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Rating: 
Summary: Packed full of self-assessments and sound clinical advice.
Review: ... For the second year in a row, my youngest sister, husband, and two children missed my youngest child's birthday. I was furious at their whole family for being so callous and intentionally rude. My daughter Olivia is only two so missing this birthday meant they had missed every birthday party Olivia had ever had. The whole situation was beyond exasperating. About the time this birthday soap opera was playing out, I was asked to review Patricia Farrell's new book How to Be Your Own Therapist. Now, because of the volume of books I receive for evaluation, I typically don't review books in this genre. However, something about the book's title, its author, the subject matter, and the birthday situation seemed to flow neatly together in time and space. I try not to ignore those types of events. As it turns out, I am quite happy this confluence occurred - glad in fact that events caused me to read this work when otherwise I may have declined the offer. When I received Dr. Farrell's book I began moving through the work chapter by chapter as I would any other book I review. However, early on, the author points out that this is a resource to be used like any other tool you might employ: on an as needed basis. So, with this in mind I started again to go through the book. This time however, I began looking for tools that might help me assess my own actions in the birthday party melodrama specifically and with the relationship I have with my sister in general. Chapter 4: Open Your Eyes and Face Reality seemed like a good place to start. Here Farrell points out a trap that so many of us fall into - skewed reality. She notes, "In today's world, it's become far too common for people to buy into the idea that reality is whatever you want it to be." As she does throughout the whole work, Dr. Farrell provides her personal insight into the topic, a brief case study, some thoughts on "why the old ways don't work", and an assessment tool that helps the reader to identify and create new methods for problem solving: Facing reality in this case. I've found that working through some of the book's text and exercises has been useful in the recent birthday situation. As the process goes on over time, it's easy to see how other areas of my life can also be positively impacted by Farrell's methodology of self-help. Packed full of self-assessments and sound clinical advice, Dr. Patricia Farrell has put together a well thought out self-management methodology for people like you and me. Her book and all of the tools therein, allow the reader to take a step back from our everyday activities and turn our thoughts inward toward ourselves. Patricia Farrell's book How to Be Your Own Therapist lays out a roadmap taking the reader through some of the most common myths of modern psychology, to firing your parents, facing reality, the power of our own counsel and finally to her parting wish for us to live authentic, powerful, and joyful lives. This is a compelling book full of sound experienced advice and is well worth the read...
Rating: 
Summary: Oprah Should Have This Author On To Help All Of Us
Review: In this book are some of the most helpful, constructive and simple tools for helping yourself attain a balanced life. The author manages to be instructive without being too involved with "professional" jargon and there are basic methods to increase your own personal growth. Sometimes, with all the talk about self-improvement in the world it seems that the most important part of the process gets lost but in plain English this author helps us to understand what we truly need to know- and do- to have happier and healthier lives. I recommend a session with this book to help clarify your needs, your hopes and your dreams. There is nothing like a step by step understanding as a foundation to give confidence so that moving forward is an exciting journey. I have recommended this book to all of my friends- even those seeing a therapist- as a tool to have at their fingertips to help them find their way in this crazy world. I am thankful for the insight I gained by reading Ms. Farrell's concise and self-educational book. This is one author- who I have seen on various television shows being entertaining as well as informative- that Oprah needs to have on to help all of us.
Rating:
Summary: Packed full of self-assessments and sound clinical advice.
Review: Reviewed by:
Timothy E. McMahon, M.S.
Principal Web Developer
The McMahon Group
www.mcmahonco.com For the second year in a row, my youngest sister, husband, and two children missed my youngest child's birthday. I was furious at their whole family for being so callous and intentionally rude. My daughter Olivia is only two so missing this birthday meant they had missed every birthday party Olivia had ever had. The whole situation was beyond exasperating. About the time this birthday soap opera was playing out, I was asked to review Patricia Farrell's new book How to Be Your Own Therapist. Now, because of the volume of books I receive for evaluation, I typically don't review books in this genre. However, something about the book's title, its author, the subject matter, and the birthday situation seemed to flow neatly together in time and space. I try not to ignore those types of events. As it turns out, I am quite happy this confluence occurred - glad in fact that events caused me to read this work when otherwise I may have declined the offer. When I received Dr. Farrell's book I began moving through the work chapter by chapter as I would any other book I review. However, early on, the author points out that this is a resource to be used like any other tool you might employ: on an as needed basis. So, with this in mind I started again to go through the book. This time however, I began looking for tools that might help me assess my own actions in the birthday party melodrama specifically and with the relationship I have with my sister in general. Chapter 4: Open Your Eyes and Face Reality seemed like a good place to start. Here Farrell points out a trap that so many of us fall into - skewed reality. She notes, "In today's world, it's become far too common for people to buy into the idea that reality is whatever you want it to be." As she does throughout the whole work, Dr. Farrell provides her personal insight into the topic, a brief case study, some thoughts on "why the old ways don't work", and an assessment tool that helps the reader to identify and create new methods for problem solving: Facing reality in this case. I've found that working through some of the book's text and exercises has been useful in the recent birthday situation. As the process goes on over time, it's easy to see how other areas of my life can also be positively impacted by Farrell's methodology of self-help. Packed full of self-assessments and sound clinical advice, Dr. Patricia Farrell has put together a well thought out self-management methodology for people like you and me. Her book and all of the tools therein, allow the reader to take a step back from our everyday activities and turn our thoughts inward toward ourselves. Patricia Farrell's book How to Be Your Own Therapist lays out a roadmap taking the reader through some of the most common myths of modern psychology, to firing your parents, facing reality, the power of our own counsel and finally to her parting wish for us to live authentic, powerful, and joyful lives. This is a compelling book full of sound experienced advice and is well worth the read. --- Reviewed by
Timothy E. McMahon, M.S.
tim@mcmahonco.com
Rating:
Summary: Oprah Needs This Author On To Help Us
Review: This book explores various ways to increase your confidence and grow your self-esteem without insulting your intelligence. Written with true understanding and sympathy for individuals with problems that might seem overwhelming it offers the promise of a fuller and brighter future. I have been helped enormously by reading "How To Be Your Own Therapist" and the friends who I recommended it to- even those currently seeing a therapist- have thanked me. I truly believe by following the steps in this book you can change your life for the better. I have seen the author on TV discussing various topics with great intelligence and charm and I believe if she was to appear on Oprah there would be a very grateful audience. I hope this review convinces you to seek a self-help book that actually helps the self.
Rating: 
Summary: There are better self-help books out there
Review: This is the best self-help book that I have ever read. Don't get me wrong some people may need the help of doctors, but this book brings you to the realization that many of your own problems you can solve yourself. It doesn't try to rush you along with anything you read, and it goes through each exercise step by step allowing you the freedom to grow and expand your own horizons. This book reinforces the concept that no one knows you like yourself, but many of us can use some guidance along the way and this book provides the insight and tools. Terri Guckin, Ph.D.
Rating:
Summary: Your best friend in life should be yourself
Review: This is the best self-help book that I have ever read. Don't get me wrong some people may need the help of doctors, but this book brings you to the realization that many of your own problems you can solve yourself. It doesn't try to rush you along with anything you read, and it goes through each exercise step by step allowing you the freedom to grow and expand your own horizons. This book reinforces the concept that no one knows you like yourself, but many of us can use some guidance along the way and this book provides the insight and tools. Terri Guckin, Ph.D.
Rating:
Summary: Very Useful Information
Review: Would you like to replace unhealthy behaviors with actions that bring satisfaction and success - quickly, permanently, and with or without the guidance of a professional therapist? Through her work with over 20,000 patients, Dr. Farrell shares her proven techniques and exercises used to help her patients move into independent problem-solving action.
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