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Tell Yourself a Better Lie: Use the Power of Rapid Transformational Therapy to Edit Your Story and Rewrite Your Life.
Do you ever wish you could rewrite your life?
Our lives are defined by the stories we tell ourselves, but those stories aren’t always true. Narratives that are based on outdated or irrelevant information can run (or ruin) our lives for years, even if those stories are wildly different from the objective reality that formed them.
In her sixth book, Tell Yourself a Better Lie, best-selling author Marisa Peer shares for the first time how Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) creates stunning in-the-room turnarounds for issues as varied as suicidal depression, eating disorders, weight loss, and life-limiting phobias and addictions.
Through ten diverse case studies, Marisa explains how our unmet needs as children can morph into fixed stories we tell ourselves in adulthood—and, more importantly, how we all have the power to change them. If you’ve been longing for a happier, more fulfilled life, pick up Tell Yourself a Better Lie and take control of your own story today.
Our lives are defined by the stories we tell ourselves, but those stories aren’t always true. Narratives that are based on outdated or irrelevant information can run (or ruin) our lives for years, even if those stories are wildly different from the objective reality that formed them.
In her sixth book, Tell Yourself a Better Lie, best-selling author Marisa Peer shares for the first time how Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) creates stunning in-the-room turnarounds for issues as varied as suicidal depression, eating disorders, weight loss, and life-limiting phobias and addictions.
Through ten diverse case studies, Marisa explains how our unmet needs as children can morph into fixed stories we tell ourselves in adulthood—and, more importantly, how we all have the power to change them. If you’ve been longing for a happier, more fulfilled life, pick up Tell Yourself a Better Lie and take control of your own story today.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2022
363 people are currently reading
1035 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 5, 2022
This book was a bit different than expected - I didn’t expect the focus to lie on hypnosis - but the theories behind her approach are brilliant.
Peer argues that we make up a story about who we are and how the world sees us at a young age and need to update this story, now that we are adults and can revisit the scenes that make us believe the particular story that is holding us down.
What I particularly thought was interesting was that she argues you need to address feelings, not facts. In other words, if you feel like nobody liked you as a kid, the standard model is to discuss whether this was true and try to reason your way into feeling better. But her approach is to say it doesn’t matter if it is true: if you felt it, it became the reality bc of the story you told yourself. So the work lies in telling yourself a better story by emphasizing how you are not that kid anymore and why you are now likable, for example.
I also liked her argument that all aspects of our life, even the destructive elements, serve a purpose. So the goal is the figure out what purpose they are serving and then whether they have outlived their usefulness or how to craft a story that frees us from these elements of harm.
Even without hypnosis, the ideas and questions she poses felt really valuable.
Peer argues that we make up a story about who we are and how the world sees us at a young age and need to update this story, now that we are adults and can revisit the scenes that make us believe the particular story that is holding us down.
What I particularly thought was interesting was that she argues you need to address feelings, not facts. In other words, if you feel like nobody liked you as a kid, the standard model is to discuss whether this was true and try to reason your way into feeling better. But her approach is to say it doesn’t matter if it is true: if you felt it, it became the reality bc of the story you told yourself. So the work lies in telling yourself a better story by emphasizing how you are not that kid anymore and why you are now likable, for example.
I also liked her argument that all aspects of our life, even the destructive elements, serve a purpose. So the goal is the figure out what purpose they are serving and then whether they have outlived their usefulness or how to craft a story that frees us from these elements of harm.
Even without hypnosis, the ideas and questions she poses felt really valuable.
August 1, 2023
The author’s method is great, really! But she is way too repetitive and self-centered. I recommend you to save some time and read the last two chapters only, skipping the rest.
November 10, 2024
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Marisa Peer always brings me insights about myself that I’ve never seen before. This was my second read of this book, and it feels just as transformative as the first.
This book is gets very intense very quickly, especially compared to her previous book (I Am Enough) which feels like a personal cheerleading and coaching session. In comparison, this book is comprised of case studies of common issues (addiction, depression, eating disorders, OCD, health conditions, etc) that show how our deepest wounds (usually from childhood) affect as adults. It feels particularly inspiring because you see how every case was able to heal from their trauma and internal journey that brought them to a place of healing. It also provides a sense of structure and framework to be able to follow for your own self-led healing, and I like how she focuses more on healing the feelings of our past versus specific circumstances or events.
It is quite the reminder of how powerful our mind and our psyche is at helping us survive and how big of an asset it is once we get clear on the stories we tell ourselves.
This book is incredibly intense but equally enlightening. I’d truly recommend it to any human who is can handle going deep.
This book is gets very intense very quickly, especially compared to her previous book (I Am Enough) which feels like a personal cheerleading and coaching session. In comparison, this book is comprised of case studies of common issues (addiction, depression, eating disorders, OCD, health conditions, etc) that show how our deepest wounds (usually from childhood) affect as adults. It feels particularly inspiring because you see how every case was able to heal from their trauma and internal journey that brought them to a place of healing. It also provides a sense of structure and framework to be able to follow for your own self-led healing, and I like how she focuses more on healing the feelings of our past versus specific circumstances or events.
It is quite the reminder of how powerful our mind and our psyche is at helping us survive and how big of an asset it is once we get clear on the stories we tell ourselves.
This book is incredibly intense but equally enlightening. I’d truly recommend it to any human who is can handle going deep.
Read
May 21, 2024Hmmmm... RTT
I listened to the audiobook while driving. I don't know if I could have finished it as a physical book. (I wonder if reading could be tedious given that she shares sessions, word for word with each patient). I find it interesting, and I'm more interested to hear what people feel about RTT?
I listened to the audiobook while driving. I don't know if I could have finished it as a physical book. (I wonder if reading could be tedious given that she shares sessions, word for word with each patient). I find it interesting, and I'm more interested to hear what people feel about RTT?
May 6, 2025
Echt Amerikaans geschreven. De schrijfster is nogal vol van zichzelf. Inhoudelijk wel interessant maar had ook in de helft qua omvang uiteengezet kunnen worden. Veel herhalingen en heel veel zelfpromotie. Als je tijd wil besparen dan kan je beter de samenvatting van de inhoud aan het eind van het boek lezen.
May 3, 2024
I would give this 0 stars if I could.
CBT therapist in training here. I am frustrated enough to take the time to actually properly review this.
Peer presented her approach as innovative, never seen before and the key to all your dreams and wishes, while also criticizing every other school of psychotherapy. There wasn't a single method I didn't recognize from other evidence-based schools (CBT, solution based therapy, schema therapy, psychodynamic therapy, systemic therapy, hypnosis), most often not even minimally changed or adapted.
CBT specifically was repeatedly harshly criticized for focusing on symptomatic behavior and nothing, while the methods Peer describes as better fitting are cognitive restructuring strategies; I kept thinking she forgot that CBT begins with C...
I have issues with colleagues who criticize everyone and everything in the field except themselves and haven't met (m)any truly competent ones who do so. Sentences like "what other therapists don't realize", "my years of experience", "I have helped so many people" (loose quotes)...I haven't been able to find any study testing her method (if there are any I'd love to take a look at them).
The interesting part about this book are specific personal stories described - we are all curious to peek into therapy rooms and listen in on those private conversations. However, these did get very repetitive very quickly, as mentioned in so many other reviews on here.
I find this book to be a summary of a very arrogant marketing strategy aiming for Peer to earn a lot of money as fast as she can. I guess this wouldn't be possible without the premise that what she offers is special and a quick panacea. To whomever this book was helpful - I am so happy. At least it wasn't completely written in vain. To me, it was helpful only to frustratingly bring me to think about things I (do not) respect and support within my field of work.
CBT therapist in training here. I am frustrated enough to take the time to actually properly review this.
Peer presented her approach as innovative, never seen before and the key to all your dreams and wishes, while also criticizing every other school of psychotherapy. There wasn't a single method I didn't recognize from other evidence-based schools (CBT, solution based therapy, schema therapy, psychodynamic therapy, systemic therapy, hypnosis), most often not even minimally changed or adapted.
CBT specifically was repeatedly harshly criticized for focusing on symptomatic behavior and nothing, while the methods Peer describes as better fitting are cognitive restructuring strategies; I kept thinking she forgot that CBT begins with C...
I have issues with colleagues who criticize everyone and everything in the field except themselves and haven't met (m)any truly competent ones who do so. Sentences like "what other therapists don't realize", "my years of experience", "I have helped so many people" (loose quotes)...I haven't been able to find any study testing her method (if there are any I'd love to take a look at them).
The interesting part about this book are specific personal stories described - we are all curious to peek into therapy rooms and listen in on those private conversations. However, these did get very repetitive very quickly, as mentioned in so many other reviews on here.
I find this book to be a summary of a very arrogant marketing strategy aiming for Peer to earn a lot of money as fast as she can. I guess this wouldn't be possible without the premise that what she offers is special and a quick panacea. To whomever this book was helpful - I am so happy. At least it wasn't completely written in vain. To me, it was helpful only to frustratingly bring me to think about things I (do not) respect and support within my field of work.
February 11, 2022
**Listened to the audio book**
I was really intrigued by the title of the book, and honestly didn't know what to expect - other than hoping it would help me.
The book focusses on this specific form of therapy that revolves around hypnosis. Each chapter is a different case study looking at different mental health/traumas. The format became quite repetitive after a while, and unless the focus was on something I was interested in or had a personal connection to I lost interest and wanted to skip.
Overall there were some interested points, but it covers too wider topics for me to really feel the benefit specifically.
I was really intrigued by the title of the book, and honestly didn't know what to expect - other than hoping it would help me.
The book focusses on this specific form of therapy that revolves around hypnosis. Each chapter is a different case study looking at different mental health/traumas. The format became quite repetitive after a while, and unless the focus was on something I was interested in or had a personal connection to I lost interest and wanted to skip.
Overall there were some interested points, but it covers too wider topics for me to really feel the benefit specifically.
Read
January 6, 2023DNF this one, it got too repetitive and had little new information after the second example.
March 23, 2023
I have never read something that has warranted these words, however this book has been life changing for me.
Just thank you !!
Just thank you !!
September 14, 2025
I usually read anything related to psychology irrespective of the popular beliefs in the field, and I prefer to have an open mind, so when I picked up this book, I tried to do the same. Hypnotherapy is very effective but not the right solution all the time.
I have watched a few of Marissa's interviews before and I already some idea on what her approach is. But this book left me with skepticism more than anything that I abandoned it after three chapters. (Each chapter talks about journey/sessions of one client.)
First of all, this book read like an elaborate lead magnet for her method. She often calls on her "method" of treatment (RTT) throughout and some of the other subsets of them like "Installing your cheerleader" and others. Which are nothing new in the field, she doesn't ever claim it as her own per se, but the reiteration of RTT and these techniques involved less like a self-help book and more a promotion for her course.
Second of all, she calls herself a therapist often. She, without a doubt, had some experience in what she does and is quite effective. But she specialises in hypnotherapy which is very different from the traditional therapy. Calling herself a therapist despite having no proper qualification felt a bit misleading.
Third of all, as I read through the chapters, her approach becomes quite murky. "Tell yourself a better lie" is literally what she teaches. I shouldn't have been surprised. In traditional therapy, you don't lie to yourself. You unpack your old beliefs and analyse them for truth. You begin to understand the world and your experiences from a new lens which you had been closed off to before because of your old "lies". Instead here, Marissa replaced some of her clients' beliefs with a new one which might not have been right or true. It could eliminate the old issue but might cause new ones in its place which are not her problem anymore. In Gemma's case, she lost her mother to cancer and she had been longing for that connection. Despite knowing the full extent of their relationship, Marissa reinforced beliefs that "her mother chose to leave so Gemma wouldn't witness her suffer". Which seems a bit of a stretch and placing a rose-colored glasses on her client so she could let go of her problems.
Sure, we are not given all the details of her journey because of confidentiality, but this just feels wrong. What if the mother wasn't a great parent? This just leaves her client with an illusion that is going t bleed into how she views the world forward.
From what I've read, there were some decent affirmations sprinkled throughout the chapters, but they aren't something you wouldn't find anywhere. They are quite mediocre. Maybe it's because I've already dabbled a lot in this genre, but this book wasn't what I expect a woman of her credibility to publish.
I have watched a few of Marissa's interviews before and I already some idea on what her approach is. But this book left me with skepticism more than anything that I abandoned it after three chapters. (Each chapter talks about journey/sessions of one client.)
First of all, this book read like an elaborate lead magnet for her method. She often calls on her "method" of treatment (RTT) throughout and some of the other subsets of them like "Installing your cheerleader" and others. Which are nothing new in the field, she doesn't ever claim it as her own per se, but the reiteration of RTT and these techniques involved less like a self-help book and more a promotion for her course.
Second of all, she calls herself a therapist often. She, without a doubt, had some experience in what she does and is quite effective. But she specialises in hypnotherapy which is very different from the traditional therapy. Calling herself a therapist despite having no proper qualification felt a bit misleading.
Third of all, as I read through the chapters, her approach becomes quite murky. "Tell yourself a better lie" is literally what she teaches. I shouldn't have been surprised. In traditional therapy, you don't lie to yourself. You unpack your old beliefs and analyse them for truth. You begin to understand the world and your experiences from a new lens which you had been closed off to before because of your old "lies". Instead here, Marissa replaced some of her clients' beliefs with a new one which might not have been right or true. It could eliminate the old issue but might cause new ones in its place which are not her problem anymore. In Gemma's case, she lost her mother to cancer and she had been longing for that connection. Despite knowing the full extent of their relationship, Marissa reinforced beliefs that "her mother chose to leave so Gemma wouldn't witness her suffer". Which seems a bit of a stretch and placing a rose-colored glasses on her client so she could let go of her problems.
Sure, we are not given all the details of her journey because of confidentiality, but this just feels wrong. What if the mother wasn't a great parent? This just leaves her client with an illusion that is going t bleed into how she views the world forward.
From what I've read, there were some decent affirmations sprinkled throughout the chapters, but they aren't something you wouldn't find anywhere. They are quite mediocre. Maybe it's because I've already dabbled a lot in this genre, but this book wasn't what I expect a woman of her credibility to publish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
1.0
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Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) is a therapeutic approach developed by Marisa Peer, a British hypnotherapist, and psychotherapist. RTT combines principles from hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to facilitate rapid and lasting change in individuals.
The key features of Rapid Transformational Therapy include:
Hypnosis: RTT often involves inducing a hypnotic state in the client to access the subconscious mind more effectively. This allows the therapist to identify and address deeply rooted beliefs, emotions, and thought patterns.
Regression: RTT utilizes regression techniques to help clients revisit past experiences or memories that may be contributing to their current issues or behaviors. By understanding and reframing these experiences, clients can often achieve significant breakthroughs and healing.
Cognitive Restructuring: RTT aims to rewire negative thought patterns and beliefs through cognitive restructuring techniques. This involves identifying and challenging limiting beliefs and replacing them with more empowering ones.
Positive Reinforcement: RTT emphasizes the use of positive suggestions and affirmations during the hypnotic trance to instill new empowering beliefs and behaviors in the client.
Personalized Approach: RTT sessions are tailored to the individual needs and goals of each client. The therapist works collaboratively with the client to uncover the root causes of their issues and develop personalized treatment plans for their specific goals.
Overall, Rapid Transformational Therapy is designed to provide rapid and effective results by addressing the underlying psychological factors contributing to a wide range of issues, including anxiety, phobias, addictions, low self-esteem, and more. It is often praised for its ability to produce lasting changes in a relatively short period compared to traditional therapy approaches.
January 23, 2025
"You can't eat, drink, medicate, shop, Netflix, suppress, or bury your feelings. When you try this (as so many people do), they simply regroup and come back stronger than ever. When you feel them, they will leave much sooner because they have done their job."
Marisa Peer gets it, and there is a lot of wisdom here. However, because of the focus on hypnosis, I don't think I'll be recommending this book to people. Watching her being interviewed by people might be a better way to glean that wisdom.
Ignore what the author says about food.
I look forward to reading other books from this author.
"Becoming your own best friend and your own cheerleader is everyone's biggest job."
Marisa Peer gets it, and there is a lot of wisdom here. However, because of the focus on hypnosis, I don't think I'll be recommending this book to people. Watching her being interviewed by people might be a better way to glean that wisdom.
Ignore what the author says about food.
I look forward to reading other books from this author.
"Becoming your own best friend and your own cheerleader is everyone's biggest job."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2022
Marisa Peer has created a method of healing where a person does his / her own healing based on changing the way the mind sees an issue they are struggling with. The case studies in each chapter illustrate this method which also uses hypnotherapy and self hypnosis.
I think the basic structure of these methods along with the audio files with guided visualization can be adopted by anyone who is sincere and wants to bring about change in their life.
I think the basic structure of these methods along with the audio files with guided visualization can be adopted by anyone who is sincere and wants to bring about change in their life.
March 21, 2022
RTT can help Create the Life of Your Dreams
Reading actual examples of people transformed through RTT is very inspirational. This is a must practiced book for everyone who wants to live a happier & successful life. Of course an actual Rtt session in person will be required for that change. But this books shows why it works so well. A definite read.
Reading actual examples of people transformed through RTT is very inspirational. This is a must practiced book for everyone who wants to live a happier & successful life. Of course an actual Rtt session in person will be required for that change. But this books shows why it works so well. A definite read.
July 25, 2023
Autorė puikiai įtikina, jog didelė dalis mūsų psichologinių problemų gali būti iššaukta iš vaikystėje patirtų arba priešingai nepatirtų išgyvenimų. Su pagarba savo buvusiems klientams, ji apžvelgia įvairias aktualias visuomenę kamuojančias problemas ir kaip jas būtų galima išspręsti.
Tačiau, manau buvo galima įsitekti į trumpesnį knygos variantą, kadangi yra atsikartojimų.
Tačiau, manau buvo galima įsitekti į trumpesnį knygos variantą, kadangi yra atsikartojimų.
January 11, 2024
Not my usual cuppa, but this was interesting in its simple and no nonsense approach to an otherwise scary subject -- cue Jaws theme -- therapy.
It doesn't have to be so bloody presumptuous, nor complicated. It's all about the questions you ask. I had a few aha-moments.
Would I try it? Nah. Did I learn something? Oh yes.
It doesn't have to be so bloody presumptuous, nor complicated. It's all about the questions you ask. I had a few aha-moments.
Would I try it? Nah. Did I learn something? Oh yes.
July 9, 2024
This book is revolutionary. I’ve been in therapy for close to 3 years cumulatively and gained a lot of tools for processing emotions and this book seemingly blows that out of the water in all the best ways. This is such an amazing book with great and well explained examples. I’ve become incredibly fascinated by her work and am excited to see how her approach continues to change lives.
October 13, 2025
Fascinating and illuminating
The main thought I have after reading this is - why is RTT not offered to anyone struggling with depression or anxiety before being given antidepressants?? I learned a lot and already feel the difference in myself. Whatever your issue, read this book! It may just change your life.
The main thought I have after reading this is - why is RTT not offered to anyone struggling with depression or anxiety before being given antidepressants?? I learned a lot and already feel the difference in myself. Whatever your issue, read this book! It may just change your life.
March 21, 2022
Might save you from therapy
I love the simplicity of Marisa's writing. This book is for anyone who thinks they might have sub-clinical issues and would like to try self-therapy before deciding if they need a psych doctor.
I love the simplicity of Marisa's writing. This book is for anyone who thinks they might have sub-clinical issues and would like to try self-therapy before deciding if they need a psych doctor.
February 19, 2022
This book will change your life.
A superb and inspirational self help book. Marisa is a star and her work shines through all the mire. Total respect.
A superb and inspirational self help book. Marisa is a star and her work shines through all the mire. Total respect.
Read
February 22, 2022Fantastic read
This book is a lovely tool for healing and doing our inner work. Thank you for sharing with us. Marissa
This book is a lovely tool for healing and doing our inner work. Thank you for sharing with us. Marissa
February 24, 2022
Thank you, Marisa. If you want to work from the inside out, I highly recommend this book.
April 7, 2022
This book is extremely useful for hypnotherapy practicioners as soon as gives practical expamples.
September 21, 2022
Amazing book. Serious workbook that will change selftalk.
December 19, 2022
Not entirely sold on your methodology.
January 9, 2023
This book is very transformational and powerful. Definitely worth a read. I would recommend the paperback over the audio on this one. You will want to highlight the techniques that apply to you.
April 1, 2023
Audiobook. Very helpful. Need to research if anyone offers this locally or online.
April 30, 2024
Inspiring in its simplicity
June 4, 2024
One word: Wow!
May 19, 2025
people always invent reasons not to act on something, but doing so will prevent them from growing. You have to change this way of reacting and make sure to stop thinking that you are not enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews