still, a worthwhile read... however, it makes me hestitant to seek any form of counselling or therapy... especially if I'd be interrupted by thoughts of what MY therapist/psychiatrist might be thinking whilst "treating" me. Show Less
LibraryThing member phredfrancis
Despite Yalom's occasionally getting in his own way in telling a story (what therapist doesn't, really?), these difficult cases from his practice are well imparted. The problems these people face are rather extreme, but the it's not the nature of their difficulties which is unusual so much as it is
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the intensity of their experiences. In that way, these stories can be personally instructive rather than being exploitive tales for intellectual voyeurism. Worth a read, and a reread. Show Less
LibraryThing member JBD1
A bit surprising that Yalom revealed some of the things in this book, but it's certainly a remarkable look at modern psychiatry (or at least psychiatry as Yalom practiced it).
LibraryThing member b.masonjudy
Love's Executioner offers a depth of insight into the therapeutic process that is edifying and illuminating. However, as a book of literature Yalom's reconstructed dialogue is often stilted and his exposition is flagrant. I suppose I would have enjoyed the book a more if, perhaps, this was
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coauthored or the voice wasn't so pompous. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1989
Physical description
288 p.; 5.08 inches
ISBN
0140128468 / 9780140128468
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