Book Being Reviewed:
Yalom, I. (2002). The gift of therapy: An open letter to a new generation of therapists and their patients. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Reviewer:
Jennifer Carney

Genre:
Non-Fiction-Adult

Subject Headings:
Female lifespan development, Male lifespan development

Review:
In The Gift of Therapy, well-known psychiatrist and author Irvin Yalom produces a concise work that is personally reflective and practical for both new and seasoned counselors. The 260-page book is divided into 85 short chapters that crystallize general therapeutic ideas and observations into understandable pieces of practical knowledge. Yalom operates from a growth-oriented perspective that emphasizes client strengths and resources that counselors may be particularly drawn to. The first chapters are aptly titled: "Remove the Obstacles for Growth”, "Avoid Diagnosis (Except for Insurance Companies)”, and "Therapist and Patient as Fellow Travelers”. Other topics include self-disclosure and transparency, empathy and support, working in the here-and-now, and giving feedback. There are existential themes in several chapters (which the author discloses as his primary orientation), including discussions of topics such as death isolation, freedom and responsibility, and client anxiety in the therapeutic process. The theme of therapy as a personal, meaningful journey for both counselor and client is prominent.

The Gift of Therapy is a resource that can be read and re-read as a reminder of important issues in counseling, regardless of one’s theoretical leanings. The universal topics make the book applicable for virtually all counselors, although it may be most relevant when working with higher functioning clientele. I read this book as a master’s student, and again recently after several years of working as a professional counselor. Today, this is one of the books I recommend to my own students as they begin their venture into the counseling profession.