REVIEWS

‘A Psychologist’s Tale: Eight Patients and a Clubhouse’ is a very interesting read. It

details the experiences of someone working with the mentally challenged in our

society. I started it with all sorts of preconceptions and expectations. I thought that a

book on psychological conditions and their associated medical interventions would

be worthy but dull. In fact, it was worthy, illuminating, humorous and presented all

sorts of unexpected twists. I really engaged with the characters and their problems -

and personal developments. The stories flow well and show the depth of experience

anyone working in this field must address. There is a very satisfying balance of

traditional descriptive treatment and punchy, authentic dialogue. Perhaps most

importantly, the text illustrates the urgent need society has for mental health care

and its hard-worked professionals. We see the essential role they play, as well as

the fact that the patients are very much fellow-travellers in Life's journey - and that

minor tweaks to our own life journeys may well land us facing similar challenges.

Indeed, Julia's work has much to say about the way in which care facilities are not

always protected and kept open when they should be/ should have been.

Rufus Garlic, author and proofreader.

After reading your book I was so inspired and think the Clubhouse is such a

wonderful, practical solution to help those with mental illness. Mental illness is of

particular interest to me and I have had personal experience with family members

with anxiety and schizophrenia, so your book really resonated with me.

Samantha Anderson, Psychologist and proofreader for Reach Publish.

For anybody who has an interest in mental health, this is a must read book. At a time

when mental health issues have moved to the top of the political and health agenda,

innovative ideas on how to address the problem of mental health care are

desperately needed and this book with its insight into the growing Clubhouse

movement is very much a way forward. Well worth a read.

Roger Godsiff, proofreader and family member.