Shouldn't I Be Feeling Better by Now?: Client Views of Therapy

"`Shouldn't I be Feeling Better by Now' is an essential read for therapists, clients and prospective therapists and clients. In the preface it is acknowledged that many people benefit from therapy. However, while there are copious accounts of successful therapy available and such accounts are welcomed by the profession, there exists a dearth of accounts of unsuccessful and frequently deeply damaging therapy. These latter accounts are given little attention by the profession who don't care to reflect on the possibility that the theories on which therapy is based might be flawed. This book adds to the few volumes which seek to redress the balance. While the psychodynamic/analytic model is the one discussed most it is made clear that the issues and difficulties that can arise might occur within any model. It is a very constructive book which poses vital questions, the purpose of which are to improve the experience of those on the receiving end of therapy. Therapists with integrity and all clients would benefit from reading this book with an open mind so that they are aware that, while therapy can sometimes be of help (and this is far from certain), they are also aware of the potential pitfalls. Great if all concerned are enabled to make an informed choice! "
~ Written on 2008-01-30

"I found myself really struggling with therapy and this book was a great help for me. It gave me the feeling I wasn't alone with my struggle, as I found many people suffered the same as me and I wasn't 'going mad'.
I think this book is essential for those who find themselves 'stuck' in therapy.
I wish the profession would wake up and realise that although therapy does help some, there are many that are left with trauma. For me, I admire any therapist/counsellor/psychologist who has the guts to stand up and acknowledge the client for a change."
~ Written on 2007-03-24

"An interesting read and arguably a MUST for psychodynamic/analitic therapists. But it feels extreemely harsh to tar all THERAPY with the same brush. I was disappointed by the very limited references to other approaches and all the clinical material appears to come from therapists working with psychodynamic/analytic approaches. I bought it because of the contributions of Brian Thorne and Colin Feltham - only to find their contributions are limited to a word count of 250! Not a balanced book in my view and sad if prospective clients are put off but such. "
~ Written on 2007-03-18