Book being reviewed:
Gaylin, W. (2001). How psychotherapy really works: How it works when it works and why sometimes it doesn't. New York, NY: Contemporary Books.

Reviewer:
Barbara Thompson

Genre:
Non-Fiction-Adult

Subject Headings:
Anxiety disorders, College, Depression, Relationships, Substance abuse alcohol, Substance abuse drugs

Review:
According to Gaylin (2001), there is much confusion about the nature of psychotherapy including what it is, who can benefit from it, how it is done, how it works and who should do it.The purpose of the book is to demystify psychotherapy, to examine the complex and often perplexing interactions between therapist and patient that produce significant changes in the patient’s behavior and perceptions (Gaylin, 2001, p. 6). The style of the book is instructional and anecdotal.It is written in everyday, easy to understand language.The author draws on his more than 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, and teacher as he discusses how therapy really works; whether talking can change behavior, his training analysis, the nature of mental illness, the limits of therapy, and who ought to seek therapy and who should not.

This book is recommended for the counselor or therapist who wants to obtain self knowledge or for someone who is seeking to know what motivates people.Caveats include clients with depression, drug addiction, anxiety, or for those seeking to find a resolution to the issues or concerns that led them to therapy.It can be used with clients who want to develop self-esteem, define personal goals and values, and for developing skills for improving relationships.In conclusion, the author states therapy takes time and any change that occurs must be transferable to relationships.There is not one cure for all. It is man’s nature to challenge the unknown and attempt the impossible.