Book Review: All Therapy Books

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Metadata

  • Author: Scott Alexander
  • Full Title: Book Review: All Therapy Books
  • Category:articles
  • Summary: Many therapy books claim their methods can lead to quick and dramatic changes in just a few sessions. However, the author expresses skepticism about these claims, noting a lack of evidence for such rapid transformations in his clinical experience. He suggests that while some therapies may seem effective, they often rely on accidental elements rather than the promised results.
  • URL: https://slatestarcodex.com/2019/11/20/book-review-all-therapy-books/

Highlights

  • A non-historical, non-purposeful account might argue that Bob failed at work because he was bad at work. Maybe he was bad at the specific jobs he was holding (in which case he should get more training). Maybe he was bad at social skills (in which case he should learn to communicate better). Maybe he had ADHD and kept getting distracted (in which he should get treatment for ADHD). In any case, him being bad at work isn’t related to any past traumas or serving any hidden purposes. It’s just an unfortunate fact. (View Highlight)