Book Being Reviewed:
Williamson, M. (1992). A return to love: Reflections on the principles of "A course in miracles". New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Reviewer:
Candice Jackson

Genre:
Spirituality

Subject Headings:
Career, College, GLBT issues, High school, Racial/ethnic identity, Spiritual journey

Review:
"Our Deepest Fear" is widely known as a poem; however, it is a short passage from Marianne Williamson's book, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles." "Our Deepest Fear" has a message intended to empower and communicate accountability. Although the poem has a foundation based on Christianity, secularized versions of this passage are easily accessible on the internet and in other media productions, such as movies Akeelah and the Bee and Coach Carter. Throughout the book, Williamson uses an ontological and existential approach, emphasizing the connectedness between all humans and God. Moreover, Williamson's book has an underlining spiritual message focused on ways of thinking attributed to the New Age movement.This passage can be integrated into therapy as a counseling intervention for adolescents and college students.

Whether using the original or secularized versions, clients or students may benefit from the charge embedded in a sequence of rhetorical questions, specifically if they are struggling with issues related to perfectionism, self-efficacy, self-confidence, and identity roles.This referenced passage offers a powerful and resonating message that is not likely to be completely grasped with one, quick reading. When used, it is recommended that counselors encourage or utilize slow reading techniques, emphasizing certain phrases and words, to help adolescents and young adults resist existing cultural norms to refrain from greatness. Additionally, this poem may prove to be especially useful with minority groups who are marginalized within social microcosms, such as schools, colleges, and universities. With regards to developmental counseling, this passage seems to be directly applicable to clients and students working towards establishing identity, as discussed by Chickering and Reisser, whose description seems to encompass each of the aforementioned issues. Additionally, the passage could be used to incorporate spirituality and self-direction into counseling to promote overall wellness in consultation with Myers, Sweeney, and Witmer's (2000) Wheel of Wellness.