The Mummy at the Dining Room Table: Eminent Therapists Reveal Their Most Unusual Cases and What They Teach Us About Human Behavior - Softcover

Kottler, Jeffrey A.; Carlson, Jon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0787978043 ISBN 13: 9780787978044

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2015

Synopsis

A wife pretends to hang herself in the basement so she can time how long it will be before her husband comes to rescue her. . . .a woman whose dead aunt was made into a mummy so the family could better grieve her passing and on occasion dine with her at family gatherings . . . a man wants his nose cut off to escape an annoying smell that haunts him . . . a teenage boy would only come to therapy if he could bring his pet snake

These and other fascinating and revealing stories are told by some of the most famous therapists in the world. Collected in this extraordinary book, well known practitioners recount the most memorable case histories of their illustrious careers. Engaging and surprising stories of human behavior are dramatically and often humorously portrayed. Each chapter gives a behind-the-scenes look at how therapists work with clients whose problems and behaviors aren't found in standard psychology textbooks. The book also shows how these eminent therapists often cure these apparently intractable problems and learn something about themselves in the process.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

People are Talking About The Mummy at the Dining Room Table

"The most unusual book about therapy ever written—some of the most bizarre and likeable characters you will ever encounter, treated by some of the world's best therapists, some of whom are a bit bizarre themselves, but eminently likable. No matter what your problems, I guarantee you will feel more normal after reading these amazing case stories."
—William J. Doherty, professor, University of Minnesota and author, Putting Family First

"This is one of those rare and exciting books that reaches deep into the heart of human nature. The reader will never be the same after exposure to these fascinating cases. Looking into the therapy hour at the world's finest therapists and their most unusual cases can change your view of life. Many of the cases are heartwarming while others are beyond belief!"
—Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series

"The insights of today's greatest behavioral experts are showcased via their most unusual cases."
—John Gray, author, Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus

"What a wonderful gift. Drs. Kottler and Carlson have collected some of the most unforgettable stories from today's psychotherapy leaders. Each story is told in a lively fashion and offers multiple messages for the reader. From the '82-year-old prostitute' to the '3-year-old alcoholic,' the reader will never be the same."
—Nick Cummings, former president, American Psychological Association and president, Foundation for Behavioral Health

"This is an outstanding book, that I highly recommend. The book provides important insights into the process of psychotherapy from a rich array on internationally known theorists and therapists. It will surely become a classic. A must read for all psychotherpists—old and new will learn something useful."
—James H. Bray, author, Stepfamilies: Love Marriage and Parenting in the First Decade

"Journey into the minds of real people facing life's biggest challenges and the therapists who help them. If you are fascinated by human behavior and the magic of transforming problems into solutions, you are going to love this book."
—Michele Weiner-Davis, author, The Divorce Remedy and Divorce Busting

"Compassionate and witty, the assembled anecdotes illuminate eccentricities of the human condition and offer engaging ways to address them."
—Jeffrey K. Zeig, director, The Milton H. Erickson Foundation

About the Author:

Jeffrey A. Kottler is the author of more than fifty books, including On Being a Therapist and The Last Victim: Inside the Minds of Serial Killer, a New York Times bestseller. He is Chair of the Counseling Department at California State University, Fullerton.

Jon Carlson is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Counseling at Governors State University, Illinois, and the author of twenty-five books including Bad Therapy and Time for a Better Marriage and editor of The Family Journal. He has also developed over 150 professional and self-help commercial videotapes featuring today's leading experts in their fields.

About this edition

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0787978043
• ISBN 13: 9780787978044
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 325