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My Life in Thirty Seven Therapies: From Yoga to Hypnosis and Why Voodoo Is Never the Answer
Kay Hutchison had it a successful career, a beautiful home, and a loving husband. But her life changed forever one annual holiday, and it started with "I’m leaving." Going solo, Kay embarked on a unique journey of self-discovery. From colonic irrigation to cupping and reiki to reflexology, Kay found herself calling psychics, going to healers and tarot card readers, and dabbling in past-life regression, sonic therapy, silent retreats, astrology, shamanic retreats and much, much more. This book is the funny, moving and occasionally harrowing account of one woman’s search for the truth, from the sunshine of Spain to deep inside the psyche of her Scottish childhood. The result is an unusually candid exploration of both the challenges and opportunities of middle age.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
281 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2019
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58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 23, 2020
This was definitely not for me. I was expecting the author to share why she was doing these therapies, and describe them, but more than that, share her thoughts on how they worked on did not work for her, and maybe even make some recommendations. Instead it was a I did this, then did that and then moved on to this. There was not even any humor which I definitely expected because of the title.
I always try to not judge memoirs, as they are so personal, but the stories the author shared from her past felt like EXTREME first world problems, and I just could not feel any sympathy.
I always try to not judge memoirs, as they are so personal, but the stories the author shared from her past felt like EXTREME first world problems, and I just could not feel any sympathy.
March 25, 2020
This was an interesting memoir about mental health and the different therapy opportunities out there. It was definitely interesting to hear Kay's experiences of them but I did have a few issues with this book.
Firstly, I think the book could have been structured differently. I think a chapter for each of the therapies would have been easier to follow.
It was quite a challenge to keep up with what therapy she was talking about, especially as some were quite similar. I think more structure to this book would have made it easier to read.
I personally didn't connect with the writing either. It did feel a bit all over the place. It skipped from one story to the next. I personally don't think it flowed very well.
This book is definitely more of a memoir than any self help guide. It doesn't really draw any conclusions about each therapy, what was good or bad, whether there is any scientific evidence or studies to support the effectiveness of these therapies. So if you were looking for information about whether to bother with some of these therapies, this book probably wouldn't help you answer those questions.
While, her experiences were insightful and interesting to read, I do feel this book could have been marketed differently.
As a psychology student, with a more critical mind, I did take issue with the fact some of the treatments in this book like homeopathy were not discussed more critically. If you look into homeopathy you will realise there is no scientific evidence to support its claims and actually can scam people out of a lot of money. It was disappointing that these issues weren't discussed at all.
Overall, this was an interesting memoir but unfortunately the structure and writing style did not work for me
TW: cancer
Firstly, I think the book could have been structured differently. I think a chapter for each of the therapies would have been easier to follow.
It was quite a challenge to keep up with what therapy she was talking about, especially as some were quite similar. I think more structure to this book would have made it easier to read.
I personally didn't connect with the writing either. It did feel a bit all over the place. It skipped from one story to the next. I personally don't think it flowed very well.
This book is definitely more of a memoir than any self help guide. It doesn't really draw any conclusions about each therapy, what was good or bad, whether there is any scientific evidence or studies to support the effectiveness of these therapies. So if you were looking for information about whether to bother with some of these therapies, this book probably wouldn't help you answer those questions.
While, her experiences were insightful and interesting to read, I do feel this book could have been marketed differently.
As a psychology student, with a more critical mind, I did take issue with the fact some of the treatments in this book like homeopathy were not discussed more critically. If you look into homeopathy you will realise there is no scientific evidence to support its claims and actually can scam people out of a lot of money. It was disappointing that these issues weren't discussed at all.
Overall, this was an interesting memoir but unfortunately the structure and writing style did not work for me
TW: cancer
February 28, 2020
I was a little disappointed with this. I expected a book about the 37 therapies that Kay tried but instead it's more a memoir of her life. It's a fairly interesting life but I think the description I had for the book was very misleading. I think in this instance it wasn't a book for me.
March 7, 2021
Thank you Netgally and the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own
I'm sad to say this was a dnf for me. I thought it would be funny, in the beginning it was fine. Then it became triggering.
So just a trigger warning to fellow readers. There is animal abuse. Had I known that I would not have requested this.
Going into this book I thought there would be "I tried this and it worked/didnt work because of x,y,z". Instead it was " I tried this, then this, then that". It felt extremely entitled and shallow.
I'm sad to say this was a dnf for me. I thought it would be funny, in the beginning it was fine. Then it became triggering.
So just a trigger warning to fellow readers. There is animal abuse. Had I known that I would not have requested this.
Going into this book I thought there would be "I tried this and it worked/didnt work because of x,y,z". Instead it was " I tried this, then this, then that". It felt extremely entitled and shallow.
March 3, 2020
This book is exactly what I was looking for while I'm trying to get a feel for writing my own memoir. I went to my first therapy session two years ago and my world exploded realizing maybe the reason therapy is so secret and kept in the shadows is because the people who go know how well it works and want to keep it all to themselves. I was thrilled to find a way to lighten a burden life had put on me and then realizing how many different forms existed, I wanted to try them all!
This book is exactly what I was looking for describing her personal journey and reactions to each different form, but also providing detail about each therapy. I wished there was a little more detail about each, but this book was more about the first two words of this title then the last three. I had no idea there were so many options, so I was happy to be introduced to so many and this book was a jackpot find for me. I loved getting in her headspace before and after each treatment to see our similarities and differences in the way I might approach each and be able to decide for myself if I might want to try that therapy myself.
I will be honest that about halfway through I started skimming over paragraphs about her personal life because I was searching out the therapies. I might reread it for the enjoyment of a memoir later, but honestly I picked this book because of the title and wanted to dive into the therapy options. I understand it would have not been a very long or enjoyable book without the fluff of background information and I wouldn't have been able to connect to the therapies as well not understanding the reason for them so I do appreciate the personal experiences.
This book is exactly what I was looking for describing her personal journey and reactions to each different form, but also providing detail about each therapy. I wished there was a little more detail about each, but this book was more about the first two words of this title then the last three. I had no idea there were so many options, so I was happy to be introduced to so many and this book was a jackpot find for me. I loved getting in her headspace before and after each treatment to see our similarities and differences in the way I might approach each and be able to decide for myself if I might want to try that therapy myself.
I will be honest that about halfway through I started skimming over paragraphs about her personal life because I was searching out the therapies. I might reread it for the enjoyment of a memoir later, but honestly I picked this book because of the title and wanted to dive into the therapy options. I understand it would have not been a very long or enjoyable book without the fluff of background information and I wouldn't have been able to connect to the therapies as well not understanding the reason for them so I do appreciate the personal experiences.
October 4, 2019
Review... ⭐⭐⭐/5
This was an odd one and definitely not my normal go to book but I enjoyed it.
My Life in Thirty Seven Therapies is a self help/memoir written by @kayhutchison_author who discusses her lifelong addiction to therapies.
It explores therapies available around the world, where she traveled to retreats, went on a whim or on the recommendation from others.
It was such an easy going book, the chapters were set out well, and I really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter (a snapshot of a sentence)
What I didnt like was her addiction and while that sounds terrible it was annoying. There was no real trauma, or hard times, no devastation discussed that meant she 'needed' all that therapy. So I felt myself at times thinking "just get on with your life".
However... an enlightening chat with a friend this morning opened my eyes.
She told me a trauma can be something that changes your outlook on the world.
And so who am I to judge whether Kay felt she needed therapy or not? The key is that she went with what she thought was right for her. And did it work?
Hmm I have no idea!
But it was an insightful book, and taught me if one therapy or therapist isnt right for you, try something or someone else.
"You seem to find things to worry about that are not really there"
This was an odd one and definitely not my normal go to book but I enjoyed it.
My Life in Thirty Seven Therapies is a self help/memoir written by @kayhutchison_author who discusses her lifelong addiction to therapies.
It explores therapies available around the world, where she traveled to retreats, went on a whim or on the recommendation from others.
It was such an easy going book, the chapters were set out well, and I really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter (a snapshot of a sentence)
What I didnt like was her addiction and while that sounds terrible it was annoying. There was no real trauma, or hard times, no devastation discussed that meant she 'needed' all that therapy. So I felt myself at times thinking "just get on with your life".
However... an enlightening chat with a friend this morning opened my eyes.
She told me a trauma can be something that changes your outlook on the world.
And so who am I to judge whether Kay felt she needed therapy or not? The key is that she went with what she thought was right for her. And did it work?
Hmm I have no idea!
But it was an insightful book, and taught me if one therapy or therapist isnt right for you, try something or someone else.
"You seem to find things to worry about that are not really there"
June 6, 2020
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honnest review.
Kay Hutchinson is an excellent writer. In fact, I would venture to say that this might be a better memoir than Eat, Pray, Love in that it reads as a more honest portrayal of a life. Jennifer Egan complained in her review of the latter that this honesty was missing, and I can't help but think that she might appreciate Thirty Seven Therapies all the more.
I wish Hutchinson, and most of us didn't feel that we needed a life partner to be complete, but I get it.
Hutchinson touches upon the fact that these therapies were quite costly, but I wish she had addressed her privilege as a middle-(or higher)-class individual who could afford to dabble in these various therapies.
That said though, it was fun to vicariously experience therapies that I had never heard of, through Hutchinson, and at no cost.
This is a fun, quick read, that I would recommend that people gift to the women in their lives.
Kay Hutchinson is an excellent writer. In fact, I would venture to say that this might be a better memoir than Eat, Pray, Love in that it reads as a more honest portrayal of a life. Jennifer Egan complained in her review of the latter that this honesty was missing, and I can't help but think that she might appreciate Thirty Seven Therapies all the more.
I wish Hutchinson, and most of us didn't feel that we needed a life partner to be complete, but I get it.
Hutchinson touches upon the fact that these therapies were quite costly, but I wish she had addressed her privilege as a middle-(or higher)-class individual who could afford to dabble in these various therapies.
That said though, it was fun to vicariously experience therapies that I had never heard of, through Hutchinson, and at no cost.
This is a fun, quick read, that I would recommend that people gift to the women in their lives.
August 17, 2020
Thanks to publisher Red Door for a copy of this - I’m sorry that I didn’t get on with it!
I think, like most readers, I was expecting less of the “memoir” and more of the “guide” we were promised from the blurb. I read a lot of memoir, but there was no attempt by the author here to draw any conclusions or share anything she learned from her various treatments: the book read like a first draft by somebody with way more money than sense, a good idea unfulfilled through lack of craft. Which is fine! Not everybody has a book in them! Even those with their own “media company”!
I also detected a fair bit of classicism directed towards those therapists who weren’t fellow well-off middle class white ladies. When your publisher censors minor swears but allows racist characterisation of, for example, the way Chinese therapists speak to remain, you might want to have a think about who you’re writing for.
I think, like most readers, I was expecting less of the “memoir” and more of the “guide” we were promised from the blurb. I read a lot of memoir, but there was no attempt by the author here to draw any conclusions or share anything she learned from her various treatments: the book read like a first draft by somebody with way more money than sense, a good idea unfulfilled through lack of craft. Which is fine! Not everybody has a book in them! Even those with their own “media company”!
I also detected a fair bit of classicism directed towards those therapists who weren’t fellow well-off middle class white ladies. When your publisher censors minor swears but allows racist characterisation of, for example, the way Chinese therapists speak to remain, you might want to have a think about who you’re writing for.
March 1, 2020
I'm going to start this review with saying that Hutchison is a very good writer in terms of putting together sentences and creating a good flow. But this book was not what the blurb made it out to be. It is a "memoir" in the sense that the author talks about her life and going through some hard times. It is not a memoir in the sense that we never get to see anything more than what the author actually did. Yes, she went through 37 therapies but we don't get any sense of why those therapies were picked or what she learned from any of them. And without that connection, this is an okay book but mostly feels self-indulgent and definitely nothing that makes me want to pick up anything else by the author. What could have made this book better? Mix the Glossary in with the actual therapies. Get more into the history. Tell us more about which therapies actually worked and why it worked for her.
August 7, 2020
I liked the book. It’s not about the typical midlife crisis for moms and raising kids (I read a couple of those kinds of memoirs, such as I miss you when I blink). This is Kay in her struggles with work conflicts, owning her achievements, being a feminist, and coming to terms with not wanting children and out of her marriage. With depression and midlife, the divorce but remaining friends and eventual business partners with her ex husband, and meeting the ideal man, all of her therapies were experiences along the journey. I thought some therapies seemed interesting and credible. While some didn’t work for her, she could have called out each as a hoax. Only once or twice did she truly raised her eyebrows in disbelief... I agree with other reviewers that the organization of the chapters seemed to jump around without chronological or some sense of order. For some therapies, they were quick references without stories so those feel dry to read through though they were short and I’m glad they were included, to get the full sense of what’s out there. Could be better edited and overall an interesting person and read.
August 19, 2020
I was indeed expecting more structure to this memoir, and indeed, maybe because of the “and why voodoo is never the answer” I also hoped for a laugh or two.
Instead, the author ticks through a list of, well, 37 more alternative than mainstream therapies of soul searching and self development, in a manner that fails to offer any sort of perspective on how the therapy helped her (or hasn’t helped her). So there really isn’t anything to take from this book. I was not expected it to be a sort of self help guide either but it did not even make me Reflect on any of the issues or approaches she s tried...I am not even curious to try any, that’s how bad this was. Oh and honestly, most of these therapies aren’t even within my reach. I mean good for her that she’s able to spend potentially tens (Hundreds?)of thousands on 17-day retreats to Egypt, but most of us would not...
Instead, the author ticks through a list of, well, 37 more alternative than mainstream therapies of soul searching and self development, in a manner that fails to offer any sort of perspective on how the therapy helped her (or hasn’t helped her). So there really isn’t anything to take from this book. I was not expected it to be a sort of self help guide either but it did not even make me Reflect on any of the issues or approaches she s tried...I am not even curious to try any, that’s how bad this was. Oh and honestly, most of these therapies aren’t even within my reach. I mean good for her that she’s able to spend potentially tens (Hundreds?)of thousands on 17-day retreats to Egypt, but most of us would not...
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April 24, 2020My Life in 37 Therapies is a memoir of a woman whose life was going great until one day her husband said that he was leaving. Struggling to cope and discover her new normal, Kay went on a journey to try different things to help her heal and find herself in her new life as a single woman. This was an interesting premise for a book and I think the struggle to find the perfect cure all therapy will be relatable to many. I think many people will pick up this book expecting a self help guide or information about different therapies, holistic treatments, and alternative medicine in an attempt to find recommendations for what they should try. However, this is more of a memoir of one woman’s life crisis and less about specific therapies and healing methods. Unique read!
July 22, 2019
With that title I had high expectations of crazy adventure and fun stories, but I was slightly let down in reading it. It is interesting to “experience” all the different forms of therapy she goes through, from crying on a couch, to silence retreats, to acupuncture to colonoscopies, breast massage and shamanistic retreats to the desert but I would have preferred more anecdotes and less Daddy issues. I suppose I should have expected those in a book about a therapy addiction. Oh and the voodoo was nonexistent. I think writing this book was a bit of therapy for the author as well.
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
February 14, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley as well as Belle Media for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was really hopeful about this book as the title as well as the synopsis really drew me in, however in the end it just didn't connect for me. Despite this being a memoir of sorts, I didn't feel I really knew the author well by the end, and found it hard to connect to her. It was made harder, perhaps, because the timelines weren't clear. There were several instances in which I wondered when things were happening and felt confused.
I did enjoy learning about the different methods of therapy the author partook in, I just don't think it quite hit the mark for me.
I was really hopeful about this book as the title as well as the synopsis really drew me in, however in the end it just didn't connect for me. Despite this being a memoir of sorts, I didn't feel I really knew the author well by the end, and found it hard to connect to her. It was made harder, perhaps, because the timelines weren't clear. There were several instances in which I wondered when things were happening and felt confused.
I did enjoy learning about the different methods of therapy the author partook in, I just don't think it quite hit the mark for me.
June 21, 2020
This book provides an interesting overview of the author's life and the various therapies she tried as she coped with some very big changes in her life. I enjoyed reading about the different approaches she delved into because it provided a smorgasbord of therapies that address different parts of her life. I know that various therapies help people & this gives an overview of how they did or didn't help the author. Hutchison had an interesting approach & I was glad to read about her experience. Thanks to @NetGalley for the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.
Why do I always get excited about books on mental health? I'm usually let down spectacularly.
This book reminds me greatly of my reading experience with All Over But the Shoutin'': a whiny narrator with a pretty good life. Oh, her husband booked a surprise trip to France, where she stayed in name brand hotels and had spa days.
Not really your every day struggle.
Why do I always get excited about books on mental health? I'm usually let down spectacularly.
This book reminds me greatly of my reading experience with All Over But the Shoutin'': a whiny narrator with a pretty good life. Oh, her husband booked a surprise trip to France, where she stayed in name brand hotels and had spa days.
Not really your every day struggle.
March 9, 2020
Sorry to say I wasn’t too keen on this book. I didn’t feel like the story flowed, it kept jumping around. I also didn’t feel like I learnt a lot from the 37 therapies, it’s like she had them, but didn’t really comment on them or how they helped her. She also came across as coming from money, which is where the 37 therapies aren’t for everyone’s financial situations.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
March 24, 2020
I couldn't get on with this book at all. Within the first few pages, I knew this wasn't going to be one for me. While I'm all for trying different kinds of therapy this just seemed very privileged and had a feeling of 'first world problems' about it. While I don't doubt that the author had her struggles, the kind of narrative just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2020
When I decided to read this book it wasn't what I expected, I thought it would be a step by step description of each therapy session and how these impacted her life. Instead it was a book of self love and discovery (with many a yoga retreat). There is less on the therapies themselves and more about how she dealt with it and progressed through life which is a good way to note down a memoir but some may pick up the title expecting a different kind of book.
May 3, 2020
I thought this memoir sounded fun and would have some insightful anecdotes... but to be honest I found the book dull and unmemorable. I think if the memoir aspect had felt easier to follow (in terms of chronological time) that would have helped. I had no gauge really of when different therapies were occurring and to what reason at that particular time.
Sadly, I did not enjoy this book, but it did make me think I'd really like to go on a yoga retreat one time in my life, that's about it though.
Sadly, I did not enjoy this book, but it did make me think I'd really like to go on a yoga retreat one time in my life, that's about it though.
April 27, 2020
I am obsessed with all things therapy - and self help. If it promises it can help me I am down to try it. The problem? I do not commit to it. The good thing about this book? It is like a cheat sheet for everything out there with a genuine honest opinion. THANK YOU! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2019
I enjoyed seeing the author's different attempts at therapies. Traditional talk therapy is the norm, but it was nice to experience other ones via the author's writing. I didn't give it 5 stars even though I enjoyed it because there were times that I felt the author was whining a bit too much.
October 14, 2019
This is an interesting and uplifting read. Kay writes honestly about her life and how she was forced on a journey of self discovery when it all got too much for her. It's frank and funny in places but she doesn't pull her punches. The lessons she draws from her Scots upbringing will resonate with many readers. It's not so much an expert guide to individual therapies rather it's an account of what worked for her and why it might help others. I've also heard her talk on BBC radio about her experiences and, as with the books, she comes over as grounded, caring and keen to share her experiences in the hope it helps others. Definitely worth a read.
March 11, 2021
Parte história de auto superação e crescimento, parte lista de terapias alternativas.
Um livro divertido senão que muito claro em relação ao método ou processo que fez a autora crescer, estabilizar e encontrar felicidade.
Um livro divertido senão que muito claro em relação ao método ou processo que fez a autora crescer, estabilizar e encontrar felicidade.
August 13, 2019
Everyone needs a copy of this book. Like they should hand it out at the bank. It gives you something to think about as your own person.
December 26, 2019
A light hearted look at life, therapy and finding a way through midlife.
There were some good introductions to different types of therapies and anecdotes
There were some good introductions to different types of therapies and anecdotes
December 3, 2020
Honestly, I wanted this to be so much more but it was ok.
September 12, 2020
This book catalogued a journey the author made through a variety of therapies to try and get her life in order. She tried some mainstream, some holistic, and other types of therapies in her journey. While there were some funny and moving movements, parts of this book seemed repetitive. It was definitely an interesting primer on therapies that people have tried.
September 27, 2019
I received My Life in Thirty-Seven Therapies from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I didn't enjoy the book, or finish it. The book felt significantly longer than it truly was. My Life in Thirty-Seven Therapies meandered through Kay Hutchison's life listlessly. It felt as if she was going no where and that the details were being left out. Somehow a winding road and jumping bean at the same time, I kept losing track of the time line and the other people Kay Hutchison seemed to list off as friends, then have no interaction with. If the goal of this book is to make you feel her depression, it succeeds as I couldn't read past the late middle of the book, I'll never know if it has any other goal. Do not recommend.
June 15, 2020
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
As a person who hasn't tried a lot of types of therapy, but has had my eye on a few, I was intrigued to read this book and see what therapies this author tried and if any are on my list.
The parts where she tried therapies were interesting, but mixed within them she travels back in time and tells stories of her past that led her to the therapies. What I didn't love about these parts was they seemed to pop in at weird times and were in no way chronological, so almost made the book confusing.
As a person who hasn't tried a lot of types of therapy, but has had my eye on a few, I was intrigued to read this book and see what therapies this author tried and if any are on my list.
The parts where she tried therapies were interesting, but mixed within them she travels back in time and tells stories of her past that led her to the therapies. What I didn't love about these parts was they seemed to pop in at weird times and were in no way chronological, so almost made the book confusing.
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