Book Review Therapy is Magic by Jo Love

There is still such a taboo around talking about mental health. Whilst things are changing a stigma remains about asking for help. In this part-memoir, part-toolkit, Jo Love (a mental health advocate and trainee Psychotherapist) works to reduce the shame around therapy, remove assumptions and show the positive impact of professional guidance. Very simply, she wants to show how “Therapy is … magic”.*

I have experienced therapy twice in my life (so far); Bereavement Counselling after my pregnancy losses and CBT for anxiety. I have been looking into accessing a therapist, as I have felt that both these experiences were beneficial, but I didn’t know where to turn, how to fund it and what would be best for me. These issues, and the fact I debated with myself to include these points within this review (would people judge me?), shows first-hand why this book is so needed! “Therapy is magic” claims to be “an essential guide to the ups, downs and life-changing experience of talking therapy”. And I agree it delivers on all it promises.

 

It is a book in two parts. The first, “Therapy is …” contains warts and all reflections on what therapy is. Topics within each chapter title complete the “Therapy is …” sentence. They include “uncomfortable”, “overwhelming”, and “hard”, as well as the very straight-talking and self-aware “privilege” and “learning”. This book doesn’t just include Love’s experience, it includes professionals from the therapy fields and the experience of others. It confronts the very real barriers for accessing therapy; resources, finances and cultures are not avoided. This is why the second part (Getting the Most of Out Therapy) highlights all the ways you can be supported, from 1:1 Psychotherapy to no or low costs resources. 

 

This is a great walkthrough of the highs and challenges of being in therapy, answering all the questions you are afraid or embarrassed to ask. It removes the stigma so many feel and gives supports us through the cathartic experience of therapy. It’s not a quick fix! 

So in true Clara Cliff Notes Style, here are the five things you need to know from “Therapy is Magic”*

Everyone can benefit from talking therapy

Don’t believe that this is only reserved as treatment for a clinical diagnosis. The human condition means that we can benefit from talking through our troubles with someone qualified, but not emotionally involved. It can also be an early intervention, to prevent more serious mental health impacts.

 

Therapy isn’t a fix for all

There is an assumption that therapy will remove any so-called negative emotions. But emotions are communication and need to be listened to. What therapy can do is help you manage these emotions better and create healthier coping mechanisms.

 

Not everyone can afford it …

But everyone deserves it. Jo Love states that so much of the work in therapy “happens outside the room”, so you can use her experience and insight to support yourself with healthier habits. Things that we know work (and the therapist can bring ALL the research to back it up) are available to us. Love includes 30 “non-therapy, therapy challenge ideas”, including journaling, breathing, moving, being in nature and reducing your social media input. 

 

You don’t owe your therapy story to anyone else

Whilst there is a move to make therapy more accessible and reduce the stigma, you don’t have to share your experience with others, or even tell them you are going to sessions. 

 

If you think it isn’t helping? Then change!

There is a great chapter detailing all the different types of therapy that exist. There is no one size fits all, and your first therapist or approach may 

not be the one that helps. I have first-hand experience of this, as my first Bereavement Therapist didn’t seem to be helping at all. I moved, and something just clicked.  

 

If you are considering accessing therapy, then this book will answer all the questions you have, and probably all the ones you didn’t realise you had! It will empower you to have realistic expectations about the experience and enable you to have the most effective experience. It leaves you with the resources to take the next step in your mental wellness journey, and maybe will help those around you too. 

 

Have you read “Therapy is Magic”? I’d love to know your thoughts. 

 

Read the other book reviews here. 

 

 

 

*This is an affiliate link

I was gifted a copy of Therapy is Magic in return for an honest review. Thank you to Yellow Kite and Jo Love.