Rating: 
Summary: Healing the Help Giver
Review: For those of us who have never experienced psychiatric therapy, Waking Up is a rare insight into the pain and numbing effects of childhood sexual abuse and losing a spouse to a rapidly debilitating disease in leading to depression and drug dependency . . . and how therapy can be a valuable road to recovery. Although I have read a number of moving books written by the formerly depressed, Waking Up is the most vivid, moving and insightful. Ms. Wise is exceptionally good at capturing her thoughts and emotions at various stages in her therapy, and how she responded to the probing of her therapist, Dr. Cali Joseph. The two often corresponded by e-mail between office visits, and those communications added a lot to my understanding of how therapy works. Although I have not experienced depression, I found the book also insightful for understanding aversions I have . . . and seeing ways to change my behavior for the better. If you ask yourself the questions that Dr. Joseph asked Ms. Wise, you will learn a lot. I am sure that this book deserves to be on the required reading list of those who are studying to become therapists or who already practice. I do not believe that there are very many books where a patient has been willing to reveal so much of herself in print . . . and with such grace. I came away from the book with new insights about how I can describe therapy to those who have never experienced it. I hope I can use this new insight into assisting those who need therapy to get it in the right way. The book opens with a chilling description of the author's barely failed attempt to kill herself on Christmas 2000. I learned from this to be sure to check in with my loved ones and friends on important holidays, anniversaries and other meaningful occasions to be sure that they really are all right. I think we all owe Ms. Wise a debt of gratitude for sharing her experiences, thoughts and emotions with us. May God bless you, Ms. Wise!
Rating:
Summary: life changing
Review: I found "waking Up..." to be one of the most profound books that I have read. I was extremely touched by Ms. Wises honesty and self exposure. She put to words what I am sure that many people have felt and also felt very alone with. Ms Wise is clearly a gifted writer since she is able to pull the reader right into her pain,confusion, and ultimate healing. My emotions spanned through anger,saddness,hurt,fury, and even joy as I moved with her along this incredible journey. She has provided monumental inspiriation and hope for many people. I believe that she will empower a myriad of readers. I am thankful for such a wonderful woman and her courage.
Rating:
Summary: You owe me one night worth of sleep Ms. Wise!
Review: I found "waking Up..." to be one of the most profound books that I have read. I was extremely touched by Ms. Wises honesty and self exposure. She put to words what I am sure that many people have felt and also felt very alone with. Ms Wise is clearly a gifted writer since she is able to pull the reader right into her pain,confusion, and ultimate healing. My emotions spanned through anger,saddness,hurt,fury, and even joy as I moved with her along this incredible journey. She has provided monumental inspiriation and hope for many people. I believe that she will empower a myriad of readers. I am thankful for such a wonderful woman and her courage.
Rating:
Summary: life changing
Review: I found "waking Up..." to be one of the most profound books that I have read. I was extremely touched by Ms. Wises honesty and self exposure. She put to words what I am sure that many people have felt and also felt very alone with. Ms Wise is clearly a gifted writer since she is able to pull the reader right into her pain,confusion, and ultimate healing. My emotions spanned through anger,saddness,hurt,fury, and even joy as I moved with her along this incredible journey. She has provided monumental inspiriation and hope for many people. I believe that she will empower a myriad of readers. I am thankful for such a wonderful woman and her courage.
Rating:
Summary: Book Gives Perspective and Hope
Review: Ms. Wise courageously reveals her painful life experiences as well as her intense therapy with an unusually caring and effective psychologist. Both teacher and student/therapist and patient think "out of the box" to give Ms. Wise the tools to manage and rise above her tragedies. A book of insight and hope.
Rating:
Summary: Book Gives Perspective and Hope
Review: Ms. Wise courageously reveals her painful life experiences as well as her intense therapy with an unusually caring and effective psychologist. Both teacher and student/therapist and patient think "out of the box" to give Ms. Wise the tools to manage and rise above her tragedies. A book of insight and hope.
Rating:
Summary: Book Gives Perspective and Hope
Review: Ms. Wise courageously reveals her painful life experiences as well as her intense therapy with an unusually caring and effective psychologist. Both teacher and student/therapist and patient think "out of the box" to give Ms. Wise the tools to manage and rise above her tragedies. A book of insight and hope.
Rating:
Summary: Tears down the stigma of discussing depression and suicide
Review: Sad, shocking, gut-wrenching and immensely readable. It's high time we consider suicide and depression as the serious public health issues they are -- and not as taboo topics or "out of bounds" matters of privacy. Ms. Wise's story shows us the importance of breaking down the cultural/societal barriers to open and frank discourse. Her message is equally valuable to professionals laypeople alike: Look for the warning signs (which she outlines) among patients, friends and/or family and be assertive in stepping in to help.
Rating:
Summary: Tears down the stigma of discussing depression and suicide
Review: Sad, shocking, gut-wrenching and immensely readable. It's high time we consider suicide and depression as the serious public health issues they are -- and not as taboo topics or "out of bounds" matters of privacy. Ms. Wise's story shows us the importance of breaking down the cultural/societal barriers to open and frank discourse. Her message is equally valuable to professionals laypeople alike: Look for the warning signs (which she outlines) among patients, friends and/or family and be assertive in stepping in to help.
Rating:
Summary: You owe me one night worth of sleep Ms. Wise!
Review: This touching journey kept me hooked from the first page. It was gripping. The writing really took you inside of this woman's mind and heart. I can see how this book will give hope to those who are at the end of the line. I highly recommend Waking Up. Make sure you clear out some time before you start, because you are never going to be able to put it down!
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