(Reviewed by Jeyran Main)
Psychotherapist Sharon DeVinney Ph.D. has been working with Robin since 1993. Robin suffers from anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. She also has suicidal thoughts that she initially does not reveal to Sharon.
Despair to Deliverance, a true account co-authored by both Sharon and Robin demonstrates in detail how patients suffer and what they go through when fighting mental illness. It also reveals the relationship between patient and therapist. This is what makes it unique.
There are many books focusing on mental illness and related issues. However, very seldom do you find books that also display a perspective from the therapist. It is not just the patient who is affected and has to endure sensitive matters; a therapist also has to overcome challenges when confronted by patients. They too have a life and are human. I found this to be a delightful factor within this story.
The flow of the book is perfectly suited for its content. This memoir is written with the thought of making it understandable and relatable to the reader.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who suffers from mental illness such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and related issues and/ or wishes to have a better understanding on the matter.
