What I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist

In her revolutionary book, What I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist, psychotherapist Michelle M. May takes us on an extraordinary journey through the inner workings of a therapist’s mind, her own experiences as a therapy client, and her work as an intensive therapist. In the intimate setting of therapy sessions, a tapestry of stories unfold, revealing the interconnectedness of the human experience and a universal wish: to be loved.

We follow the stories of Walter, Emma, and Michelle herself. Walter is depressed and has smoked cannabis every day since he was a little boy. Emma is riddled with anxiety and wants to find love but can’t bring herself to date. Michelle turned to opioids for relief from a chronic headache. Through the voices of Walter, Emma, and Michelle, we come face to face with the profound truth that listening to what we cannot say holds the key to unlocking our path to healing and relief.

With vulnerability and unapologetic honesty, May delves into the complex dynamics of how we hide ourselves to protect our relationships, exposing how this not only destroys what we strive for but also erodes our self-love. She bravely offers us a seat in the therapy room while illuminating the hidden strategies we use to hide and uncovering the depths of what it means to be human.

By sharing her own therapeutic journey as well as those of her patients, May makes the concept of intensive therapy more relatable. What I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist serves as a guide for mental health professionals and individuals alike. May seamlessly interweaves the personal and the universal. While the narrative remains deeply personal, it resonates with readers on a profound level, serving as a window into our own hidden selves. As we immerse ourselves in May's words, we cannot help but reflect on our own experiences and methods of emotional silencing and reevaluating the impact it has and will have on our lives.

What I Couldn't Tell My Therapist is a groundbreaking work that challenges societal and relational norms. May fearlessly exposes the painful realities of our suffering, unraveling mysteries that shroud our existence. Through her own transformation, she offers hope and inspiration, reminding us that healing and growth are not only possible but essential.