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Rating: 
Summary: A transformative read
Review: Estelle Frankel's "Sacred Therapy" is one of the most important and optimistic books I have read, as a woman, a therapist, a Jew, a human being. Whether the reader arrives at this writing with explicit spiritual knowledge and practices, or simply a deep longing for understanding and peace, Estelle's graceful blend of wisdom and heartfulness inducts each of us into a direct experience of wholeness, of the Divine. Estelle does not skirt around issues of pain and suffering, nor the practical, rather, she dives headlong into the darkness with us, with Torah and simple tools, and, magically, we resurface with more hope and a greater ability to respond to Life as it truly is. For psychotherapists, Jewish or otherwise, Estelle offers a language and a context which urges us to "remember" our Selves large enough to hold our clients and to offer them a well to drink from, too. Through rich stories of Jewish history and spirituality, and with the support of guided meditations, Estelle invites us to know our Selves individually and in connection, through the eyes of God, even if we don't believe in God.
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Summary: Groundbreaking Contribution to Spiritual Guidance
Review: Estelle Frankel's Sacred Therapy is a groundbreaking book in the new field of Spiritual Guidance. She explains the major concepts in Kabbalistic mysticism and creatively applies them to one's life; she also includes many examples from her own psychotherapy practice. This is a book for professionals and those studying to learn these concepts and to apply them to their daily life. It extends and updates the historical concepts laid out by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. Frankel's meditative exercises allow the reader to experience the esoteric elements personally.I have used this book twice in its short history on my bookshelf. This spring I used her as a example in an academic paper on Jewish women's spirituality and its syncretism with Asian paths; Frankel readily admits to having studied Buddhism and how it opened many concepts in Judaism for her, especially the idea of Ayn Sof, a holy name for God meaning "without end." Presently for a workshop at Hofstra university in August, I will be quoting her concise explanations regarding the four worlds of being: Assiyah: action/actualization - the physical realm; Yetzirah: formation - the emotional realm; Beriah: creation - the Thinking Realm; and Atzilut - emanation - the spirit realm. After explaining how the worlds relate to the mystical idea of the Sephirot, which she explains describes "the progression or process of divine unfolding from infinite being to finite reality." In other words, the Creation story. She also applies the four worlds to Jewish liturgy and to Jungian principles as well. Rosie Rosenzweig, Resident Scholar in Women's Studies, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
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Summary: Absolutely wonderful!
Review: Frankel has written about a complex topic in a manner that is personal and inviting. Whether you are Jewish or not, spiritual or not, interested in therapy or not, the book is welcoming and accessible. The many parables and quotes from Rabbis through history are wonderfully apt. The book has a quality of deep teaching. The writing flows effortlessly. This is a book to enjoy the first time through, and to re-read and refer to throughout the course of a lifetime.
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Summary: A masterful blend
Review: I am a psychotherapist and spiritual director and I found Estelle Frankel's book Sacred Therapy to be an absolute jewel. The blend of Jewish teachings, psychotherapy, and spiritual direction is masterful. I resonate very much indeed with many of the teachings, and say "yes!" often as I read. I particularly loved Estelle Frankel's writing on T'shuvah as being the call from the inner divine spark to return to our wholeness....delicious! I have read parts of the book to my husband , and he too has found the work rich and inviting....
Jinks Hoffmann
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Summary: Into the heart
Review: Sacred Therapy is the most acessible book I have read on Jewish Mysticism and healing. Estelle interweaves stories from Jewish mysitical tradition with the real struggles of what it means to be human living in the world. Her writing goes straight into the heart. It is a companion for all those who wish to connect with the divine and make the most out of life with all of its trials and joys.
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