The Gossamer Thread
My Life as a Psychotherapist
Published on 29. April 2010
Book
Hardback
290 pages
978-1-85575-805-6 (ISBN)
Description
What really goes on in the therapist's consulting room? And in this most private of relationships, what is the therapist thinking?In this warm, revealing memoir, Dr John Marzillier, one of Britain's most experienced clinical psychologists, tells the story of his life and career as a psychotherapist. He recounts his journey from hard-nosed behaviour therapist, where every treatment method needed scientific justification, through trainings in cognitive therapy and psychodynamic therapy, to his final understanding of the value of the therapeutic relationship.Using case material from his professional practice, Dr Marzillier vividly describes his encounters with some fascinating and often tricky people who rarely conform to what is expected of them. He is candid about the mistakes he made and the lessons he eventually learned. He reflects on his experience of different psychotherapy schools and shows how his understanding of what matters most in therapy changed over the years.This is a richly human memoir, illuminating the person behind the therapist. Above all, it reveals the power of the therapeutic relationship to change lives for the better. Essential reading for all aspiring therapists and for anyone entering therapy.
Reviews / Votes
SHORT-LISTED FOR THE MIND BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2011'I found this book so riveting that I could not put it down and read it in one sitting . John Marzillier describes his personal journey, revealing the human stories behind the distilled 'science' of psychotherapy. It will be an effective antidote to any tendency to assume that any one approach has the answer.'- Phil Mollon, clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, and author of Shame and Jealousy'I cannot recommend this book highly enough... John Marzillier writes in a way that is a pleasure to read, being open and personal, always accessible and frequently with humour. His book is full of telling clinical examples. This is a book from which anyone in the helping professions has much to learn.'- Patrick Casement, a psychoanalyst and author of Learning from the Patient'An insightful and entertaining account of what it takes to work as a psychotherapist... John Marzillier has produced a book that is warmly written, very informative and a pleasure to read.'- Paul Gilbert, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Derby, and author of The Compassionate Mind and Overcoming Depression'Filled with personal reflections and clinical vignettes, this gem of a book should be essential reading for all therapists from all therapeutic persuasions.'- Windy Dryden, Professor of Psychotherapeutic Studies, Goldsmiths, University of LondonMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 230 mm
Width: 147 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-85575-805-6 (9781855758056)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
John Marzillier worked for thirty-seven years as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist in various settings including psychiatric hospitals, GP practices, a university clinic and in private practice. He retired in 2006 to become a writer. He has published numerous academic articles as well as novels and poems. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society.