'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone' by Lori Gottlieb

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a patient or a therapist in traditional psychotherapy, Lori Gottlieb's account of both sides of the couch is for you. Gottlieb is a fantastic storyteller, having mastered her craft first in Hollywood then as a journalist before becoming a therapist. She captures several of her patients' poignant journeys and recounts her own, which she sought out after a difficult break up. I am not qualified to critique the style of therapy, but I know there are other techniques in use, and Gottlieb makes no mention of them. Nor does she talk about health insurance, socioeconomic status, religion -- any manner of issues that complicate the story. Fair enough; she didn't set out to write that kind of book. What has created is a memoir with can't-put-it-down narrative drive, making it both an interesting and entertaining read.