The Taboo Scarf: And Other Tales of Therapy

by George Weinberg

Presenting nine interwoven true stories of psychological drama, a prominent psychotherapist elaborates on the frailties and fears that define the human condition

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1990

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked to teach behavioral science to high school students and a friend shared this book with me. I particularly enjoyed “When Time Stood Still” and “The Taboo Scarf”. I think the stories in this book make the subject matter interesting to high school students.

[Debra Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these stories.

[Thomas Edmund · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Taboo Scarf, Weinberg throws together a collection of therapy stories from his practice (names changed to protect identity, yet I doubt consent given to use the confidential information. I mean come-on, how would you feel if your therapy sessions got published?)

The characters exposed range from a brilliant recluse, to aloof academics and punch-drunk compulsory patients. Obviously all the stories revolve around Weinberg's attempts to work with his patients and while presented in narrative style, really these should be considered 'case-notes' rather than 'tales.'

Overlooking this repetitive aspect, I found the first two tales the most intriguing and mildly hilarious if its ok to laugh at such things. The namesake tale The Taboo Scarf seems faked in its soap opera intensity, and one story where Weinberg engineers a fight between two inpatients seems completely unethical.

In total it seems hard to know whether to recommend this book. Obviously it would be of interest to those in the field, but I suspect most interested would prefer a more scientific tome. For those just looking for a read, the therapy setting of Weinberg's tales will likely bore.

I guess just read the first two tales and if you find you like the style continue, otherwise finish with the hilarious Lion tale.