How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self

This book seems to attract equal parts love and hate from reviewers. I can’t really comment on the psychological accuracy of the content. But I can recognise the authors ability to speak directly to and empathise with people. The book is written in a way that invites the reader in - that you are seen and understood and not alone. And for many people who struggle with these things that must be an enormous salve. It’s brave that the author shares her own stories and vulnerability as well as those of some of her patients. It’s a very raw and open book. There was a lot that resonated with me and I’ve definitely taken key things away from this. The link between psychological and physical health. The daily practice of “doing the work” - of healing, exposing our internal stories / self talk and our patterns of behaviour passed down from our families. It’s a lot to witness and make choices about on a daily, hourly, minute by minute basis. But I can see the benefit of facing your own stuff, and being conscious so as to better front up with loved ones around you. You can’t outsource this work - it isn’t any one else’s responsibility. Just you.