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From Deep Within: A Forensic and Clinical Psychologist’s Journey
Criminals, innocent victims, perpetrators--all without a voice, driven by their demons to suffer a lifetime of serious mental illness, share their innermost secrets with the author, a clinical and forensic psychologist. Enter the open to the first page. Called by Reader's Favorite reviewer "a psychological thriller in real life." MidWest Book review "an absolutely compelling and highly recommended book." You won't stop reading!
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2018
About the author
Susan J. Lewis
4 books1 followerSusan J. Lewis, Ph.D., J.D., is a multi-credentialed mental health professional with the unique combination of licensed psychologist, forensic psychologist, and attorney. She has 25 years of experience in clinical practice with unique populations who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness. Dr. Lewis is a sought-after consultant, and as a national seminar instructor, she trains hundreds of mental health professionals each year.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 25, 2024
Susan J. Lewis’ From Deep Within: A Forensic and Clinical Psychologist’s Journey offers an intimate and enlightening exploration of her career as a practicing psychologist. Part memoir and part professional reflection, the book begins with Susan’s early life and the path that led her to the field of psychology. From there, it shifts focus to her encounters with various patients, offering detailed accounts of both individual and group therapy sessions. She candidly discusses the challenges and breakthroughs she experienced, providing readers with a rare glimpse into the emotional complexities of working in forensic and clinical psychology.
The book’s core lies in Susan’s vivid depictions of her patients, each presented with care and nuance. Through these accounts, Susan illustrates the intricate dance of building trust and forging connections, often against significant odds. In group therapy sessions, she describes the collective dynamics, highlighting the initial states of her patients and the progress they achieved. One particularly compelling example involves the “Blackjack group,” where Susan’s persistent effort to introduce games that resonated with the participants ultimately revealed their preferences and opened pathways for engagement. Similarly, her experience with Vicky—a patient who initially resisted interaction—shows the power of patience and empathy. Their eventual bond, centered on Vicky’s tattoos that told her life story, exemplifies the breakthroughs possible when psychologists find unique ways to connect.
The memoir also delves into the emotional toll of the profession. Susan is refreshingly honest about her struggles with empathy, especially with challenging patients like Michael and Ruth. These moments underscore the human side of psychology, revealing the internal conflicts practitioners face while maintaining professional boundaries. Susan doesn’t shy away from discussing the unpredictable and sometimes volatile nature of her work, as demonstrated by her experiences with patients like Kristen. The book’s structure, divided into sections based on individual patients or groups, enhances readability. This organization allows readers to navigate the text with ease and focus on specific stories. Susan’s reflections, woven throughout the narrative, add depth and make her journey relatable.
From Deep Within is a thought-provoking memoir that offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of forensic and clinical psychology. Susan J. Lewis writes with authenticity and compassion, making her journey as engaging as it is educational. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the psychological field or for those curious about the human stories behind mental health care.
The book’s core lies in Susan’s vivid depictions of her patients, each presented with care and nuance. Through these accounts, Susan illustrates the intricate dance of building trust and forging connections, often against significant odds. In group therapy sessions, she describes the collective dynamics, highlighting the initial states of her patients and the progress they achieved. One particularly compelling example involves the “Blackjack group,” where Susan’s persistent effort to introduce games that resonated with the participants ultimately revealed their preferences and opened pathways for engagement. Similarly, her experience with Vicky—a patient who initially resisted interaction—shows the power of patience and empathy. Their eventual bond, centered on Vicky’s tattoos that told her life story, exemplifies the breakthroughs possible when psychologists find unique ways to connect.
The memoir also delves into the emotional toll of the profession. Susan is refreshingly honest about her struggles with empathy, especially with challenging patients like Michael and Ruth. These moments underscore the human side of psychology, revealing the internal conflicts practitioners face while maintaining professional boundaries. Susan doesn’t shy away from discussing the unpredictable and sometimes volatile nature of her work, as demonstrated by her experiences with patients like Kristen. The book’s structure, divided into sections based on individual patients or groups, enhances readability. This organization allows readers to navigate the text with ease and focus on specific stories. Susan’s reflections, woven throughout the narrative, add depth and make her journey relatable.
From Deep Within is a thought-provoking memoir that offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of forensic and clinical psychology. Susan J. Lewis writes with authenticity and compassion, making her journey as engaging as it is educational. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the psychological field or for those curious about the human stories behind mental health care.
March 22, 2019
This was beautiful
This book was so very well written. The doctor’s thoughts and feelings laid bare. Her fears and doubts admitted and her empathy inspirational. I heard an interview with Dr. Lewis on a podcast and immediately bought this book and I’m so glad I did. I’m much less articulate about this than I would like to be, but I’m still bawling because the last chapter was so beautiful it brought me to tears.
This book was so very well written. The doctor’s thoughts and feelings laid bare. Her fears and doubts admitted and her empathy inspirational. I heard an interview with Dr. Lewis on a podcast and immediately bought this book and I’m so glad I did. I’m much less articulate about this than I would like to be, but I’m still bawling because the last chapter was so beautiful it brought me to tears.
February 24, 2020
Intriguing
This book was both gut wrenching in its brutal honesty of the ugliest side of humanity and heart warming to know there are brave souls among us who willingly walk into an insurmountable situation with little to no support and strive to bring goodness into this world. Thank you for your stories. May society learn from your words.
This book was both gut wrenching in its brutal honesty of the ugliest side of humanity and heart warming to know there are brave souls among us who willingly walk into an insurmountable situation with little to no support and strive to bring goodness into this world. Thank you for your stories. May society learn from your words.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews