Sometimes Therapy Is Awkward: A Collection of Life-Changing Insights for the Modern Clinician

I really wanted to love this because I love the author’s social media account, but it felt disorganized to me, and had a good number of left out words, typos, and awkward phrasing. I read later that it was self-published. I feel like with a team of editors that would have come from working with a publisher, this really could have been great, but in the current state, felt like a long blog post that needed polishing. I hope she keeps writing!

Not that great. It’s obviously self published and a good editor is needed. This reads like a poorly written entry level essay, not a book from someone who is well known and experienced. The chapters are short and choppy. The material is very basic. Sometimes I feel like I’m back to reading her blogs and social media vs a book.

I was hesitant to get this book, as I picked up on the writers instagram account that she comes off pretty judgmental- but it had a lot of good reviews so I was curious. Wish I skipped it! She claims to be a good writer and I wouldn't say she is horrible but it was choppy, and felt like a long blog of her opinions. I find it problematic that this is going around as a "must read" for new therapists as if her opinions are facts about the industry. One big problem I read about was when she used a client's suicide attempt as a reason that you must write notes the same day as the session. Now ASAP is of course best practice but, first, insurance standards are typically to write the note within 72 hours of service, so there is no reason to stress out new therapists to stress themselves out to do so sooner. But to possibly have new therapists feeling that if they don't their clients may attempt suicide and they could have done something wrong in not writing the note soon enough? Thats ridiculous and I would never want a new therapist to believe that.

Okay well maybe the content is a little different than a clinical textbook, but it sure was a great read! Highly recommend this book to those who may already be in the field or who are just starting out. Nicole's Psychotherapymemes Instagram Q&A Thursdays are my favorite day of the week to laugh and ponder this strange career path so many of us have taken. This book was an amazing extension of that content and I felt like she was talking directly to my soul. I'm proud of Nicole for making the commitment in self-publishing this book and being so authentic to her voice that it builds a community of therapists who can acknowledge their humanness. I now have a blueprint for navigating Grad school, burnout, boundaries, imposter syndrome, and well you know, that existential dread that washes over every human from time-to-time. GET THIS BOOK <3

This book is okay. The pluses are that it’s almost like sitting down and talking to a friend who has slightly more experience than you. It’s a very easy read. There are a few tidbits of insight that I appreciated, such as going back to case conceptualization if you get stuck and normalizing that most therapists feel imposter syndrome at one time or another.However, I am extremely concerned by the number of reviews saying this is the seminal book on therapy. That scares me for the future of this profession. Her book is basic therapeutic skill and insight. There are also several typos and yes, this could have been a blog post.If you want a seminal book on therapy, look up Integrative Systemic Therapy by Pinsof et al. It is advanced, next level therapeutic approach.(Arzt’s book is a fun, easy read for beginning therapists. But maybe borrow it from a friend or get it used ;)

Nicole has a way of articulating exactly what you’re thinking and feeling, but having a difficult time expressing. As a mental health provider, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and gained insights I didn’t even know I needed. I learned so much more than I anticipated, and am grateful for Nicole’s vulnerability with her readers. Learning from mistakes, setting boundaries, and dealing with imposter syndrome and burnout are amongst a few of many areas covered in this book. I highly recommend this book to any current practicing mental health provider!

This book is tailored to MFT students or those early in their career. It has enough humor and honesty to make it a fun read. It tells you things that others in the field might not tell you. That things might be awkward. No one really knows exactly what they are doing right out of school. Talks to you about managing burnout and anxiety in the field. Overall a good read for those in school or thinking of starting a MFT program.

Just graduated with my MSW and this is a book I wish we would read in school. Puts you at ease, practical and kind of funny! A must have for new therapist!

What an incredible book for the trainee therapist and experienced therapist alike. It reassures and validates our struggles in the room and like a warm blanket, it settles.You have doubts, are you doing the right thing, am I any good, what if...?This is the book for you. Like a great supervisor it stays with us and gently guides.Thank you Nicole Arzt

Pitched as a book for new or aspiring therapists, I know, but even as a first year counselling trainee the information and insights were incredibly basic. Common sense, almost patronising. I didnt learn anything I didn't already know and often wanted to roll my eyes at how generic it all got. The humour also felt a bit childish and forced. If this was maybe a third of the price I'd say buy it, but not worth the money in my opinion. Read 'Maybe you should talk to someone' instead.

Loved this book. Found the author Nicole on Instagram at the perfect time. As a trainee therapist myself had been struggling with low confidence and self doubt and this book just spoke to all of that! I have learnt lots, feel very reassured (healthily!) and am starting to learn that this is a marathon and not a sprint! Great book, recommend highly

I read this book in two days, and then ordered a copy for my favorite colleague. STIA is an easy to read treasure with lots of nuggets of gold for all therapists. The writer's style is uplifting, inspiring, and really authentic in a way that builds trust and respect with the reader. It feels like I am sitting having a beverage with friendly colleague who has a lovely set of learnings and advice to share. I look forward to Mrs Arzt next publication!

This is a pleasant and useful read for the beginning psychotherapist, but be prepared for huge font size, generously-spaced pages, and mediocre copy-editing.