I read this newly released book over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Usually I have a bunch of books on the go concurrently, and it takes me a while to finish them as I generally consume a chapter at a time. This one though I digested in a more relaxed and mindful way and I think it’s at least in part because the writing is so appealing. Like a long conversation with a really good, wise friend (who happens to be a highly skilled clinical psychologist..).
When I started my training, Lucy was my very first ever clinical supervisor. I felt incredibly lucky at the time, as she was so warm, generous, supportive and engaging. Looking back I can see how much of the therapist I have become, and the way I work, is grounded in all she taught me. This book sounds very much like talking to Lucy- she is smart, knowledgable and professional but never patronising. She has a way of connecting on a human level that I think can’t be taught in the academic sense but comes from living a thoughtful, compassionate life.
The book is full of wisdom from Lucy’s years of experience- each chapter has ideas to benefit us all. No one month was my favourite above another but I loved the epilogue, which felt much like the therapeutic ending letters Lucy coached me to write for my clients during my training, bringing together all the things we had learned through our time in sessions.