Falling for Therapy: Psychotherapy from a Client's Point of View

(Paperback)

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Description

If the aim of psychotherapy is to alleviate suffering, then the measure of its validity must be the extent to which it does or does not achieve that goal. But who decides whether suffering has been alleviated, or whether the well-being of the client has been promoted On what basis are such judgements made The majority of literature on the effectiveness of therapy is written by therapists. This book, written by a client, challenges the power of theory, and in so doing presents an appeal for greater sensitivity, a critical view and better practice.

Reviews

'Psychotherapeutic literature abounds with therapists' descriptions of the therapeutic process and with theoretical explanations of ideal psychotherapy. Only in recent years have consumers begun to add their voice to the literature. As Anna Sands' book shows, the perspective of the consumer may be quite different from that of the published practitioner. Falling for Therapy is a powerful addition to this material; it shows not only that a corrective perspective is sorely needed but that consumers can be every bit as articulate and perceptive as therapists - perhaps more so. Anna Sands' book should be required reading for all psychotherapists and counsellors, as well as by intending, questioning or dissatisfied consumers' - Colin Feltham, Sheffield Hallam University 'Based on her experiences of two very different psychotherapists the author has used her passionate feelings about the encounters to make a sane and intelligent criticism of rigidly applied technical methods. In her view the nearer psychotherapy approaches normal conversation the better it is likely to be - a belief that I, for one, would readily endorse' - Peter Lomas, author of Doing Good Psychotherapy out of its Depth 'In this engagingly intelligent, highly readable and timely book, Sands carries forward to new levels the vitally important task started by Ann France and Rosie Alexander, of therapy clients daring to talk back to therapy - in the process showing we therapists that we have at least as much to learn from clients' views on therapy as they have to learn from us. Falling for Therapy should be mandatory reading on all therapy training courses - indeed, for all practising therapists, especially psychodynamic ones, and however experienced they may be. In my view, the extent to which this does or does not happen will strongly indicate whether psychotherapy and counselling are yet sufficiently open or mature to deserve their increasingly sought-after status of recognised, legitimate 'professions.' - Richard House, counsellor and Steiner Waldorf teacher, author of Limits to Professionalised Therapy 'In advocating a deeply human(e), creative approach to therapy, Sands' description offers us - if we are able to hear it - an invaluable cautionary reminder about what can happen when a practitioner-and Therapy-centred ideology threatens to obscure the source of what is truly healing within a genuinely helping encounter.' - European Journal of Psychotherapy, Counselling & Health 'Anna Sands' book is a valuable addition to the gradually increasing literature on psychotherapy from the client's view, a perspective much needed by the psychotherapy world if not always welcomed as such... Anna Sands' brave, passionate, intelligent and fair account of therapy, I would recommend not only to clients and intending clients but to intending and practicing counsellors and therapists.' - Self and Society 'I have found it of great interest, particularly as a testimony to what is helpful and harmful to clients. I shall certainly refer to it in future.' - Emmy van Deurzen Director, New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling 'It seems to me a very intelligent, perceptive and well informed - not to say accurate - appraisal of psychotherapy. I certainly wish the author every success.' - David Smail 'Sands puts forward a fascinating and powerful case against therapy. So rarely is the client's voice heard. Anyone who's had a frightful experience with therapy (I've had four) will devour this with relish.' - Virginia Ironside, The Week

Author Bio

The author, ANNA SANDS , is a freelance writer of EFL texts and has a Sociology degree and an MEd in Language Teaching.