October 2, 2023
In these insightful if uneven essays reworked from the 1990s and early 2000s, psychiatrist Stutz (coauthor of Coming Alive) addresses a host of common emotional problems within an action-oriented psychotherapeutic framework. After becoming “demoralized” early in his career by the “inability of psychiatry to really help patients,” Stutz developed “The Tools,” a system designed to unlock “the infinite wisdom of the present” through a focus on routine skills practice (“If you want to change a process, you need to work on it daily”), forward motion (“the highest value is taking the next step into your future”), and a belief in higher forces, whether religious or nondenominational (“God or flow or the unconscious”). The selections tackle such problems as anger, insecurity, and relationship struggles, devoting particular attention to “Part X,” an “inner adversary” that can be defeated through such interventions as praying or tapping into the “powerful energy... you get when you deprive yourself of an addiction.” Despite some repetition between essays and a tendency toward generalities (“make every day you live, every action you take, personally meaningful”), readers will appreciate the author’s wise and well-informed observations, which are often distilled into salient takeaways, such as this one from the entry on familial guilt and obligation: “only what you give to others in free will has lasting value.” Patient readers will find plenty of wisdom here. (Nov.)Correction: An earlier version of this review mistakenly stated that the author co-developed “The Tools.”
October 1, 2023
Guidance on the road to wellness. Frustrated with traditional therapy, which "was designed to make it impossible for patients to change," psychotherapist Stutz argues that facing life's challenges requires developing one's inner energy and acknowledging "the life forces of the universe." As he argued in his previous book, The Tools, individuals have the power to effect productive transformations in their lives if they make a serious and ongoing determination to do so. He emphasizes the importance of a transcendent connection "to higher life forces," which need not derive from organized religion, but must nurture our feeling of faith, "the force that gives us peace and certainty regardless of our outer circumstances." Stutz cautions against believing that happiness can be achieved through accumulating wealth, renouncing responsibility, or indulging in pleasure. Real freedom "is exactly the opposite. It is developed through submission to the three inescapable aspects of reality: pain, uncertainty, and effort." He underscores the importance of effort in living creatively, giving up destructive habits to set an example for one's children, and practicing self-love: "the process of accepting the most inferior part of yourself." Love is central to overcoming anger, as well--projecting "a loving energy to someone who has hurt you is called active love, and is the highest stage of selfhood." To counter negative thinking, Stutz advises directing one's inner energy to gratitude for gifts large and small that come from "the dynamic spiritual organism that underlies reality." He offers advice on parenting young children and surly teenagers, marriage, friendships, work problems, and relationships with elders. Self-control, discipline, and empathy are as vital for positive change as connection to a "holistic universe." "If you find yourself without spiritual direction," he writes, "without interest in anything creative, without involvement in a community, without deep relationships, you are not moving forward." Thoughtful advice for personal growth.
COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
November 1, 2023
Readers may know Stutz from his previous book, The Tools (2023), or his Netflix documentary, Stutz. He's a psychiatrist celebrated for his successful methods that focus on daily life, moving forward (instead of looking back), and recognizing higher powers. This collection of essays, adapted from those published in a wellness newsletter, A Real Life, addresses common problems including anger, decision-making, insecurity, freedom, motivation, guilt, and peace. Stutz's methods begin with an acceptance of reality. We all suffer pain, the future is uncertain, and accomplishments require discipline. Life is movement, not a still photo, and when we can accept that, we can begin to make changes. Each essay includes quick exercises where Stutz guides readers through mental gymnastics. He gives examples of the work some of his high-profile clients do (without naming names). The author pushes for action rather than intellectualizing and mulling over situations. Recommending that we turn inward, rather than outward for validation, Stutz lays a clear path to self-acceptance and self-love. The essays are not grouped by topic, but there is a natural flow that makes for compelling reading.
COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.