Troubled

by R.M. Vaughan

Everyone falls in love with their therapist at least a little. But what happens when the therapist not only loves you back but also acts upon it? Troubled is the poetic account of the true story of a patient/psychiatrist relationship gone horribly wrong. With his signature mix of scathing self-analysis and volatile wordplay, RM Vaughan brazenly documents how an innocent flirtation with his therapist escalated into dangerous sexual misadventure. But when the clandestine relationship goes awry, the consequences are heart-rending and career-ending. Troubled is brutally honest and erotically frank, a no-holds-barred confession that is itself distrustful of the language of confession.

Genres: Poetry, Canada

88 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2004

About the author

Richard Murray Vaughan was a Canadian poet, novelist and playwright.

Reviews

[Jade Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book because I was interested in reading something from Vaughan and came across this in a used bookstore. I was neither especially interested nor disinterested in the subject matter. This is a book that really transcends its subject, in the sense that, while it does have plenty to offer if you are looking for a book about this particular subject, it also has a great deal to offer beyond that as well. It is a beautifully crafted work. Highly recommend.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do not read this collection of poetry when you are having a bad day, when you are triggered to bad places - although perhaps it could be cathartic... A powerful read - poetry/memoir of a relationship that the poet had with his psychiatrist , how it unfolded and fell apart and the aftermath.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve wanted to read this since I heard Vaughn discuss it on CBC’s Q right when it came out. A poetic memoir of what happens when therapeutic transference leads to a sexual relationship, and all of the fallout that ensues. Captivating as a car crash.