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And How Do You Feel About That?: Breakdowns and Breakthroughs in the Therapy Room
Ever wondered what REALLY happens in the therapy room?
For too long, therapy has been seen as taboo in our society and is shrouded in myth--it's only for the weak or 'crazies', it's just blaming your parents, a therapist 'only listens' and so on. In this book, Aruna Gopakumar and Yashodhara Lal bust those myths and show you how therapy actually works.
With decades of combined experience in the field, these two therapists share fascinating stories based on their practice. You'll meet the woman who sends secret messages to her husband during arguments; the towering tattooed man who realizes he can't save his sister; the teenager whose life is revealed in the tale of a lonely bear; the divorced man angry with his ex-wife for starting to date again; the fiery gay young man impatient to change the world; the lady who won't relax until her daughter is perfect; and many more.
Written with authenticity, warmth, simplicity, and lightness, And How Do You Feel About That brings you an understanding of the world of possibilities that opens up when we embark on an inner exploration - in dialogue with another.
For too long, therapy has been seen as taboo in our society and is shrouded in myth--it's only for the weak or 'crazies', it's just blaming your parents, a therapist 'only listens' and so on. In this book, Aruna Gopakumar and Yashodhara Lal bust those myths and show you how therapy actually works.
With decades of combined experience in the field, these two therapists share fascinating stories based on their practice. You'll meet the woman who sends secret messages to her husband during arguments; the towering tattooed man who realizes he can't save his sister; the teenager whose life is revealed in the tale of a lonely bear; the divorced man angry with his ex-wife for starting to date again; the fiery gay young man impatient to change the world; the lady who won't relax until her daughter is perfect; and many more.
Written with authenticity, warmth, simplicity, and lightness, And How Do You Feel About That brings you an understanding of the world of possibilities that opens up when we embark on an inner exploration - in dialogue with another.
- GenresPsychology
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2022
14 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 14, 2024
3.5/5
A good book to demystify therapy in the Indian context and provide a 101 on therapy. 50 short stories to provide a glimpse into what happens in therapy sessions. It covers a wide range of themes like guilt, self worth, shame, denial, anger etc. It primarily navigates through one type of therapy i.e. transactional analysis. It delves into various techniques to implement it, like empty chair, role play etc. It also has stories in various settings - personal, work, individual, group, gender, ages etc.
It will appeal to different people differently based on ones interest in the topic of mental health and self work and study done on them.
To me it initially felt too surfacial but later I like the nuances of each story and how the authors have brought in elements of transactional analysis gradually without making it a heavy read.
I think, for the readers, it can be as easy and light read as they want to. It is a light but reflective read.
A good book to demystify therapy in the Indian context and provide a 101 on therapy. 50 short stories to provide a glimpse into what happens in therapy sessions. It covers a wide range of themes like guilt, self worth, shame, denial, anger etc. It primarily navigates through one type of therapy i.e. transactional analysis. It delves into various techniques to implement it, like empty chair, role play etc. It also has stories in various settings - personal, work, individual, group, gender, ages etc.
It will appeal to different people differently based on ones interest in the topic of mental health and self work and study done on them.
To me it initially felt too surfacial but later I like the nuances of each story and how the authors have brought in elements of transactional analysis gradually without making it a heavy read.
I think, for the readers, it can be as easy and light read as they want to. It is a light but reflective read.
July 26, 2024
How Do You Feel About That: Breakthroughs in Therapy by Aruna Gopakumar and Yashodhara Lal offers a captivating glimpse into the world of therapy through 50 fictionalised client-therapist interactions.
The book skillfully demystifies therapy, challenging the misconception that it is only for the mentally ill or those without familial support. It emphasises that therapists are not magical problem solvers but facilitators of self-awareness and personal growth.
Each story delves into relatable issues, such as how childhood experiences shape adult behaviour, the complexities of imposter syndrome, and the interplay of conflicting emotions. The narrative's relatable nature makes readers reflect on their own lives, promoting self-awareness and introspection.
Be it the sharp writing, the candour or the refreshing approach towards 'mental health,' I loved each aspect of this book.
This one proved to be an insightful and engaging read and is essential for anyone looking to understand the profound impact of therapy and the intricate connections between our past and present selves.
Cannot recommend it enough.
The book skillfully demystifies therapy, challenging the misconception that it is only for the mentally ill or those without familial support. It emphasises that therapists are not magical problem solvers but facilitators of self-awareness and personal growth.
Each story delves into relatable issues, such as how childhood experiences shape adult behaviour, the complexities of imposter syndrome, and the interplay of conflicting emotions. The narrative's relatable nature makes readers reflect on their own lives, promoting self-awareness and introspection.
Be it the sharp writing, the candour or the refreshing approach towards 'mental health,' I loved each aspect of this book.
This one proved to be an insightful and engaging read and is essential for anyone looking to understand the profound impact of therapy and the intricate connections between our past and present selves.
Cannot recommend it enough.
January 1, 2023
I finished reading the book in three sittings. It was tough to keep it down once I started reading. Fast paced short stories which have something for everyone - a layperson, an aspiring therapist and a client in therapy.
It demystifies therapy for a layperson for sure.
I like the way therapists’ skills (knowledge, experience and intuition) and vulnerability are portrayed. Simplicity in explaining theory, sequence of stories such that the concepts build on each other, wide variety in stories picked.. everything makes it a valuable read.
For a client in therapy, this gives ideas on how best to use the time with their therapist.
Thanks to the authors for bringing this to life!
It demystifies therapy for a layperson for sure.
I like the way therapists’ skills (knowledge, experience and intuition) and vulnerability are portrayed. Simplicity in explaining theory, sequence of stories such that the concepts build on each other, wide variety in stories picked.. everything makes it a valuable read.
For a client in therapy, this gives ideas on how best to use the time with their therapist.
Thanks to the authors for bringing this to life!
April 21, 2023
It’s a unique and great read to understand how the world of therapy works.. the theories of Eric Berne’s transactional analysis being practiced in real life scenarios help in the deeper understanding of psychotherapy. It also gives great insight into how human minds are tuned and wired based on all our experiences.. Anyone can change, it is that belief that drives Transactional Analysis.
December 29, 2023
Concise. Lucid. 50 short stories of a kind, if I may. In the Indian content, it would be probably very helpful in understanding what 'Therapy' can do (and what it can't), and may help convert those on the margin of doubt. Also helps setting realistic expectations with what therapy does realistically.
March 31, 2023
It's a must read for everyone trying to understand therapy
August 8, 2023
a gift that kept on giving
January 12, 2024
Lovely read. I finished it while drinking at The Haflington Bar, Hanoi and a perfect read while on vacation. I related to so many of the stories, in more ways than I liked. Must-read!
September 4, 2024
The word that can best describe what I felt while I was reading and in general about this book is 'Rushed'. To cram 50 incidents or stories in a book of readable size is no mean achievement but to do that, respected Authors have left a lot to be desired.
What helps the book is that language is simple and easy to understand and touches quite a few topics related to Transactional Analysis. For someone who wants to start reading about what or how therapy works, this is a great book. It also helps those people who cannot read for longer duration since the chapters are in general quite short.
But that's it.
For a seasoned reader, or someone who likes to delve into the depth of human psyche, the stories open a tiny window and that too for only a short while before bringing abrupt closure. Many times, the base prepared was so good that 'What Next?' became too good to be missed. But to my dismay, abrupt ending spoilt the flow.
Still I feel all in all a good read but only for those who are new to therapy and related stuff.
P.S. - Those who liked this or the topics it covers in general, should definitely try out "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb.
What helps the book is that language is simple and easy to understand and touches quite a few topics related to Transactional Analysis. For someone who wants to start reading about what or how therapy works, this is a great book. It also helps those people who cannot read for longer duration since the chapters are in general quite short.
But that's it.
For a seasoned reader, or someone who likes to delve into the depth of human psyche, the stories open a tiny window and that too for only a short while before bringing abrupt closure. Many times, the base prepared was so good that 'What Next?' became too good to be missed. But to my dismay, abrupt ending spoilt the flow.
Still I feel all in all a good read but only for those who are new to therapy and related stuff.
P.S. - Those who liked this or the topics it covers in general, should definitely try out "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews