Reading The Power of Talking: Stories from the Therapy Room feels as though you have joined author Stelios Kiosses at his favourite coffee shop for a chat whilst enjoying a cappuccino and slice of cake. It is a joy to read, inviting you into the psychotherapeutic world as a welcome guest to discover the process of psychotherapy, the role of the therapist, and the psychological defences we all employ.
‘Being a therapist is truly a lifelong journey which we share with others towards healing.’ So says Stelios Kiosses and here he presents his journey so far. Along the way, we meet Gareth, suffering from depression for many years. Then there is Helen, dealing with unresolved childhood trauma. John and Alice, experiencing difficulties in their relationship, hoping couple therapy will help. David, successfully treated for burnout / work-related stress over a decade ago, but now struggling with suicidal thoughts after the loss of his job and his mother. This case has the added resonance of the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic and the need to work remotely via video. And finally, Abigail, who is struggling with hoarding and the memories and pain of sexual abuse.
These stories come to life in an engaging, enthralling, and enjoyable read for therapists and the public alike.
Stelios Kiosses is a psychotherapist and the Clinical Lead for Edison Education. He manages a multidisciplinary team ensuring the delivery and integration of evidence based clinical and therapeutic practices and provides extensive training and supervision to associate therapists and formal work experience of graduate psychologists. He studied psychodynamic counselling and clinical supervision at the University of Oxford and was previously trained in psychotherapy and experimental psychology at Sussex University. He is an associate member of the American Psychological Association and a member of both the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the British Psychological Society. He is a member of Corpus Christi College Oxford and a research collaborator with Professor Robin Murphy’s Computational Psychopathology Research Group based at the University of Oxford.
Jonny Benjamin MBE, mental health campaigner, writer, filmmaker, and public speaker –
The Power of Talking is a truly fascinating, insightful, and powerful read. I felt like I was in the therapy room along with Stelios as I read through each moving and compelling story. This book can teach us so much – not just about therapy but about humanity in general. I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest or experience in mental health. Stelios’ passion and knowledge, as well as his warmth and kindness, shine through in this truly wonderful book.
Elizabeth Pegg Frates, MD, Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, Health and Wellness Coach, Wellness Synergy, LLC, Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School –
The Power of Talking is one of a kind in that it brilliantly blends information about therapy, with personal experiences, research, and client stories. It is a captivating read with a fantastic blend of entertaining and thought-provoking stories along with history and information about therapy as a healing tool and a journey of exploration. While reading the book, one is gently invited to explore his or her own childhood, struggles, relationships, and successes. Stelios has done a remarkable job sharing so many different sides of psychology, therapy, and himself in an easy to digest and fun to read book.
Alistair Ross, Associate Professor – Psychotherapy, Oxford University –
The paradox of The Power of Talking is that it reveals the power of listening. Stelios shows that by listening to painful aspects of his own story (by talking in the presence of a psychotherapist), he was equipped to embark on this deep process with others. The stories he tells reveal the wonder of the human spirit, the capacity to overcome trauma, the complexity of life events, and the wisdom of the therapist saying the right thing at the right time. Stelios demystifies the therapeutic process and opens it up for others to look into.
Amazon review: TheBookworm, June 2021 –
5/5 Stars: Insightful & Thought Provoking
As someone who isn’t a therapist, I found this book incredibly informative as to what happens within a therapy session, it is remarkable to see just how complicated these sessions can be and difficulty and dilemmas a therapist faces when helping clients recover! Both insightful and thought provoking, I highly recommend.
Amazon review: Amr Alfaisal, June 2021 –
5/5 Stars: For laymen as well as professionals
This is a book that is addressed to both professional therapists as well as laymen such as myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and it explained in an easy way powerful concepts of psychology and how people deal with trauma.
I recommend this book which is an easy read despite the difficulty of the subject.
Amazon review: Kim Simpson, June 2021 –
4/5 stars: Helpful book on psychotherapy
“In psychotherapy, mental and emotional issues are not to be judged as bad or to be removed; rather, these issues have to be understood.” Great quote from a book that helps to do just that!
Amazon review: Tiffany Batsakis, June 2021 –
5/5 stars: Interesting Combination of Case Studies and the Practice of Psychotherapy
I basically “binge” read this book over a two day period. I was looking to gain some insight into some psychotherapy practices, but the case studies were so interesting I just couldn’t stop reading. I already think there should be a part two. Good read and while I’m by no means a therapist, some helpful insight which helps my practice as an RD.
Amazon review: Rachel Pinnock, June 2021 –
5/5 stars: Interesting read
A thought provoking and interesting read. Each chapter went through a different persons case and therapy with Stelios. Interesting to see how events and trauma from people’s past affects them in the future.
Bruce Clark, writer for ‘The Economist’ on history and culture –
In a humane, moving and highly intelligent book, Stelios Kiosses opens the door on the world of therapy. He shows how human beings can come to acknowledge their own deepest wounds, and then find the strength to repair them. So much talk about therapy is shrouded in confusing jargon. This book is at the opposite extreme; it explains the scope and the limits of the therapist’s role in a plain and comprehensible way that many will find illuminating – and comforting.