This book was written by two non-medical American psychotherapists and a science journalist. It was published originally as Am I Crazy, Or Is It My Shrink? I am so glad they decided to change that title. I opened the book prepared to be sceptical but was soon won over by the authors' wisdom, intelligence and genuine helpfulness to those seeking psychotherapy. How is it possible, if you feel your life is a hopeless struggle, to find the right person to talk to? How can you be sure that they know what they are doing? Can you accept your therapist's theoretical ideas? What are her theories anyway and have they been evaluated? How can you tell if you are responding to the treatment?

I was interested to read that according to the American publication Consumer Reports, most people who have attended six consecutive psychotherapy sessions of any kind have begun to feel some benefit, mainly in the form of a renewal of hope. (Sad to say, six sessions may be all you get from your NHS practice counsellor.) Of those who are able to continue, about half are substantially helped after 6 months, and after a year 80% are feeling better.