"This is a book for all those who want to learn more about what it means to truly help another person. There is much wisdom in it. It says many of the things that many of us think but don’t say in light of the dominant narratives in psychology. It presents an empathic but important critique of the aspects of psychology that get in the way of persons truly connecting with and responding and listening to other people. These include scientific research, theories, diagnostic categories, words and people’s preconceptions. While valuing the contributions of science, Levitt critically examines its limitations, as well as the limitations of any belief system that is held to too rigidly and blinds us to the reality of a genuine meeting with other people. This book articulates the soul of the helping relationship: authentic empathy, openness, and the prizing of the uniqueness of each individual."
Arthur C Bohart, Professor Emeritus, California State University, Dominguez Hills
"Wherever in the world psychological helping is practised as a profession, this book spells wonderful trouble. A pebble in the pond or spanner in the works, it asks very important questions that are mainly bypassed or forgotten elsewhere. It is a joy to read. Brian Levitt writes accessibly, beautifully, with wisdom and in the best possible way, personally. The profession of counselling and psychotherapy desperately needs this book. It should required reading for all students and practitioners. It is the book I have always wanted to write. Thankfully, Brian Levitt has written it better than I ever could, and I am better for having read it. There are lessons for us all here."
Pete Sanders, author, retired counsellor, trainer and clinical supervisor
Author Brian Levitt is a registered clinical and rehabilitation psychologist and a partner with Kaplan and Levitt Psychologists in Hamilton, Ontario. He works with people who have experienced trauma and loss, many of whom are also struggling with chronic pain. He both trained and later worked at the Chicago Counseling and Psychotherapy Center, which grew from Carl Rogers’ work at the University of Chicago. Person-centered theory and applications are an abiding passion, and he has explored these in all aspects of his work across a wide variety of settings.
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