THE GIFT OF THERAPY by Irvin Yalom

For how profound and complex the psychotherapy is as a subject, “The Gift of Therapy” by Irvin D. Yalom has been written in an easy to read and understand way and it's organised in the form of short essays addressing the critical areas of interest in this job.
He brings to light his lifetime work experience as a therapist but also as a patient through real stories and bits of advice for the next generation.
Yalom is giving a clear overview over existential and interpersonal therapy interventions.
Looking at the existential framework, the author suggests that patients fall into despair as a result of concerns rooted in existence such as death, meaning of life, freedom or isolation. On the other hand, the interpersonal framework seems to be more focused on groups and their inability to develop and sustain gratifying relationships.
I particularly enjoyed his views on showing compassion and opening up about emotions.

“If we hope for more significant therapeutic change, we must encourage our patients to assume responsibility—that is, to apprehend how they themselves contribute to their distress.”

“Though the physicality of death destroys us, the idea of death may save us.”

“Love obsession often serves as a distraction, keeping the individual’s gaze from more painful thoughts.”