Letters to a Young Therapist

By: Mary Pipher

Narrated by: Eliza Foss

A gifted healer’s powerful guidance on how therapy can help us revitalize our emotional landscape in an increasingly stressful world

“A wise and compassionate book.” ―The Washington Post

Mary Pipher's groundbreaking investigation of America's “girl-poisoning culture,” Reviving Ophelia, established its author as one of the nation's foremost authorities on family issues. In Letters to a Young Therapist, Pipher shares what she has learned in thirty years of clinical practice helping warring families, alienated adolescents, and harried professionals restore peace and beauty to their lives. Through an exhilarating mix of storytelling and sharp-eyed observation, Pipher reveals her refreshingly inventive approach to therapy fiercely optimistic, free of dogma or psychobabble, and laced with generous warmth and practical common sense. Whether she's recommending daily swims for a sluggish teenager, encouraging a timid husband to become bolder, or simply bearing witness to a bereaved parent's sorrow, Pipher's compassion and insight shine from every page. Letters to a Young Therapist is a powerfully engaging guide to living a healthy life.

Critic reviews

"A wise and compassionate book."—Washington Post Book World

"In Letters, Pipher comes across as more of a tribal elder than clinician, an empathetic observer offering solid advice that just happens to be supported by decades of research and experience."—Florida Times-Union

"Pipher's book just might be one of the most soothing books you'll ever read."—The Plain Dealer

"Giving advice seems to be second nature to her.”—Kirkus

“Refreshing, informative and insightful.”—Publishers Weekly

“Mary Pipher is a national treasure. Everyone, not just therapists, can benefit from this wise, compassionate, lovely book.”—Jean Kilbourne, author of Can’t Buy My Love

“Writing with her usual grace, compassion and humility, Pipher once again proves herself to be a magnificent storyteller and a wise, trustworthy guide for our times. She speaks straight to the heart.”—Harriet Lerner, Ph.D., author of The Dance of Anger

“Mary Pipher makes me proud to be a therapist.”—William J. Doherty, author of Take Back Your Marriage

“What shines through the pages of this small book is Mary Pipher’s abundant wisdom, rare compassion, simple courage, disarming charm, and outrageous simplicity.”—Sam Keen, author of Fire in the Belly

“Mary Pipher’s tidy, cordial book is so crammed with spunk and wide-ranging wisdom I wish it were required reading for all three branches of government. Pipher has done what we want therapists to do—she’s shared with us her love of life and hatred of cruelty and her hope for all of us.”—Carol Bly, author of Beyond the Writers’ Workshop

Lot's to think on...

Currently in grad school, this book had a lot of insights that I've been looking for.

Really good

It was a really good letter. The stories were not that relatable; however, I still got the point of them. It was a more relaxing and soft book. I don't think I would listen again but it was good.

excellent book.I recommend for all therapists

excellent book.I recommend for all therapists, teachers, and managers. I sped up the narration and still awesome

Very Impactful

This is one of the most helpful books I have come across in graduate school. If you are doing an internship/practicum in a therapy setting, I would give it a read or listen. Mary has a wealth of knowledge. She has written each chapter as a thoughtful letter to one of her interns. 10/10 recommend!

The Little Nuggets

It was a good book, especially for pursuit to start in the field. The content was very useful.