Tales from the Couch is collection of actual case studies and a primer on psychopathology, as well as a captivating reflection on the human condition. Drawn from Dr. Bob Wendorf’s thirty-six-year career years as a clinical psychologist, the book examines the lives of some of his most troubled patients, in a project that aims to both educate and fascinate the reader. Clinical syndromes are … are described and dramatized by real-life case examples (altered only as necessary to protect patient confidentiality).
Each of the sixteen chapters focuses on a particular psychiatric diagnosis, including Multiple Personality Disorder, Asperger’s, and ADD. The clinical picture and symptoms are described and explained, then brought to life by case examples taken from the author’s practice. Dr. Wendorf presents the cases as a series of narratives–some dramatic, some humorous, most quite poignant. Along the way, the author offers his own reactions to the people and events described here and application to the general human condition as well.
Tales from the Couch offers compelling stories of extraordinary people, clinical conditions, and events–both in and out of the therapy hour–while providing insights into the nature of human beings, mental illness, and the psychotherapeutic enterprise.
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This book was good, but at points hard to read. It’s always difficult to learn about some of the atrocities human beings are capable of. But overall this book was interesting and informative, and you’ll find yourself “diagnosing” people in your own life.
I gave this book a four stars because sometimes the language was a little too cutesy but having said that, I would encourage anyone interested in the human mind and the colorful world of the non-average person to read it. I am widely read and widely experienced in psychology yet I learned much new in this book, not so much from facts and statistics but from the human stories told from such an intimate perspective as only the treating therapist would have.
I think the author tried to cover too much ground about too many disorders and patients over too long a period of time (30 years of practice) with the result being a cursory and dry narrative look at each. The book is also somewhat dated as the treatment approach to a few of these disorders has changed in 20-30 years since these case studies. It would have been a much more interesting read if the author had narrowed his focus and perhaps organized his case studies in chronological rather than clinical order.
Eye opening.
I started it but, it didn’t hold my interest.
I read this book in one sitting-could not put it down! Really do not understand all the negative reviews? Anyone who is interested in learning more about human nature and mental health can learn reading this book. The authors thoughts on suicide gave me a lot to think about. Many of his in sights were creative and kind, not to mention evective. The patient who had focused her OCD on the communion host was a wonderful example of good therapy. His take on testifying in court was spot on.
Good book on cases of mental illnesses. Entertaining.
I enjoyed this book’s subject, and the author’s style. I did find the chapters on MPD pretty sketchy though. Otherwise very entertaining and enlightening
Having been in therapy longer than I care to admit, I found this book remarkably fun reading. I suppose I’m not as “offbeat” as I thought I was…
Good read. Can get a little long at times.
What an ego. How did someone so judgmental end up in this field of work?
This book is real accounts of patients from the doctors couch per se. I enjoyed reading this book, it was helpful in relating to people and their psychological issues.
Anyone interested in psychology or sociology is going to REALLY enjoy this book. I’m still thinking about some of his cases MONTHS after finishing it.
Author delivers his career history in common layman knowledge rules of life. His career cases are bland, lacking interesting detail. It was a quick read and did pick up some steam as the final pages approached, but not enough to call it more than mediocre.
It made me laugh, it made me cry, it was the feel good book of the year!!
It was interesting to learn about different mental health disorders. Well written.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book but lost interest when the author focused on Multiple Personality Disorder. He also mentioned a couple times that he was inexperienced in treating several different patients but did so anyway.
Fascinating and informative with a really positive and humorous attitude about mental health and therapy.
I love to read about people’s true experiences
Interesting first person stories by a Psychologist and his treatments for people with a wide variety of mental illnesses throughout his career.