Ariadne's Thread: Case Studies in the Therapeutic Relationship

Rating:
Summary: Gripping suspense
Review: Ariadne's Thread" may be about therapeutic case-studies, but it reads like a collection of short stories, each one a page-turner. Among the clients are abused children, a nymphomaniac, a married man with a secret, sleazy gay life, and a young Asian woman torn between loyalty to her parents and to her American fiancé. Even humdrum marital problems are compelling when handled by Eric W. Cowan.

Dr. Cowan's method is to examine his own doubts, assumptions and shortcomings, so that everything is called into question on both sides of the therapist-client relationship. The playing field is thus considerably leveled; the therapist is willing to be on the spot as much as the client. After a while you wonder how he can get through a day without melting down. But then you realize that all he's doing is looking at each moment with maximum clarity and attention. This is something nearly every human being can -- but usually doesn't -- do. Thus the therapist is not only listening, coaxing out the truth, but also demonstrating a way of approaching life. The reader as well as the client comes away with a new sense of how to deal with emotions, solve problems, and be free of the past.

The icing on the cake is that Dr. Cowan is a fine writer and a natural storyteller. His book is a great read -- and a life-changer.