This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A No-nonsense Guide to Improving Your Mental Health

by Liz Kelly

Tired of feeling like shit but can’t afford therapy?

Finding a good therapist is hard. Finding a good therapist you vibe with―and who won’t break the bank―is even harder. In This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy, seasoned therapist Liz Kelly brings the therapy office to you. So even if money is tight, your insurance doesn’t cover therapy, you can’t find quality practitioners in your area, or you’ve been stuck on a therapist’s waitlist for months, you can still feel better now.

With her cheeky humor, undeniable wit, and perfectly timed f-bombs, Liz has a talent for explaining complex mental health concepts in a way you can understand and can put into practice immediately. And don’t worry―at no point in this book will you ever hear the phrase “healing journey,” “your truth,” or any other over-used therapy platitudes.

Instead, you’ll learn how to:

• Practice real self-care when life feels overwhelming
(and no, shopping doesn’t count)
• Quiet and tame your inner critic
(because, let’s be honest, you’re way too hard on yourself)
• Manage all the feels
(even the ones you pretend you can ignore)
• Set boundaries and master the art of saying no
(especially when it’s really, really hard)
• Maintain healthy relationships and find your people
(I promise, they’re out there!)
• Cope with the pain of grief and loss
(even when it feels like it'll never get better)
• Prioritize your values to create a more meaningful, kick-ass life
(because you deserve it!)

Imagine if Tina Fey were your best friend and next-door neighbor… and she also just happened to be an experienced therapist. It is possible to feel better―just take that first step and let Liz be your guide.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Psychology, Health, Audiobook

242 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2023

About the author

LICSW

Reviews

[RiRi💌 (back in January) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love self-help, but this didn't feel particularly like one. When I do read self-help books, my expectations are quite high, and this book didn't meet them. There was not one time where I was like, Wow, OMG, this makes so much sense...
In fact, there were so many things said in this book that I already knew.🥲

Can we take a minute to appreciate the cover & title?? (Also the reason I requested it)🫶🏼

𝚂𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎: 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝙼𝚈 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚈𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚝.🫂

!!𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗘𝗦𝗜 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘇 𝗞𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS CHEAPER THAN THERAPY
BY: LIZ KELLY

About 3.5 Stars!

First, I want to extend my deepest debt of gratitude to the Publisher and Liz Kelly for granting me my wish to read this non-fiction self help book. It's called "This Book is Cheaper Than Therapy." It caught my eye with the aesthetics of book cover and the title. However, the information was mostly common sense and conversational in style. There were a few resources that I highlighted should the need arise.

I'm not a fan of Tina Fey and I should have noticed that at the end of this book's synopsis it says something like this reading experience will be similar to having a conversation with her. So the fault lies with me for not taking that factor into consideration. I liked Lori Gottlieb's book called, "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, a lot better as far as an in depth type of can't put it down type of reading experience. This author even lists that book as further resources to explore in her helpful list of books to further enhance one's self development.

I did think that this author had a great sense of humor when she gave her inner critic a name in which she called him, "Nelson." I wonder how helpful that would be. It's something I will eventually ponder over if I catch myself with an inner voice telling me I can't overcome some type of goal or adversity. I just experienced one in which a great friend came to my aid and offered her help. Asking for help is difficult for me as I feel that I am taking their precious time which is finite.

Setting boundaries is discussed which is found in most self help books. This author also spoke in a conversational voice and she also shared her own personal adversities and how and why she did things to overcome them. She listed an exhaustive list of core values which I pretty much have those already developed into who I am when I was much, much younger.

One thing that she mentioned was buying things that you don't need as a way of not dealing with a multitude of inner turmoil or not dealing with uncomfortable emotions. Most of us know to practice mindfulness and allow our emotions to surface and feel them without judgement. She explains in the beginning a simplified analogy listing the amygdala and hippocampus in the downstairs or lower brain function that releases the stress hormone cortisol which can cause health issues that manifests as physical ailments. This happens automatically when stressful events occur. The upstairs or upper brain is the prefrontal central lobe which is the area that we are using to consciously think and make decisions. This isn't fully developed until young adults reach the age of twenty-five-years-old. I already knew that being a mother of two adult sons.

What did resonate with me is how good I feel getting regular physical exercise which I did most every morning this summer. Now that it's winter I am going to join a gym because of the importance of moving my body. I actually used to run ten miles per day and always belonged to a gym as a way of life. I know the importance of working with weights to keep muscles strong and I really enjoyed doing that as well. In the last six years I haven't really done what was a lifestyle for me and reading this book reminded me how much I miss doing it. So I can confidently say that reading this book has motivated me to take action and join a gym.

There's a familiar section about grief and loss. I have long been familiar with the five stages which were ancient history for me as I have lost both parents and my only sister. The author reiterates them using the COVID 19 period where many people on a sociological level were affected. Whether working from home or before the vaccines were available and many people practiced social distance from extended family. Or people couldn't celebrate holidays with family. People could have lost a loved one or knew somebody who did. Just acknowledging that difficult time there have been higher rates of depression resulting from that time. Grieving is something most people avoid because it's extremely difficult, but essential to do it regardless. We're all familiar with the five stages which are: Denial, Bargaining, Anger. Depression, Acceptance. Some people get stuck in one stage and should consult a therapist if need be. They don't always present in that specific linear order of the five classic stages. Usually most everyone has suffered some kind of loss, so this isn't a novel idea. Their are grief support groups that are available so that people don't feel isolated or alone if you don't have a strong support system. Grieving is hard work.

It's up to you whether you want to read this book. I think if a person finds one thing that is helpful in the information that's provided then it could be worthwhile. I found it to be a reminder of things that I already knew. I think it's more of a beginner's guide. Personally, I'm glad that I read it, but it did sort of seem like not the most mind blowing self help books. Either my Kindle is not working properly or this ARC doesn't display the percentage of the book as you are reading it. I hope if that is a kink in this book it is fixed by editing for final publication.

Publication Date: March 19, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, Liz Kelly and PESI Publishing Bridge City Books for generously providing me with my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#ThisBookisCheaperThanTherapy #LizKelly #PesiPublishingBridgeCityBooks #NetGalley

[Sanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there a sweeter feeling than when a book which is both practical and entertaining falls into your hands at just the right time?! This book was perfection! As someone who works in mental health and who’s had years of counseling experience, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is trying to work on their mental health and wellbeing or even just learn more about concepts important/relevant to therapy!

My favorite thing about this book is that its vibe matched the title - yes, it’s informative and educational but it’s also filled with humor and light hearted moments. Liz Kelly manages to make the whole reading experience feel like you are sitting across a very knowledgeable friend, chatting about this and that but also laughing together!

I also loved the structure and language in the book. Everything is very accessible and well explained, includes relatable stories and each chapter ends with questions and exercises that are easy to do!

Grab this one if
🐧 you’d like to learn new coping mechanisms
🐧 you want to know what makes your mind & body tick
🐧 you are an overachiever and want to study to be better prepared for therapy
🐧 you need concrete examples of changes you can make to improve your mental health
🐧 you want to learn about attachment styles, grief & loss, boundaries, mindfulness, grounding, setting SMART goals

Liz Kelly also references a number of studies and authors whose work I hold in high regard so if you happen to have ADHD like me, be prepared to fall down many research rabbit holes while reading this one!

A huge thank you to PESI Publishing, Bridge City Books & NetGalley for my eARC!

[Laura Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy
Written By Liz Kelly
Published By PESI publishing, Bridge city books
Release Date March 19, 2024

This book has more inside it than any therapist office. Loss and grief, depression, and hopelessness were the many reasons I wanted to read this. The author holds nothing back. It is raw, balanced, and loving. Whatever your reason for reading this book, you will get out of it what you put into it.

Practice real self-care when life feels overwhelming

I felt that was my biggest problem. I mean when does life NOT feel overwhelming? Everyday I need to learn that I have the power over my emotions and feelings. The author gives the reader ways of coping when life becomes too difficult. And it’s ok…….it’s ok if you feel like you just want to scream.

Cope with the pain of grief and loss

I have lost a son, a sister, and a mother. Need I say more? Grief has been my biggest downfall. I fought with God over this. Why did it happen and why so many and so fast? This is not a Christian aspect but rather one that brings it all out and allows YOU to find a way to move forward. I have read this book two times and each time I bring something new to the table and take something else away.

Quiet and tame your inner critic

Ah this one. Who does not criticize themselves? I do all of the time. What I like about this book is that it has ways that the reader can choose how to become a friend to yourself and learn to love yourself. Some people think that it is taboo to read self help books. However, I think this book goes above and beyond because the author shares with candid humor, sharp wit, and polished ideas to help the reader. This book I found was better than my visits with my therapist and I feel much better now. You need to give this book a try. Written by a licensed and someone who dumbs it down for people like me who try to understand therapy talk.

If you need to just breathe. Or to find a way to love YOU again………read this book. Read it twice or three times. Liz Kelly will have you laughing and crying and laughing again.

5 +++++ stars


Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

[Nilo0 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
نویسنده کتاب خودش روان‌شناس و تراپیسته و از موضوعات مختلفی درباره عملکرد و سلامت روان صحبت کرده. همراه با مثال‌هایی از بیماران خودش. نکات خوب و مفیدی می‌شه توی کتاب دید و شامل موضوعات گسترده‌ای که می‌تونه کمک‌کننده باشه. هرچند چیز خاص و جدیدتری نشبتهبه سایر کتاب‌های این حوزه نداشت اما برای کسی که احساس می‌کنه نیاز داره به سلامت روانش توجه کنه، به‌جز تراپی، خوندن این‌جور کتاب‌ها هم نکات خوبه.

[Lisa Denton · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I picked up Liz Kelly's book, This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy, because of the cheeky title and colorful cover. To my delight, this book is filled with useful ideas, tips, and reminders. There are a couple of sections that did not speak to me at this time, but I think the goal of any book like this is for the reader to take what they need in that moment. There are certainly many pieces that I can put into practice right now, and I can imagine myself referring back to this book in the future.

Each chapter ends with optional Action Items for the reader to consider. There are also other books suggested for similar reads. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Shae Forest · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! Liz Kelly's "This Book is Cheaper Than Therapy" starts strong with a positive tone, especially in Chapter 1 on self-care. However, as the book progresses, it becomes inconsistent and confusing, with clichéd examples and vague suggestions. Despite the author's passion, it feels like a generic self-help book lacking the depth of personal therapy sessions. Some recommendations end with an unsatisfying "google for more ideas” or even “talk with your therapist about this”. If you're new to therapy and seeking a starting point, this might be helpful. However, for those familiar with therapy, it falls short, making it a skip for me.

[LeAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap!!! 5/5 Stars!!! Thank you, NetGalley, PESI Publishing, and Bridge City Books for granting me my wish on this eARC of This Book is Cheaper Than Therapy by Liz Kelly!

First off...can I PLEASE be friends with this author?! I was hooked from beginning to end and I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Loved the dark humor and how realistic she was throughout the whole book. I have my own therapist that I love and adore and 100% with Liz Kelly about finding the one that clicks with you and (in my case) calling me out on my crap because I need it. I WISH I could've read this book in my twenties after graduation and learned about healthy boundaries. THAT is a huge lesson itself and I encourage everyone that I meet to always work on that if they haven't yet. I love the reminder at this time too because being a mom to children with special needs...my family comes first and I'm not afraid to say no if I'm too exhausted or close to burning out. In addition to loving everything else about this book, I love the list of book suggestions to read on the side - especially "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb.

My favorite part of this book is the Grief section - mainly because that is the current stage of my life right now. After losing my third son at 22 weeks in 2022, everyone is different and the way to grieve is up to the person. I could not have connected more when she talked about grieving over the holiday! AMEN! And also the reminder of being human and that it's okay to feel the way that you do.

I would recommend this book to everyone, especially to those who are in the trial-and-error stage of finding their best-fit therapist.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very thankful to have my wish to read this granted and, really appreciating a good self help book, began this one eagerly, however it wasn’t really for me.

A beginner’s guide to a lot of commonsense life hacks most of us develop over time.
If you’re closer to midlife or older this is going to rehash most generic stuff you already know / do.

If you’re not unfamiliar with one on on therapy sessions, I’d personally skip this one.



Thank you to Bridge Street Books and NetGalley for the DRC

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy is a delightful and insightful guide to self-reflection and mental well-being. The author presents a blend of humor and wisdom, offering practical advice and relatable anecdotes that make the process of self-exploration enjoyable. It's a perfect pick for anyone looking to better understand themselves without the seriousness of traditional therapy. The book's light-hearted approach and accessible style make it an easy yet impactful read.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for letting me read this book. It was a pleasure to have this opportunity.

[Lana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it a 3.5. Mainly because most of the information in this book I already knew. This would be a great book for people who are brand new to mental health and haven’t heard a word of advice from anyone.

A ton of solutions and ideas, but I kept stressing on how in the world I was going to retain all the info. This is one of those books you have to annotate with tabs, so you can have a little quick flip reference at home when you’re feeling…. Well, [insert a bevy of emotions here].

[Smitha Murthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is, yes, cheaper than therapy. I can tell you that. :-)

Is it better than therapy? No.

And that's not the author's intention either - to make you believe this is a substitute for therapy. This book is a compilation of simple ways to alleviate your mental health. It's directed at those who don't have serious mental illnesses. For that purpose, it does the job. However, I think the book is rather empty in places - somehow, didn't hit the mark.

[Carolyn Rae Bonifas Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what the title says! A practical, easy-to-follow, conversational guide to improving your mental health. It was insightful, funny and helpful and perfect for anyone who needs a mental health tune-up, but can't swing therapy at the moment.

[Amy Brown (amylikestoreadalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book that gave some good strategies. Nothing earth shattering (I've read quite a few self help books), but I liked the reminders and the action steps. Good book to keep on your shelf and refer back to it as needed.

[Katy Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was filled with real life help. This is a fantastic guide to anyone looking for help or where to start. I wanted to hear what advise a therapist has to dole out. It was surprisingly down to Earth and reasonable.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is better than I expected! A simple and to the point review of self-help approaches for many situations. I think it covers everything most people need. I found in it a lot that was not new, but also many refreshing perspectives I was unaware of. It did exceed my expectations by far.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly reccomended!! Easy, simple things anyone can try to put into practice to work through any issue. Also tips on finding a therapist and other resources.. There are action steps at the end chapter which are very helpful. Great tool for self help!

[Φερειπείν · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it highly helpful and illuminating, written in a way that gives it tangible functionality. With a touch of humor and genuine interest, it becomes not only engaging but also profoundly useful.

Το βρήκα πολύ βοηθητικό, επεξηγηματικό, γραμμένο με τρόπο που αποκτά απτή λειτουργικότητα, με χιούμορ και ενδιαφέρον, άκρως χρήσιμο.

[Sudeshna Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz Kelly's book, 'This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy,' presents a unique perspective оn enhancing mental well-being affordably. Through a blend оf humor, wit, and useful guidance, Kelly invites readers into a therapeutic journey that іs both engaging and accessible, particularly for those unable tо pursue traditional therapy options.

Kelly stresses the importance оf implementing practical self-care techniques that extend beyond material indulgence. She motivates readers tо discover purposeful methods оf navigating and overcoming life's obstacles.

The book tackles our inclination tо be overly critical оf ourselves. Kelly equips readers with techniques tо silence their inner critic and cultivate a sense оf self-compassion.

Covering topics ranging from recognizing emotions tо navigating the complexities оf grief, Kelly compassionately leads readers through various emotional terrains with understanding and precision.

Understanding the importance оf setting boundaries and nurturing healthy relationships іs fundamental tо maintaining mental well-being. Kelly provides actionable guidance оn honing the skill оf saying nо and establishing healthy boundaries.

Readers are urged tо enhance the quality оf their lives by aligning their actions with their fundamental values.

Kelly's writing style іs direct, eschewing clichés such as "healing journey" оr "your truth." Her tone іs akin tо having a close friend who іs both witty and insightful.

Liz Kelly offers practical steps for readers tо enhance their mental well-being. The book's straightforward approach іs both refreshing and easy tо connect with.

I highly suggest 'This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy' tо individuals looking for pragmatic mental health guidance. Whether you are just starting tо explore therapy principles оr are a seasoned self-improvement enthusiast, Liz Kelly's perspectives are sure tо strike a chord with you.

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the books I’ve read in this genre, this one was the best written and had the most realistic information that I would actually use

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good all around guide. The best line I think though was when the author was talking about people telling themselves their problems aren’t severe enough to call a crisis line and get help. She said, ‘Even if your just thinking of calling, then call’

[mad mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through NetGalley.)

-- 4.5 stars --

"I like to think of the mind as a garden. You nurture and grow the flowers, vegetables, and fruit (your beneficial and realistic thoughts) and discard the weeds (your unhelpful and untrue thoughts) before they overtake your garden."

I'm not exactly what you'd call a voracious reader of self-help books; not because I don't need the help (lol), but because I find most of the advice to be rather vague, intangible, and, well not all that helpful. Oftentimes I walk away feeling confused and overwhelmed, with no idea where to start, or how to put the principles I just read about into action.

But Liz Kelly's THIS BOOK IS CHEAPER THAN THERAPY? *This* is the self-help book I've been looking for.

A LICSW (licensed independent clinical social worker) and therapist practicing in the Washington, DC area, Kelly offers a plethora of practical advice for surviving and thriving if/when therapy isn't an option.

This includes sections on:

- Self-care (including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, recreational, financial, and professional); pro-tip: self-care isn't always doing what feels good

- Cognitive distortions; countering and reframing negative thoughts; naming your inner critic and putting them on trial; and positive self-talk and affirmations (be your own damn cheerleader!)

- Breaking the cycle (downward spiral) over overthinking

- Practicing self-compassion (ask yourself: "Would you treat your best friend this way?")

- The mind-body connection, including activating your "rest and digest" system (parasympathetic nervous system) to promote calmness: by using grounding techniques; mindful breathing; meditation; visualization; progressive muscle relaxation; power posing; being in nature; mindfulness, activating the vagus nerve (by singing, yawning, or gargling); yoga nidra; massage; practicing gratitude; cold water immersion; and hugs, cuddles, and weighted blankets

- Regulating your emotions

- Radical acceptance

- Establishing and enforcing boundaries (a "fuck budget")

- Dealing with emotional dumpers (eve if that person is you!)

- Building and nurturing connections by finding and meeting good people; active listening; fighting fair; and apologizing like a pro

- Dealing with grief and loss (including collective grief)

- Finding meaning in your life through belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling

- Identifying your core values and constructing a life that honors them ("Turning your values into action allows you to live with intention rather than let the momentum of the daily grind take over.")

- Finding a therapist and getting the most out of therapy

Each chapter ends with three "action items" that expertly distill the main points of the section into concrete steps that you can take today, this week, or even in this moment. I especially love the action items in the final chapter (on finding a therapist); like I said, I often walk away from self-help books feeling lost and overwhelmed, but these final three action items encourage the reader to create an achievable, realistic path forward by choosing just one or two takeaways and putting them into practice.

Kelly has a cheeky, conversational style that I found engaging, but might not be for everyone; if you don't appreciate a well-placed f-bomb, maybe keep walking. (Tbh, she had me with the Fred Rococo reference.)

As a youngish widow, I found the chapter on grief especially poignant ("Grief sometimes feels like being homesick for a place that doesn’t exist anymore."), if necessarily brief. In the other direction, I found the relationship stuff ("This Is Your Brain on Love") a little out of place. Dating advice feels like a whole other conversation/book/genre. But maybe that's just because I'm single, cranky, and not looking (see, e.g., "young widow").

[Randal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's face it....people today are hurting mentally. Everything seems so overwhelming, negative, and mean! While I wish, as Americans, we could all afford to seek help for when we're feeling down, the truth is that most people cannot afford it. Or are afraid of the stigma associated with "therapy". I myself, having grown up in the Midwest, find it hard to ask for help. We were always told, "put on your big boy pants", "suck it up", and "don't be a pansy". It's taken me many, many years to undo all of that "advice".
Thankfully, there are people out there who can make a difference. Like Liz Kelly, the author of this book. For the cost of a fast food meal, you can purchase this book and start experiencing a better way forward. Or check it out from the library. Either way, this book is full of information to help you.
It's a very easy read, not at all intimidating. No use of big words or jargon. No pseudo fru-fru science. Just plain language, easily understood, and very helpful. Identifying issues and problems, and then using her techniques and hints to put into use.
I particularly identified with several of her points. One thing I find myself doing is feeling responsible for everything and everyone. And having to fix anything and everything that is happening. Kelly explains, in an effective way, that I am not responsible for someone else's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Another area that I need to work on is setting boundaries. Due to some traumatic things that happened in my past, I have always tried to be a "people pleaser". If I can just make everyone happy, then they will not harm me. (Trust me, some of us really feel that way). As a result, I tend to let people 'walk all over me", and do not speak up for myself. Kelly gives you some things to concentrate on to help with this "setting boundaries". I've tried it a few times since reading this book, and it really worked! The world did not come to an end, and I felt better about myself afterwards. I'm going to keep trying, and maybe it will become a habit.
I know that I have rambled on a lot in this review, but I really, really want people to give the book a try. You don't have to suffer, just because you cannot afford a therapist. Give this book a go, and I bet you will be very surprised!
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for a fair review. I receive about 100 books a year, and for this one, writing a review was incredibly easy.

[Alberto Tupputi · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐REVIEW: This Book is Cheaper Than Therapy by Liz Kelly

Finding a therapist is easy nowadays. However, finding a good therapist is hard, and finding a therapist you vibe with and won't break the bank is even harder. In this book, psychotherapist Liz Kelly attempts to bring therapy to you. She knows that even if money is tight and you have no options for going through treatment, you can still feel better now with the right tools.

She walks you through all the mental health concepts and explains them with humor and undeniable wit, making every page enjoyable and easy to digest. In this book, you'll learn how to:

◾ Practice real self-care when life feels overwhelming;
◾ Quiet and tame your inner critic;
◾ Manage all the feels;
◾ Set boundaries and master the art of saying no;
◾ Maintain healthy relationships and find your people;
◾ Cope with the pain of grief and loss;
◾ Prioritize your values to create a more meaningful, kick-ass life.

🤔 My thoughts on this book

I'll reveal something about myself: I go to therapy weekly for a problem I discovered I have, which is getting better thanks to the help of my therapist. Therefore, I would highly recommend therapy. However, I understand that some people can't afford it, which is why I loved this book.

The author has done an incredible job writing this book to make therapy more affordable for people who can't spend a lot of money. This book is not a substitute for therapy, but it can be a great starting point to improve some of the main aspects contributing to better mental health.

If I couldn't afford therapy, I would consider this book as a valuable option.

"Why should I read this book❓"

If you can't find a therapist in your area or can't afford one, you can still do something to change your situation, and reading this book is definitely something I would do if I were you.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you PESI Publishing, Bridge City Books for the ARC of "This Book is Cheaper Than Therapy". Happy pub day to author Liz Kelly @real.life.mental.wellness



Ms Kelly presents fantastic tips and information to help transform your life, whether you're a 50 year old mom of 2 or a fresh out of college young adult. 


I loved her ways to say no and need to commit them to memory! They're so respectful and also prevent any rational person from prying further. 


Throughout her book she presents various ways to deal with situations or your own thought processes. Some of them are things I already do and she made me feel heard by stating that these are valid ways to deal with issues. And other things I had never thought of and were excellent advice.  I specifically enjoyed her discussion of boundaries and as a mom, I tend to have big problems establishing boundaries and need that extra boost and ways of handling it. I also really enjoyed her discussion about handling relationships that aren't working for you - platonic or romantic.  At this point in my life,  some of the relationship advice is obvious but it wasn't when I was a young adult. Reflecting back,  I wish I had been mature enough to see these truths in my 20s when struggling with certain platonic relationships. It's too bad I didn't have this book!


Her book is easy to read, informative, non judgy and written in such a way that you can easily go back to reference certain behaviors or topics. She provides action items at the end of each chapter. If you need further help she provides all kinds of resources and how to get the best resource for you. 

#TBICTT

[A Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes a variety of topics to help you potentially become a happier and mentally healthier person and is written by a practicing therapist. I don’t often read self-help books, and often it’s because the tone of the author just isn’t right for me. But I really liked this author and her voice. She writes in an approachable and easy-to-read way without it feeling like she’s talking down. Her humor comes through strongly in the writing.

The work is divided into digestible sections that are easy to read. The chapters include practicing real self-care (not the self-care of capitalism), dealing with your inner critic, setting boundaries, and maintaining healthy relationships just to name a few. Each chapter ends with a series of actionable step, which I found to be a useful summary of the chapter and a perfect way to help you put what you just learned into practice. I did find some chapters in this book more helpful than others, and that’s likely going to be the case for most people with most self-help books.

If you’re looking for a way to become more emotionally/mentally healthy either as a supplement to therapy or to use on your own, then I certainly recommend checking this one out. The author is a white American, but I believe that much of what she discusses could be applicable for most folks (though she does acknowledge how white therapy is in a country that is much more diverse and how that’s an issue). My thanks to NetGalley and PESI Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Milan Buno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veľmi inšpiratívna kniha, užitočné rady a praktické cvičenia.
Liz Kelly je skúsená psychoterapeutka a ponúka zrozumiteľné vysvetlenia zložitých konceptov Ako píše, "zaslúžite si cítiť sa lepšie. Je to dosiahnuteľné. Viem, že je to pravda, bola som svedkom ohromného rastu svojich klientov. Zostávam v nemom úžase pri pohľade na odvahu, ktorú u mňa v kancelárii preukazujú každý jeden deň. Aj z vlastnej skúsenosti viem, že zmena je možná.“

Realita je taká, že v posledných rokoch plných sociálnych, politických a ekonomických zvratov by sa nám všetkým zišla istá forma terapie. A to je iba vrchol ľadovca popri zvládaní celosvetovej pandémie, nosení nohavíc, randení, pravidelnom praní, aby vás nezasypala špinavá bielizeň, či snahe zvládnuť dvadsiaty siedmy míting na Zoome za deň. Je toho veľa. Každý potrebuje podporu a uznanie.

Pri čítaní knihy autorka navrhuje vyskúšať viacero rôznych stratégií, dať im skutočnú šancu, a nájsť tú pravú pre vás. Ak vám nejaká nesadne, je to v poriadku! Pokojne ju ignorujte a vyskúšajte niečo iné. Ide o váš život. Riaďte sa tým, čo je správne pre vás – nie tým, čo zaberá mame, sestre, kamarátovi, šéfke, influencerovi, ktorého sledujete, či celebrite, o ktorej ste si prečítali v časopise.

V knihe nájdete kapitoly ako:
• Starostlivosť o seba je spôsob prežitia
• Zoznámte sa so svojím vnútorným kritikom
• Prepojenie mysle a tela
• Zvládanie všetkých pocitov
• Zdravé hranice sú cool
• Ľudia potrebujú ľudí (tak si nájdite dobrých)
• Všetci žialime
• Nech to má zmysel
• Duševné zdravie je tu s vami natrvalo

[_booksagsm]

I'm genuinely grateful for the opportunity to delve into "This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy," courtesy of the Publisher and Liz Kelly. Drawn in by its enticing cover and intriguing title, my initial impressions were met with a conversational style and a dash of common-sense wisdom. While the information shared was familiar and lacked the depth I found in Lori Gottlieb's "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone," I appreciated the author's humorous touch, especially in naming her inner critic "Nelson."

The exploration of buying unnecessary items as a coping mechanism resonated with me, as did the emphasis on regular physical exercise. Having drifted from a once-active lifestyle, this book served as a motivational nudge to rekindle my commitment to physical well-being. The discussion on grief and loss, though well-worn territory, provided a timely reminder of the importance of addressing these emotions.

In essence, "This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy" may serve as a beginner's guide, offering valuable insights for those starting their self-help journey. While not groundbreaking, it triggered a positive response in me, motivating a return to healthier habits. Whether it's a must-read depends on individual preferences and experiences, but it certainly has its merits. Thanks to Net Galley, Liz Kelly, and PESI Publishing Bridge City Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Danita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a big nonfiction reader, but I was drawn to the cheeky title and potential for a more lighthearted take on self-help. This book isn’t necessarily comedic, but it feels less clinical than a lot of self-help books out there and managed to get me to chuckle a few times. To me, this book felt like a toolbox filled with a variety of methods and suggestions one could pick and choose from, based on preference. A lot of the information wasn’t necessarily new to me, but this book puts it all in one place and describes things in a way that’s easy to understand. I especially liked the numerous real-world examples given throughout the book, helping me understand the concepts the author was trying to convey. There’s a lot of great information here, and I made lot of bookmarks and highlights throughout so I could refer back to those sections. It’s obvious that this book isn’t meant to completely replace therapy, but it provides a great reference to the types of skills one would work on in a therapy environment.

Thank you to PESI Publishing, Bridge City Books and NetGalley for the advance review copy of This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy! All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Karen JEC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great advice in bite-size chunks and to-do tasks. I listened to the audiobook, which is read by a female narrator and suitable for 1.5x speed while walking. Would recommend.


Favourite Quotes:

"Once you have identified your top two or three priorities, break those tasks down into even smaller steps. I'm talking about tiny micro baby steps."

"Often the most challenging part of a complicated task is getting started. If you could make getting started easier, that's half the battle."

"Take some time to reflect on the different areas of your life that could use attention: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, recreational, financial, and professional."

"What will it take for you to look back and think, I had a great day?"

"You are not responsible for managing the emotional state of another person. Still, you can be compassionate when setting limits with others, you can choose your words carefully, and start with minor changes."

"Grief doesn't get smaller over time. Instead, you grow around your grief."

Post-traumatic growth - the positive psychological growth that can occur following adversity

"Look up a list of values, pick top ten, then pick top five, then rank them to find your top two."