The brief list below are some of Dr. Renjilian's favorites (presented in rough order of preference). They are not text books, but rather case studies, novels and biographies that illuminate the process of psychotherapy, reflect on what it's like to be a therapist, and present the ethical dilemmas clinicians sometimes face. They can usually be ordered through a local bookstore, or online at places like "Amazon.com"at a reasonable price. There are no duds on the list...all are recommended!

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The Schopenhauer Cure by I. Yalom (2006) Harper Perennial - In a sense, this novel combines what I like about my #2 and #3 choices on this list (see below). First, it represents another candid look at the inner dialogue of a therapist, in this case as he faces his own morality and wonders if he has truly helped others. Second, it gives a very accurate portrayal of what happens in group therapy. Dr. Yalom weaves definitions of group theory and technique into the story in such a way that the reader will hardly realize that they are receiving an education along the way. Highly recommended for any clinician or student.

Lying on the Couch: A Novel by I. Yalom (1997) Basic Books - This novel is a must read for all students in psychology (and therapists for that matter). Despite its fictitious characters, it presents a realistic views of therapists' personal vulnerability and ethical dilemmas. A great book!

Group: Six People in Search of a Life by P. Solotaroff (1999) Riverhead Books - The author (a former group therapy client himself) bases this extremely engaging book on his observations of a year-long therapy group. The reader gets a real sense of the twists and turns so typical of group dynamics. Don't be put off by the author's flowery writing style at the beginning...his descriptions of clients and group interactions are straightforward. If you are considering group therapy either as a client or a therapist, this book is for you.

The Gift of Therapy by Irv Yalom (2002) Harper Collins Publishing - This book is composed on short chapters (2 - 3 pages) about Dr. Yalom's experiences as a therapist. There are many pearls of wisdom here for the beginning and seasoned therapist alike. Most passages read like short stories or case studies. A must read for any therapist.

Electroboy by Andy Behrman (2002) Random House - A gripping autobiographical account of living with bipolar disorder. The reader may find themselves wanting the life of the author as they read the first half of the book. However, the second half depicts the true pain and suffering of what is a life-changing disorder.

Over My Head by Claudia Osborn (1998) Andrews McMeel Publishing - A true-life account of a physician's attempts to recover from a brain injury. This book provides an excellent view into the struggles faced by victims of brain injury. The book is well written and hard to put down.

Momma and the Meaning of life: Tales of Psychotherapy by I. Yalom (1999) Basic Books - This is a combination of case studies and fictionalized short stories. I particularly enjoyed Yalom's description of his work with an inpatient group, and his treatment of a woman with complicated bereavement. The latter is particularly good, as Yalom is very revealing of his strengths and weakness is working with his patient. I recommend you read the first four chapter, put the book away for a couple of weeks, then read the last two chapters (which are fictionalized short stories).

Inside Therapy edited by Ilana Rabinowitz (1998) St. Martin's Press - The author has compiled excerpts from other books about therapy (including several on this list). As a result, the book is somewhat uneven if one attempts to read it in one sitting. Taken one chapter at a time, however, this is an interesting and diverse presentation of interesting case studies. Each one reads like a short story.

The Drive for Self: Alfred Adler and the Founding of Individual Psychology by E. Hoffman (1994) Addison-Wesley Publishing - This is simply the best biography of the most important figure in clinical psychology. By reading this book you will discover how virtually all of our "modern" psychotherapy techniques were first utilized by this great therapist.

Love's Executioner by I. Yalom (1989) Basic Books - Intriguing case studies from this guru of existential and group psychotherapy.

The Fifty Minute Hour: A Collection of True Psychoanalytical Tales by R. Lindner (1954) Delta - Fascinating cases in psychoanalysis. A classic! Has been revived by the publisher, and shouldn't be hard to find.

The Taboo Scarf by G. Weinberg (1998) Griffin Trade Paperbacks - Interesting case studies. Reads like a novel.

Nearer to the Heart's Desire by G. Weinberg (1992) Grove Press - More case studies. Again, very easy, entertaining reading.

The Listener: A Psychoanalyst Examines His Life by A. Wheelis (1999) W.W. Norton and Company - A very compelling autobiography of author and therapist Allen Wheelis. While there is little in the way of direct reference to psychology, the author does a great job of describing the life events, inner thoughts and emotional struggles that lead one to consider a career in the field. This is probably the most candid biography I have ever read. Dr. Wheelis makes no attempt to paint himself in an overly positive light.

On the Couch: Great American Stories about Therapy edited by Erica Kates (1997) The Atlantic Monthly Press - Fictionalized case studies by various authors. Mostly very interesting, although some a bit uneven and odd. Freudian psychotherapies are over-represented in the stories. Still, these well-written accounts of therapy are thought-provoking and extremely entertaining.

The Love Bug and Other Tales of Psychotherapy by Dan Briddell (2000) St. Martin's Press - The author (a psychologist) has compiled stories from 10 of his therapy patients. Most are very interesting, all represent real people struggling with what are very unique (sometimes strange) problems. The frequent reference to religion and the author's insistance on using the patient's name in every statement are distracting.

Odysseys in Psychotherapy edited by Joseph Shay and Joan Wheelis (2000) Ardent Media Incorporated - The editors tasked some of the more famous psychotherapists of our time with writing a brief autobiography combined with an overview of their clinical approach. Frankly, I prefer the autobiographical aspects of the book. For example, Arnold Lazarus talks candidly about his break with Joseph Wolpe, Ronald Levant discusses how his upbringing led him to work with alexithymic men, and Lillian Comas-Diaz reveals this impact her latina roots had on her career. This is worthwhile reading for clinicians and graduate students.

Mocking Bird Years: A life In and Out of Therapy by Emily Fox Gordon (2000) Basic Books - An autobiographical account of a woman who has spent the better part of her life in therapy of some form or another. At first it seems like a "Girl, Interrupted" knockoff, but soon proves to be more satisfying than the Kaysen bio (see below) by being more in depth, candid and revealing of the author's struggle for stability and self-understanding. Was the author harmed or helped by the unorthodox therapist of her youth? You decide.

The Family Crucible: The Intense Experience of Family Therapy by A. Napier and C. Whitaker (1988) Harper Collins - This absorbing account is written by co-therapists treating a troubled family. Probably the most comprehensive case study of a family therapy available.

Freud: A Life for Our Time by P. Gay (1988) W.W. Norton & Company - Read this biography before you form any opinions about Freud. The author presents an eye opening account of his life.

Tales From a Traveling Couch by R. Akeret (1995) W. W. Norton - More interesting case studies. This time, the author travels to meet with several former clients to check on their long-term progress. A bit unorthodox, but quite interesting.

Girl, Interrupted by S. Kaysen (1993) Vintage Books - Obviously, this is the book upon which the movie is based. Each of the brief chapters (that read like a progress note) presents an aspect of life on a psychiatric ward during the seventies. Easy to read and very interesting.

Everyday Gets a Little Closer: A Twice Told Therapy by I. Yalom and G. Elkin (1974) Basic Books - In this case study, both the therapist (Yalom) and patient (Elkin) describe their experience working together from start to finish. The book helps to highlight the different perspectives clinician and client often have on the process of therapy.

Moments of Engagement by P. Kramer (1989) W. W. Norton - A look into the process of therapy, the effect of medications on treatment and other issues. From the author of Listening to Prozac.

The Making of a Psychiatrist by D. Viscott (1986) - A biographical account of the ups and downs of becoming a mental health professional from a nationally known psychiatrist (this book is out of print, so check the library or used bookstores).

The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat by O. Sacks (1985) Summit Books - Extremely interesting case studies of various brain disorders. By the same author as Awakenings.

Final Analysis: The Making and Unmaking of a Psychoanalyst by J. Masson (1990) Addison-Wesley - A look at both the good and bad aspects of psychoanalysis. Interesting biographical account, although it reeks of narcissism.