Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life

I came across this book as one of #Reesesbookclub pick. To be honest I was quite surprised by the pitch of the story, ‘Group’ as in Group Therapy, and coming to know that it is a memoir of the Author, I felt it is a must read.I was a little skeptical to start the book as I wasn’t sure how the story would unfold because just thinking about a group therapy makes one dizzy. First, I questioned myself, Would I do it? I mean, no way. Telling something deeply personal to someone one-on-one is in itself awkward, let alone a group.The author having a eating disorder(bulimic), thinks she doesn’t really fit, be it with her family, friends and colleagues and even when it comes to relationships. She joins law school for the primary reason to overcome loneliness as she would have to work more hours everyday. She comes to know about Dr. Rosen from her fellow bulimic friend.Since she couldn’t feel her life going anywhere alone, without any further hesitation, she meets Dr.Rosen. After hearing her out, he gives her 5 years of time to achieve where she would really like to go and the only thing she asks of her in return is to let the group in her personal life.It wasn’t really easy sharing every minute detail with the group. And, I could feel her awkwardness every-time she opened up about her hidden memories. Sometimes she sat silent listening to others pouring out, sometimes she vented out her anger and sometimes she broke down but every time she felt getting closer with the group and it’s members.With every new relationship and breakup and sometimes thinking about giving up on the group, she learnt what she exactly wants and what she doesn’t and I think she unfolded her fears beautifully. Finally, when she was able to meet the love of her life I think she was more composed and expressive. What really made me more happy was that she continued to be in the group even after her marriage and kids sharing her happiness and worries with her trusted group because life doesn’t stop once you achieve something as there is struggle in each and every phase of life.There was one particular line which struck a cord.If you can’t say no in relationships, then you can’t be intimate.I feel the freedom to express oneself is very important in a relationship. If you have to just oblige for everything the other person says, then you are not exactly being real and that won’t help you bring intimacy, be it any kind of relationship.I think I have learnt so much from each and every session of Dr. Rosen’s, but I am not sure if I can compose my complete thoughts here. However, I can assure you will enjoy each and every session as it brings out who you really are and what you exactly want with your life and how to overcome those silent fears deep inside.

Well articulated authentic and raw read.It will stick to you for months

This therapy group seemed completely unbounded and off-the-rails, and this book is sure to propel many readers to group therapy. I laughed out loud at the dialogue and fell a little in love with Dr. Rosen. I loved his idea that sharing anger is a form of intimacy and that confidentiality is just a way to “keep other’s shame”. I was in a group in Austin in the late 80s that wasn’t at all like this one. We didn’t discuss sex much and didn’t probe for details about another’s personal life. Confidentiality was mandatory due to the fact one member’s wife was escaping a cult. In fact, she screened all prospective new members to ensure they weren’t in the cult. Crazy but true.

I burst into tears several times while reading this story. As a rational person, I seldom enjoy reading narrative-driven books because the emotional content usually leaves me feeling depressed or bored, but this story is an exception. Perhaps deep down, I feel as lonely as the author, which is why I could share the same sentiment with her.

An amazing book. Would definitely recommend. It arrived quickly. The letting size is a little smaller than usual, but it’s still very easy to read

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It is heartwarming in a lot of different levels.The only thing that kind of threw me was that she turns 34 two times in the book - a not so easy to miss editing issue that I hope can be fixed for future readers!