Tales from the Couch cover art

Tales from the Couch

A Clinical Psychologist's True Stories of Psychopathology

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Tales from the Couch

By: Dr. Bob Wendorf
Narrated by: Bob Reed
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About this listen

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 36-year career 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 listener. Clinical syndromes are described and dramatized by real-life case examples (altered only as necessary to protect patient confidentiality). Each of the 16 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.

©2015 Bob Wendorf (P)2016 Audible, Inc.
Mental Health Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences Health Witty Substance abuse

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Excellent collection of cases. Very mesmerising seeing the application of clinical psychology in real life cases.

Mesmerising!

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As a mental health professional I found this book to be well written, entertaining and informative. The graphic case material could be a too much for some and the author’s clinical approach is perhaps unorthodox. Nonetheless I would recommend. Also, Bob Reed is an excellent narrator.

Excellent

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this is a great listen . The way it's narrated is superb with the right amount of humour in many taboo subjects

great

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As a psychologist it was interesting the changes over the years, the introduction of new labels, the changes in treatments. Very interesting cases too.

Interesting and thought provoking

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Interesting book with some useful insights and comments, for example on the chapter on suicide
However, many examples seem very archaic and difficult to relate in the current internet era.
Further, some of the way of defining patients might not be in line to what you would expect from an experienced professional

Interesting book

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Anybody interested in MH would like this, being a bpd patient myself I found it very interesting

Interesting read

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He writes from a time before, and just after Asperger’s became known about (which was around 1995).

Outdated

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If you listen to this understanding that the author and the book as a whole is a reflection, and an exploration of practice from the past, then I would say that it is an enjoyable experience.

I cannot deny that the author comes across as misogynistic as they tend to describe all women by their physical characteristics, whilst sometimes necessary to the story, more often than not it is just a comment on their attractiveness. In addition to this, a lot of the views and treatments are outdated.

However, I cannot deny that this feels like an honest and open exploration of a lifetime of work. Which gives you an opportunity to hear the stories and work with patients over a long and impactful career. Listen to this book and enjoy the insight it provides but do not take it as a manual for present day practice.

A Product of its Time

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The author clearly has a lot of experience and stories to share, that being said he does have some controversial opinions (like not agreeing with the new DSM-V) and can be pretty unnuanced in his views. Not a bad read, but would recommend Yalom's 'love executioner' if you're interested in 'tales from the couch'.

Enjoyable but very subjective view

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Interesting subject matter and well-written, it gives an insight into Bob's experiences with people and their conditions and the resilience and cruelty of people. Fair warning some of the later chapters are extremely graphic and may require a strong stomach.

a compelling tale of American psychotherapy

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