"Denny takes us inside the privileged patient-therapist relationship to show the complexity of the human condition - and how therapy can help people (though not always) navigate how their past has shaped them and continues to influence their decisions. Like a lighter, simpler version of Yalom's cases, she opens our eyes to the humanness of the therapist as she traverses cases of people stuck in their livesfrom in repeating patterns of overinvolvement and rejection between mother and daughter to morbid jealousy. Suggested reading for all starting out therapists or anyone working in the mental health-illness space."
Anne Buist, Professor, Women's Mental Health, University of Melbourne and author of The Glass House
"Denny gracefully balances empirical rigour, deep empathy and unflinching self-awareness to give us a multi-faceted portrait of the therapeutic relationship's transformative potential. A rare and intimate invitation into the consulting room, this beautiful book powerfully illuminates both the discipline's principles-in-action and the life-expanding possibilities of human relatedness. Clear and deep, Denny's writing offers a trove of wisdom for practitioners, general readers and all of us who can always learn to listen better."
Sarah Krasnostein, PhD, Author of The Trauma Cleaner and The Believer
"In the tradition of Irvin Yalom and Oliver Sacks, Bianca Dennys Talk to Me is a fascinating insight into the oft-mysterious world of psychotherapy. Blending clinical wisdom with literary talent, Denny skilfully explores themes including grief, neurodivergence, perinatal mental illness and the complexity of relationships in a work thats accessible, vulnerable and compelling. I couldnt put it down!"
Ariane Beeston, author of Because Im Not Myself, You See
In a world where memes riff on caricatures of Freud, and most therapists on screen are mad, bad or boring, Dr Dennys book is a grounding breath of fresh air. In ten chapters, each centred on a different patient, she has given us ten good reasons why psychotherapy matters more than ever. She shows us ten different ways in which lives change because of this vital, evidence-based treatment that works via relationship, sense-making and deep new learning. Too many great therapy books are hard work to read, especially to the newcomer, but this great therapy book is a bingeable series of compelling episodes, worth repeat viewing for the extra layers of robust theory and personal meaning the author has added to her patients stories. Newcomers to our field will feel welcomed and inspired by Dr Dennys highly readable book, while more seasoned therapists will feel seen, recognising common dilemmas handled sensitively and with good humour.
Matthew Roberts, MBBS MP FRANZCP, Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychotherapy Educator and Clinical Supervisor, Peninsula Health, Victoria, Australia; Psychotherapist in private practice, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
