Book Review: Creatures Of A Day

Creatures Of A Day

Irvin D. Yalom (2014). London: Piatkus.

Now in his golden years (his description) Yalom has lost none of his touch as a writer, teacher and therapist. I enjoyed this book as much as any of his earlier case-history compilations.

Over 10 chapters consisting mainly of dialogue with occasional, minimal commentary about his private thoughts and concerns, he allows the stories to tell themselves. These all show clients grappling with existential issues that require from the therapist a humanistic, holistic approach and the flexibility to identify and adapt to the client's needs.

There is only a glancing reference to theory in the Afterword, where he says he hopes this book will be helpful to novice therapists in counteracting the prevailing trend toward therapies which consist of 'highly specific techniques addressing discrete diagnostic categories' (p 210). So definitely not a 'one size fits all' or 'how to' manual.

The book is potentially useful to any therapist as well as the lay reader. I certainly found it immediately helpful in suggesting ideas to keep in mind with some of my current clients. Best of all though for me was reading about where he breaks the rules and where he messes up – white-knuckle rides, pratfalls and all.

He illustrates repeatedly that we may never know how we have helped someone and that we must learn to live with the mystery. Being Yalom he also constantly reminds, through modeling in the dialogue sections, the value of using the 'here and now', checking in with the client about the state of their relationship.

Like me he enjoys and encourages a playful relationship with clients and I appreciated his examples showing how this can enliven therapy, making it more real and present, allowing the client to speak truth. For example, at a break in a heavy talk about us all being on the path to death, he asks the client how she's doing and she replies 'a few more healing

Diana Pringle